Patent · US Expired

Patterned article having alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface regions

US6352758B1 · kind B1 · utility

91Cited by
98References
35Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 4, 1998
Grant dateMar 5, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 4, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/24942
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An article is disclosed that has 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 particles at the surface of the hydrophilic regions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.