| abstract |
A method for the formation of hydrophilic layers on the surface of objects comprised of polymeric esters, nitriles, or combinations thereof, derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or both, by means of hydrolysis caused by strong acid at elevated temperatures, wherein the solubility of the polymer in warm acid is reduced by the addition of a salt which does not react with said polymer. Preferably, the salt is a salt of the strong acid employed to hydrolyze the polymer. The thickness of the hydrophilic layer may be controlled through control of the concentration of the salt. Optionally, the surface layer containing hydroxyl groups may be thickened by treatment with multifunctional primary or secondary alcohol which may, prior to treatment, have been esterified with a weaker acid than the acid employed for purposes of performing the hydrolysis. |