a hydrophilic polymer blend is disclosed which comprises a first polymer component which is an organic solvent - soluble , thermoplastic polyvinylbutyral and a second polymer component which is a hydrophilic poly , e . g ., a water soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone . the blend demonstrates slipperiness in aqueous environments and , among other applications , is useful in low - friction coatings for a wide variety of substrates . a method for providing the coatings is also described .