Abstract:
Hydrophilic polymers are formed in situ by irradiating a mixture of hydroxyalkyl methacrylate and a cross linking agent. The former polymer is optically clear and free of voids, obviating the discoloration and discontinuity deficiencies characterizing prior art polymerization employing foreign substances such as solvents, dispersing agents, catalysts and the like. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the hydrophilic polymer may be formed as a coating on a glass, plastic or other substrate.