If the corona discharge occurs during moist conditions, then water will act in the absence of oxygen and depolymerization of the high-molecular-weight linear polysiloxane will take place, whereupon the high viscosity silicone rubber is degraded to siloxanes of lower molecular weights, and therefore, the vulcanization becomes softer. In this case, hydrophobicity remains and the coating will still perform its intended function until it becomes laden with contaminants; at which time, the coating will need to be removed.