Polymeric article having improved hydrophilicity and a method of making the same

摘要

A hydrophilic polymeric article has metal oxide particles dispersed throughout a polymeric binder material. A major surface of the polymeric material is treated so as to remove polymeric binder to provide a higher ratio of metal to carbon atoms on the major surface of the polymeric article relative to its interior. The polymeric article provides extraordinary water-spreading effects on the major surface, making the article particularly suitable for use as a surface covering on a retroreflective sheeting.