change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different. change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another. changed the shirt for a larger size; alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.
hydrophilic - having a strong affinity for water; tending to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water. chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions.
The hydrophilic properties of certain substances can be of great use in industry, especially in terms of keeping essential areas clean. For instance, a hydrophilic membrane will not be fouled with oil, grease or other hydrophobic substances. The membrane is highly attractive to water so the water molecules will push away other molecules in order to gain access to the membrane. Once formed, hydrogen bonds are quite stable and reluctant to break apart.