Patterned article having alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface regions

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An article with a patterned surface containing alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface regions. The hydrophobic regions may be sufficiently narrow such that under dew conditions moisture accumulated on the hydrophobic region migrates to the hydrophilic region thus preventing the accumulation of , water droplets. In frost conditions the hydrophobic region remains relatively frost-free, thus maintaining at least partial transparency of the surface. Inorganic oxide particles on the surfaces of the hydrophobic regions may provide abrasion resistance. A method for making the patterned surfaces is disclosed in which a treatment removes organic binder to expose inorganic oxide …