Lipophobicity


Lipophobicity, also sometimes called lipophobia, is a chemical property of chemical compounds which means "fat rejection", literally "fear of fat". Lipophobic compounds are those not soluble in lipids or other non-polar solvents. From the other point of view, they do not absorb fats.
"Oleophobic" refers to the physical property of a molecule that is seemingly repelled from oil.
The most common lipophobic substance is water.
Fluorocarbons are also lipophobic/oleophobic in addition to being hydrophobic.

Uses

A lipophobic coating is used on the touchscreens of Apple's iPhones since the 3GS, their iPads, Nokia's N9 and Lumia devices, the HTC HD2, Hero, and Flyer and many other phones to repel fingerprint oil, which aids in preventing and cleaning fingerprint marks. Most "oleophobic" coatings used on mobile devices are fluoropolymer-based solids and are both lipophobic and hydrophobic. In addition to being lipophobic or oleophobic, perfluoropolyether coatings impart exceptional lubricity to touch screens and give them a "slick feel" that eases their use. Use of isopropyl alcohol to clean the screen can damage or remove the coating.
DIY products exist to restore or add an oleophobic coating to devices lacking one.