Ruggedized switchable glazing, and/or method of making the same

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to switchable glazing with a reinforced structure and / or methods of making them. More specifically, some embodiments relate to liquid crystal layers (e.g., liquid crystal dispersed in a polymer, PDLC) that are protected with e.g. low-E UV blocking coatings, PVB (polyvinyl butyral) laminates and / or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) , and / or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) layers. Certain embodiments advantageously alleviate one or more problems related to residual mist, discoloration, flicker, structural changes in the polymer and / or liquid crystal (LC), on-state degradation, delamination, etc.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF EXAMPLES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) are typically made by inducing phase separation in an initially homogeneous mixture of liquid crystal and monomers. Preparation of PDLC crystals involves phase separation, which is traditionally induced by polymerization of the monomer matrix by UV curing or thermal curing, or even by rapid evaporation of solvents. As the monomer polymerizes, the liquid crystal phase separates into microscopic droplets or domains, or pockets surrounded by walls of a hardened polymer matrix that provides the backbone that holds the LC crystals. The mixture of hardened polymer and LC crystals is held by polyethylene (PET) sheets, often coated with transparent conducting oxide (TCO), through which an electric field is exerted. When the nematic texture is not addressed (e.g., when no voltage is applied), it is randomly oriented in the domains with respect to adjacent domains and the display appears whitish due to light scattering.

Figure la shows a conventional PDLC 100 glass window in the off state. Two glass substrates 102a, 102b are provided. The conductive coating 104 is applied to the inner surface of the outer substrate 102a (e.g., surface 2 of the window assembly). More than one liquid crystal (LC) droplet 108 is distributed throughout the polymer mixture 106. Since no voltage is applied, the droplets 108 are randomly oriented and incident light is reflected and reflected from them, causing it to scatter in the directions shown by the dashed arrows.

In the addressed state, the nematic texture in different domains aligns with the electric field, which results in a transparent state. Figure 1b shows a conventional PDLC glass window 100 in the on state. Figure 1b is similar to figure 1a, and differs in that a voltage V is applied to the PDLC layer (e.g., the conductive coating 104) via one or more busbars (not shown). The voltage causes the liquid crystal droplets to align parallel to the electric field, which allows incident light I to pass through the window 100 in a transparent state.

Popular applications for this technology include glass walls in offices, conference rooms, halls, shop windows, etc. Privacy glass is sometimes used by homeowners (eg, bathrooms, walkways, living rooms, bedrooms, skylights, etc.). The windows can be made to run on standard voltage and can be connected to switches. They can also be connected to timers.

Unfortunately, while such methods are an improvement on some windows, there are still some disadvantages. Although the electric field radically reduces the degree of dissipation, it still does

It occurs at the interface between the liquid crystal and the polymer and between adjacent droplets.

This contributes in part to the formation of a residual mist in the transparent state. Another reason for the formation of a residual mist in the clear state is the use of poly (vinyl butyral) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) used for laminating PDLC on glass.

Moreover, a further exemplary disadvantage of current PDLC methods is that the PDLC layer in such windows degrades due to solar radiation and UV radiation, which ultimately causes color change and / or flicker. As used herein, "UV radiation refers to light with a wavelength less than or equal to about 400 nm. More specifically, long-term exposure of cured and laminated PDLC to ambient UV light results in deterioration of the haze value and LC browning (although these values ​​are material dependent and after approximately 3,000 hours of UV exposure generally ΔΕ *> 2, with ΔΕ * being a value indicative of on the color and change of light transmission, where ΔΕ * = sqrt ((AL *)²+ (Aa *)²+ (Ab *)²), where L * corresponds to the lightness of the color, and * corresponds to the position of the color between red and green and b * corresponds to the position of the color between blue and yellow). Although the PVB layer blocks about 99% of UV radiation below 380 nm, a large proportion of the UVA (e.g. having a long wavelength penetration depth UVA of the order of magnitude of the PVB thickness) can still cause structural changes in both the polymer and the LC, making it difficult to determine the droplet size and hence the scattering function and the result prone to variation. As used herein, "UVA" refers to light having a wavelength from about 320 nm to about 400 nm. UV radiation can also degrade and / or fade colored PVB layers. Dye based PVB and pigment based PVB have the ability to degrade and / or fade.

The degree of degradation deteriorates with increasing temperature of the LC crystals. Since the thermal conductivity of PVB, PET and / or LC is low, the radiation causes an exothermic reaction to set up if the samples are exposed to sunlight for a relatively long time.

Another example of degradation in PDLC performance relates to LC switch times as exposure to UV radiation and heat increases. The response time is generally a function of the sum of the on state time and the off state time (Ton + Toff). Initially, the response time of the device is slightly less than about 20 ms, corresponding to a frequency of about 100 Hz. This frequency is well above the frequency of 25 Hz, which is generally considered one at which the human eye can perceive the flicker. However, after about 1,000 hours of accelerated aging, the response time can increase to more than about 40 ms, which can make the flicker noticeable to the human eye.

Yet another set of problems relates to delamination. Currently, curved, sharp-edged laminates are prone to delamination at or near high hot hot spots.

US 6,055,088 describes a glazing which comprises at least one active layer and at least one reflective coating on the active layer.

US 4,883,721 discloses a multi-layer thin coating for application to a transparent substrate such as glass that provides excellent visible light transmission and control of near infrared from solar energy and far infrared energy reflection.

Thus, it should be appreciated that there is a need in the art to provide coated articles that overcome one or more of these and / or other drawbacks. It should also be noted that there is a need in the art to provide improved PDLC methods (for use with, for example, vehicle windows, insulated glass (IG) window units , etc.).

- 3 EP 2217437

The above-mentioned problems are solved by using a window (e.g., vehicle windshield, architectural window or the like) according to claim 1, an insulated glass window unit according to claim 6, and a coated article according to claim 12.

Canceled.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, a coated article is provided and / or a method of making the same. An inner substrate and an outer substrate are provided. The multi-layer, low-e UV blocking coating is supported by the inner surface of the outer substrate. The layer containing liquid crystals is located between the inner and outer substrates. A first and a second transparent conductive layer are provided. The first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer are provided between the layer containing liquid crystals and the outer substrate and the inner substrate, respectively. A first laminate layer and a second laminate layer are provided. The first laminate layer is for laminating the outer substrate and the second laminate layer is for laminating the inner substrate. The at least one busbar is operably connected to the liquid crystal layer through the first and / or second transparent conductive layer to activate the liquid crystal layer when a voltage is applied to the at least one busbar. The multi-layer, low-E UV blocking coating is positioned so that no more than about 20% of the light having a wavelength of about 380-400 nm reaches the layer containing the liquid crystal. The coated article has a visible transmission of about 55-65% when the layer containing the liquid crystals is activated.

The insulated glass unit has a visible transmission of about 55-65% when the layer containing liquid crystals is activated.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, a coated article is provided that includes a low-E, UV blocking coating supported by the substrate, and / or a method of making the same. The low-E UV blocking coating includes first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers, containing silver and / or gold, and a UV blocking layer that blocks light having a wavelength around 380-400 nm to no more than about 20% of that light shone through the shell. The coated article has a visible transmission of at least about 55%.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, an insulated glass (IG) unit is provided including a low-E, UV blocking coating supported by a substrate and / or a method of making the same. The low-E UV-blocking coating includes first and second IR reflecting layers containing silver and / or gold, and a UV blocking layer that blocks light having a wavelength around 380-400 nm so that no more than about 20% of such light passes through. coating. The IG unit has a visible light transmission of at least about 55%.

Features, aspects, benefits, and embodiments described herein can be combined to implement further embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and benefits may be better and more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments and drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 shows a conventional PDLC glass window in an off state;

FIGURE 1b shows a conventional PDLC glass window in an on state;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of an insulated glass (IG) window unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

- 4 EP 2217437

FIGURE 4 is an experimental data plot that illustrates the overall PVB inhibition ineffectiveness of incident UVA light (the vertical axis of the plot shows percent transmission and the horizontal axis of the plot shows wavelength in nm);

FIGURE 5 is an experimental data plot that illustrates the benefits of a rugged PDLC design according to an exemplary embodiment (the vertical axis of the plot shows percent transmission and the horizontal axis of the plot shows wavelength in nm);

FIGURE 6 shows an exemplary multi-layer, low-E UV blocking coating that may be used in connection with certain example embodiments; and FIGURE 7 shows a comparative, exemplary, multi-layer, low-E UV blocking coating that may be used in connection with certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments, PDLC windows are provided that use an effective blocking layer as well as a double or triple silver layer to reduce the degree of heating of the PDLC from incident light and thereby allow one or more problems of those described above to be solved. or other problems associated with traditional PDLC techniques. The UV blocking layer preferably blocks at least about 99.5% of the UV radiation below 410 nm. In certain example embodiments, the UV blocking layer is toughened. Certain embodiments, therefore, may advantageously alleviate one or more problems related to fogging, discoloration, flicker, structural changes in the polymer and / or LC, degradation in state switching response time, delamination, etc.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an exemplary embodiment. In the window of figure 2, two substrates (e.g., glass substrates) are provided, including an outer substrate 202 and an inner substrate 204. A low-E UV blocker 206 is deposited on the inner surface of the outer substrate 202. The low-E coating 206 may, for example, be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,056,588 or 6,887,575, or Serial Application Serial No. 11 / 281,598. Low-E coating 206 may also include one infrared (IR) reflecting layer or more IR reflecting layers in certain example embodiments. Further, the low-E coating may include one or more UV-blocking layers, or a separate UV-blocking coating may be applied, e.g., adjacent to one or more of the low-E coatings described above. Further details regarding an example of a low-E UV blocking layer are provided below, e.g. with reference to figures 6 and 7.

A first layer 208 of the laminate comprising a polymer-based material (e.g., PVB and / or EVA) is applied over the low-e, UV-blocking coating 206 adjacent to surface 2 of the window. A second laminate coating 208 also comprising a polymer-based material (e.g., PVB and / or EVA) is applied to the inner surface of the inner substrate (surface 3 of the window). The first and second laminate layers 208 may be applied to suitable surfaces, for example by rolling and curing through an autoclave processing process.

Layer 214 containing liquid crystals (e.g., PDLC) is located approximately at the center of the cross section of the stack shown in Figure 2. PDLC crystals 214 are sandwiched between the first and second TCO layers 212. The first and second TCO layers 212 may, for example, consist of ZnAIO_x, SnO_x: F, SnSbO_x or the like, or contain ZnAIO_x, SnO_x: F, SnSbO_x or the like in certain embodiments. The layers of TCO can be sprayed onto

- one or both surfaces of the PDLC 214, and / or the respective surfaces of the first and second polymer-based (e.g., PET) layers 210 that is adjacent to the PDLC 214.

First and second polymer-based layers 210 are interposed between the first and second laminate layers 208 and first and second TCO layers 212, respectively. The first and second polymer-based layers, the first and second laminate layers 208, and the low-e, UV blocking coating 206 have a width at least equal to that of the PDLC layer 214 to protect it.

One or more busbars are provided, e.g., for applying voltage to the PDLC 214 either directly or indirectly. In certain example embodiments, two busbars are connected to the first and second TCO layers 212, respectively. A groove or channel is cut in each of the first and second layers 208 of the laminate. In certain example embodiments, the grooves may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section with the first groove facing up and the second groove facing downward. Also in some embodiments, the grooves may be located at opposite corners of the PDLC, e.g., such that the first groove is located in the upper left corner of the PDLC stack and the second groove is located in the lower right corner of the PDLC stack. Of course, it should be noted that the above description contains only a non-limiting example and other arrangements may be used in connection with other embodiments (e.g., when only one busbar is used, when channels of other shapes are formed, etc.).

Each groove can be created by laser cutting (e.g. CO2 laser), a half cutter or any suitable means. The groove is filled with silver paste and a flat wire ribbon is attached to it. Voltage is applied through this ribbon so as to activate the PDLC 214. The voltage may be connected to a switch (not shown) in certain example embodiments.

Figure 3 is a side view of an insulated glass (IG) window unit according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is similar to figure 3. For example liquid crystal (e.g. PDLC) stack of low E UV blocking coating 206, laminate first layer 208, first polymer based (e.g. layer) layer 210, first TCO 212 layer, PDLC 214, a second TCO layer 212, a second, polymer based (e.g. PET) layer 210 and second layer 208 of the laminate are the same and are located between the second and third substrates (e.g., a glass substrate) 202, 204. However, as shown in Figure 3, the first substrate 302 (e.g., a glass substrate) is adjacent the second substrate 202. The first substrate 302 and the second substrate 202 are separated by, e.g., an air gap 304 to provide the insulating features of the IG unit. The three substrates are substantially parallel to each other.

Thus, the embodiment shown in figure 3 and described with reference to figure 3 can be thought of as a traditional IG unit where a low E UV blocking coating traditionally found on window surface 2 is moved to window surface 4 along with other elements of the PDLC stack in some embodiments.

Also, with certain examples of low-E (and / or UV- or UVA-blocking) IG units described herein, the layer may be on window surface 2 (e.g., on the inner surface of the first substrate 302 adjacent to the air gap 403) in certain example embodiments. This low-E layer may magnify or replace the low-E, UV blocking coating 206 on the inner surface of the second substrate, depending on the illustrative embodiment selected.

In some embodiments, the periphery of the stack is left open (e.g., unsealed). However, in other certain embodiments, a seal (e.g., a polymer-based seal) may be located at the periphery of a window and / or at least a PDLC stack to reduce the amount of water, debris, etc. entering the unit.

Figure 4 is a plot of experimental data illustrating the overall PVB inhibitory effectiveness of incident UVA light. The chart shows

Visible transmission (Tvis) and visible light reflectance (Rvis) of a full laminate with a clear PVB ranging from 300 to 500 nm. Light having a wavelength of about 400 nm (e.g., from about 400 nm to about 700 nm) is typically visible. The test sample was a 1.7 mm thick piece of clear glass. In Figure 4, line 402 represents light transmission, line 404 represents inward reflection, and line 406 represents outward reflection. As can be seen in figure 4, about 99% of UV transmission is blocked down to about 380 nm. However, above this value, the degree of UV transmission increases significantly. The inward and outward reflectance is very low for all wavelengths. Thus, as can be seen in figure 4, the PVB itself slightly blocks incident UVA light and provides a low degree of reflection inwards and outwards (which, for example, is associated with poor insulation properties and leads to one or more of the above-mentioned and / or other defects).

In contrast, figure 5 is a graph of experimental data which illustrates the benefits provided by structure enhanced PDLC according to an embodiment. More specifically, Tvis and Rvis are shown for a half of the laminate with a double, low-E, UV blocking, silver coating disposed on face 2 of the window according to the embodiment. The test sample was a clear coated glass with SunGuard SN 68 and ClimaGuard SPF (commercially available from Guardian) and containing 0.030 PVB laminate giving a total thickness of about 3mm. In Figure 5, line 502 represents light transmission, line 504 represents inward reflection, and line 506 represents outward reflection. In contrast to the system showing the results shown in Figure 4, where the PVB itself does not block light having a wavelength of about 380-400 nm, the system shown in Figure 5 and according to some embodiments includes a low-E and UVA-blocking layer that blocks light having a wavelength from about 380-400 nm. The average transmission is about 65% from about 400 nm to 650 nm. Tvis drops rapidly down to 900 nm and is significantly reduced above about 1300 nm. The inward and outward reflectance is from about 5% to about 10% in the wavelength range of about 300-600 nm and increases significantly thereafter from about 600 nm. Thus, as can be seen from Figure 5, substantially more of the incident UVA radiation is blocked and the Rvis is higher at substantially all wavelengths. Visible light transmission is also good.

Additional experimental data are given in the following table, showing the changes in the haze, E * value, and percent visible light transmission for different test samples from hour 0 UV exposure and at different times of UV exposure according to certain embodiments. For example, a * = a * ia * o, where a * o is the value of a * after 0 hours of exposure to UV radiation, b * = b * and b * o, where b * o is the value of b * hours of exposure to UV radiation. exposure to UV radiation, L * = L * iL * o, where L * o is the value of L * hours of exposure to UV radiation, etc. As can be seen from the table below, the samples made according to certain embodiments met the requirements for haze formation, E * values, and percent visible light transmission very well even after more than 3,000 hours of exposure to UV radiation. Unless otherwise stated, the procedure for collecting data into the table was to measure each sample twice with the off state. Each sample was then measured twice while on, after waiting for about 4 minutes. The data shown below are averages of two measurements. It has been found that on-state values ​​are cyclical and that they are not always stabilized.

Sample 4 is a comparative example because half of this sample had no UV blocking coating, while the other half of the sample had no UV blocking coating. L *, a * and b * refer to transmission measurements ..

EP 2217437

<td rowspan="3">UV time (h)</td><td>A sample #</td><td colspan="2">^f^^ Sample 1</td><td colspan="2">^ Sample 2</td><td colspan="2"></td><td colspan="2"> ^®^Sample/⁴......</td><td colspan="2">^ Sample_5</td>

<td>Type</td><td colspan="2">^ UV blocker</td><td colspan="2">l ^ UV blocker</td><td colspan="2">Sfcloker UV%</td><td colspan="2">without UV blocker</td><td colspan="2">^ BlokerUV "^l |</td>

<td>State</td><td>&gt; Off /</td><td>On</td><td>J Off</td><td>On</td><td>&lt;. ,</td><td>On</td><td>// Off</td><td>On</td><td>_r Off</td><td>On</td>

<td rowspan="5"> 0</td><td>Mist</td><td> - 101-7</td><td> 5.95</td><td>Ί02^Α'</td><td> 6.68</td><td> “ -402/’</td><td> 6.94</td><td>&lt;4Ό2 / · /</td><td> 7.62</td><td> 102'</td><td> 7.62</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> -1'66 ‘ ’</td><td> 72.09</td><td> 4:29-</td><td> 70.65</td><td>&lt;E23'V '</td><td> 67.52</td><td>p: / K31 &lt;-</td><td> 68.21</td><td>^fT-3l</td><td> 68.21</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> ' 13.57. /</td><td> 88.01</td><td>d.L19</td><td> 87.31</td><td>- 10J8E '</td><td> 85.77</td><td>-WS6 &lt;</td><td> 86.11</td><td> 11.36-</td><td> 86.11</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> 4 61 ’</td><td> -0.75</td><td> 2 36</td><td> -0.76</td><td> -/2:46-</td><td> -1.57</td><td> //4198//</td><td> -1.15</td><td>Li 98</td><td> -1.15</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> 9-17</td><td> 5.38</td><td> 6.44</td><td> 5.61</td><td> --^6.52^/</td><td> 8.09</td><td>T / 6? 13 / &lt;</td><td> 4.98</td><td> -6 13</td><td> 4.98</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 336</td><td>Mist</td><td> -101/</td><td> 5.92</td><td> 102·</td><td> 6.80</td><td>• Y: 102 / ^</td><td> 7.07</td><td> ://102:/7</td><td> 7.22</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.71</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> 1.64</td><td> 70.99</td><td> 1 32</td><td> 68.59</td><td> ,-449,.-.</td><td> 68.53</td><td>&lt;d.56 &lt;</td><td> 67.24</td><td> &lt;47&lt;</td><td> 68.75</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> 13 48</td><td> 87.48</td><td> -11'40'</td><td> 86.29</td><td> 40.47.;</td><td> 86.27</td><td> :/12:97/-</td><td> 85.62</td><td>, 42.38 ζ</td><td> 86.38</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> &gt;4 70</td><td> -0.51</td><td> 72.57</td><td> -0.99</td><td> ' -4.79’ -</td><td> -0.91</td><td> &lt; .3:411 \</td><td> -0.85</td><td> .2 63</td><td> -0.82</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> -9 09</td><td> 5.26</td><td> -,-6.57 -</td><td> 6.90</td><td> -5/44 ---</td><td> 6.63</td><td> //8:25 &lt;</td><td> 5.45</td><td> 6 97 '</td><td> 4.43</td>

<td>Δ Mist</td><td> 0.0</td><td> 0.0</td><td> 7 -0.5 -</td><td> 0.1</td><td> · -055 -</td><td> 0.1</td><td>&gt; ::: 0: Ó&gt; -? C</td><td> -0.4</td><td> -•0:0</td><td> 0.1</td>

<td>Δ% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> 0.0</td><td> -1.1</td><td> 0.0</td><td> -2.1</td><td>grow »..</td><td> 1.0</td><td>&gt; :; ο; 3ίί · Ζ</td><td> -1.0</td><td>Ό.2 '</td><td> 0.5</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td> . - 0.2</td><td> 0.6</td><td> 0.3.</td><td> 1.7</td><td> -.1.3/</td><td> 1.7</td><td>Zj3i0:? .-</td><td> 0.7</td><td> &lt;;1.5'?.</td><td> 0.7</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 672</td><td>Mist</td><td> ^•101?'</td><td> 6.15</td><td>^; 102 </td><td> 6.77</td><td> «02^:/-</td><td> 7.02</td><td> &lt;7102·..;/:</td><td> 7.43</td><td> . 7102</td><td> 7.74</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>Γ74 C</td><td> 70.50</td><td>, Ί'32 ·&gt;</td><td> 69.44</td><td> ¢-1:24.':</td><td> 68.87</td><td></td><td> 67.1 1</td><td> • 141:</td><td> 68.72</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> &lt;14 06 ‘ ‘</td><td> 87.24</td><td> .14.41</td><td> 86.72</td><td> ·&gt; 10:86-;</td><td> 86.43</td><td>Sl &lt;3 () &lt;</td><td> 85.56</td><td> 12.03^</td><td> 86.36</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> ; 5'07*</td><td> -0.66</td><td> :2.'63'</td><td> -0.78</td><td> /&lt;04/·/</td><td> -0.90</td><td> /3.44 /</td><td> -0.72</td><td> 2 56 '</td><td> -0.78</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> 9.81 '</td><td> 5.66</td><td> ’-6·57 .</td><td> 5.62</td><td> &lt; 5:88 -</td><td> 6.47</td><td> ^7(1¾</td><td> 5.60</td><td> «6 87</td><td> 4.53</td>

<td>Δ Mist</td><td>s'0.0 · -</td><td> 0.2</td><td> -0.5</td><td> 0.1</td><td>/-0.5 A</td><td> 0.1</td><td> .//0:5:/./</td><td> -0.2</td><td> 1’0.0</td><td> 0.1</td>

<td>Δ% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>t 0.1 /</td><td> -1.6</td><td> -0:0- *</td><td> -1.2</td><td>&lt;? ofo /</td><td> 1.4</td><td></td><td> -1.1</td><td> -0.1/</td><td> 0.5</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td> 0.9</td><td> 0.8</td><td> -0.4</td><td> 0.6</td><td> 70.3 ?^Ł</td><td> 1.9</td><td> 2.'2 //.</td><td> 0.9</td><td> .1.2:</td><td> 0.6</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 1008</td><td>Mist</td><td> 101 -</td><td> 6.04</td><td> ./402/</td><td> 6.76</td><td>- -Ί02 ¹</td><td> 7.03</td><td> • &lt;102/ &lt;</td><td> 7.39</td><td> - 102</td><td> 7.76</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> ;.1\74 ;</td><td> 69.88</td><td> .: 4-.3.0</td><td> 68.74</td><td> , 41.24/7</td><td> 67.31</td><td>• / .. Ε42? · /</td><td> 66.66</td><td> 1 39</td><td> 68.36</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> • 14.0.7, -</td><td> 86.93</td><td> 11.28 \</td><td> 86 38</td><td> 10.84</td><td> 85.66</td><td>&lt;Τ2 / Ϊ0 &lt;</td><td> 85.33</td><td> 11 87</td><td> 86.19</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> 5.09</td><td> -0.78</td><td> 2.54/</td><td> -0.98</td><td> &lt;2.05 '</td><td> -1.33</td><td>: Koi /:</td><td> -0.74</td><td> 2.54 ‘</td><td> -0.76</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> ' -9:79</td><td> 6.19</td><td> /•-.6.^:47 '</td><td> 6.46</td><td> //5.84/</td><td> 7.95</td><td> -7-:64/.:</td><td> 5.81</td><td></td><td> 4.65</td>

<td>________ A_Mail ___</td><td> .0.0</td><td> 0.1</td><td> -0.5 ;</td><td> 0.1</td><td> . .-0.5-.·</td><td> 0.1</td><td> /:«5·:&lt;</td><td> -0.2</td><td> 0:5'</td><td> 0.1</td>

<td>Δ% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>: · 0.Γ- '</td><td> -2.2</td><td>... ο · .ο &lt;</td><td> -1.9</td><td> . &gt;0.0··' </td><td> -0.2</td><td> -0.1</td><td> -1.6</td><td> 1 0:1 “</td><td> 0.2</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td> 0.9 .</td><td> 1.4</td><td> &lt;0^2 &lt;&lt;</td><td> 1.3</td><td> &lt;0:3&lt;</td><td> 0.3</td><td></td><td> 1.2</td><td> 1.0 -</td><td> 0.5</td>

<td> 1344</td><td>Mist</td><td> ’·. 401 . ’*</td><td> 6.42</td><td> • .102. '</td><td> 6.86</td><td> -4- 102</td><td> 7.29</td><td> &lt;/10&lt;&lt;</td><td> 7.415</td><td> 402 1</td><td> 7.81</td>

-8- EP 2217437

<td rowspan="7"></td><td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>from '1.67 ^</td><td> 70.47</td><td>&gt; 'E33ń</td><td> 69.06</td><td>ws®?</td><td> 69.62</td><td></td><td> 66.28</td><td> 4742¾</td><td> 68.16</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> ^13:67 /</td><td> 87.23</td><td> 711:4½</td><td> 86.54</td><td>^; 10:60/’</td><td> 86.81</td><td> //4233¾</td><td> 85.14</td><td> &lt;12 08. _</td><td> 86.09</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> ^&lt;66: &gt;</td><td> -0.59</td><td> /2^79/.</td><td> -0.83</td><td></td><td> -0.55</td><td> ://3742¾</td><td> -0.73</td><td> ’ 2?74</td><td> -0.79</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> ^-9.25¾</td><td> 5.62</td><td> 26.65^</td><td> 6.26</td><td>'• / 5: 53 f</td><td> 5.29</td><td> //839//</td><td> 6.06</td><td>'' 7.01</td><td> 4.82</td>

<td>A Mist</td><td> 0.0'-.,</td><td> 0.5</td><td> :^0.5/</td><td> 0.2</td><td> -///03.¾</td><td> 0.4</td><td></td><td> -0.2</td><td> .0.5 '</td><td> 0.2</td>

<td>A% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> 0.0 ^:</td><td> -1.6</td><td>oo · - · -</td><td> -1.6</td><td>SOoSS</td><td> 2.1</td><td>.- / ΛΟ.Ζ -'- 'ί</td><td> -1.9</td><td> .0:1 -</td><td> -0.1</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td>o: i.</td><td> 0.8</td><td> 0.5 </td><td> 1.0</td><td></td><td> 3.2</td><td> :4/238/:/</td><td> 1.5</td><td> '1.4. :</td><td> 0.4</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 1680</td><td>Mist</td><td> 100.5-</td><td> 5.93</td><td> -101 5</td><td> 6.65</td><td> 100 85 -</td><td> 6.985</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.62</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.47</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td rowspan="4">Lack ; data B 'SD r ~ · -' ·· / ·</td><td> 71.03</td><td>; and 30 '</td><td> 69.95</td><td rowspan="4">No data -</td><td> 69.85</td><td> 1.42</td><td> 66.00</td><td> 1.42</td><td> 67.33</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> 87.50</td><td> 11.26</td><td> 86 98</td><td> 86.92</td><td> 1241</td><td> 84 99</td><td> 12.08</td><td> 85.67</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> -0.55</td><td> • 2’55</td><td> -0.57</td><td> -0.59</td><td> 3.07</td><td> -0.75</td><td> 2.75</td><td> -0.88</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> 5.45</td><td> 6 45</td><td> 5.58</td><td> 5.37</td><td> 7.89</td><td> 6.30</td><td> 7.08</td><td> 5.05</td>

<td>A Mist</td><td> -0:5</td><td> 0.0</td><td> ,015</td><td> 0.0</td><td>zYi-iW</td><td> 0.1</td><td> 0.5</td><td> 0.0</td><td> 0.5</td><td> -0.2</td>

<td>A% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>ζ / ζςΗϊΪ- /</td><td> -1.1</td><td>ZOO</td><td> -0.7</td><td></td><td> 2.3</td><td> 0.1</td><td> -2.2</td><td> 0.1</td><td> -0.9</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td>N f.NN</td><td> 0.6</td><td>Ό.Ϊ</td><td> 0.4</td><td></td><td> 3.1</td><td> 2.2</td><td> 1.8</td><td> 1.4</td><td> 0.5</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 2016</td><td>Mist</td><td> •.-.1102 //</td><td> 6.02</td><td> = 4027</td><td> 6.63</td><td>l / 1O2'1 ?,</td><td> 6.97</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.53</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.4</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>^r'-L73./</td><td> 70.53</td><td> 1 30</td><td> 69.77</td><td>\ T.235&gt; /</td><td> 69.93</td><td> 1.47</td><td> 65.47</td><td> 1.56</td><td> 65.49</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> 14.01 /</td><td> 87.26</td><td> 11.28</td><td> 86.89</td><td> '10:81·'·'</td><td> 86.97</td><td> 12.37</td><td> 84.73 </td><td> 12.97</td><td> .84.74</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td>5-1Ό //</td><td> -0.66</td><td> 2.60-</td><td> -0.59</td><td> ..&lt;-2.425/1'.</td><td> -0.51</td><td> 3.14</td><td> -0.72</td><td> 3.39</td><td> -1.46</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> ://9:85¾</td><td> 5.59</td><td> 6.56</td><td> 5.62</td><td> /.5.885 -³</td><td> 5.39</td><td> 8.25</td><td> 6.53</td><td> 8.13</td><td> 7.36</td>

<td>________A Mist ______</td><td></td><td> 0.1</td><td> -. 0.0^ ⁵</td><td> 0.0</td><td>X 4) -. 0, - /</td><td> 0.0</td><td> 0.5</td><td> -0.1</td><td> 0.5</td><td> -0.2</td>

<td>A% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> ; 0.1</td><td> -1.6</td><td> ·- 0.0</td><td> -0.9</td><td>Si »óiog&gt; ®</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 0.2</td><td> -2.7</td><td> 0.3</td><td> -2.7</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td> --0:9¾</td><td> 0.8</td><td>at 03.-</td><td> 0.5</td><td>W0; 3? 'Z</td><td> 3.1</td><td> 2.6</td><td> 2.1</td><td> 2.9</td><td> 2.8</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 2352</td><td>Mist</td><td>• &lt;10l · /</td><td> 5.88</td><td> / 102</td><td> 6.66</td><td> &gt;_?102&gt; /;</td><td> 6.93</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.43</td><td> 102</td><td> 7.395</td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td>r? r71 / f</td><td> 71.09</td><td> 4 32 -</td><td> 69.70</td><td> /71.23¾</td><td> 69.88</td><td> 1.48</td><td> 65.42</td><td> 1.48</td><td> 65.31</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td>W: 8 8 ^ Q</td><td> 87.53</td><td>Ί1739.,</td><td> 86.85</td><td> //10.80¾</td><td> 86.94</td><td> 12.45</td><td> 84.70</td><td> 12.51</td><td> 84 64</td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> ‘5:04^</td><td> -0.55</td><td> ^2-66'</td><td> -0.61</td><td> /2/12 / 1</td><td> -0.54</td><td> 3.37</td><td> -1.37</td><td> 3.17</td><td> -0.81</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> /^9:76¾</td><td> 5.59</td><td> ' 6 67 /</td><td> 5.67</td><td> -/5.90'^</td><td> 5.44</td><td> 8.55</td><td> 7.24</td><td> 7.84</td><td> 6.69</td>

<td>A Mist</td><td>? o: o-? ·?</td><td> -0.1</td><td>'o.oH-</td><td> 0.0</td><td>ι-oo:</td><td> 0.0</td><td> 0.5</td><td> -0.2</td><td> 0.5</td><td> -0.2</td>

<td>A% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> ' :0:1-</td><td> -1.0</td><td>o; o</td><td> -1.0</td><td>= Ao.o '7</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 0.2</td><td> -2.8</td><td> 0.2</td><td> -2.9</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td> - 0.8.</td><td> 0.6</td><td> -- -0.4¾</td><td> 0.5</td><td> =/03¾</td><td> 3.1</td><td> 3.0</td><td> 2.7</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 2.3</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 2688</td><td>Mist</td><td>-.- 101 L.</td><td> 6.08</td><td> /102</td><td> 6.66</td><td>r Ί02</td><td> 7.09</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> . 1 ^5</td><td> 71.00</td><td> - 1 32</td><td> 69.75</td><td>X .1.24'- ·</td><td> 69.64</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> 1</td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> 14:43¾</td><td> 87.49</td><td> ; 1-1.42</td><td> 86.88</td><td> -4 0783 .</td><td> 86.82</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> ./5.23,¾</td><td> -0.56</td><td> '2 69</td><td> -0.59</td><td> : 2.15'\</td><td> -0.56</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> /10:02 .</td><td> 5.65</td><td> • 6.76</td><td> 5.75</td><td> /6:02 4</td><td> 5.53</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>________ Δ M exchange _______</td><td> 0.0</td><td> 0.1</td><td> -0:0</td><td> 0.0</td><td> , -0.0 .</td><td> 0.2</td><td> -101.5</td><td> -7.6</td><td> -101.5</td><td> -7.6</td>

<td>A% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> //0:1-..:</td><td> -1.1</td><td> ^0.0</td><td> -0.9</td><td>oo :?</td><td> 2.1</td><td> -13</td><td> -68.2</td><td> -13</td><td> -68.2</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td> //:1.2:/-=</td><td> 0.6</td><td> 0.5</td><td> 0.5</td><td>0.2 Π</td><td> 2.9</td><td> 13.1</td><td> 863</td><td> 13.1</td><td> 863</td>

<td rowspan="8"> 3024</td><td>Mist</td><td>ή / ϊοι //</td><td> 5.94</td><td> ' 402 &gt;</td><td> 6.56</td><td> -/402'.</td><td> 6.76</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td> /^815¾</td><td> 68.29</td><td>.κΓ35 /</td><td> 69.78</td><td> ;?1.27:-</td><td> 69.84</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>L * (2 / C)</td><td> ^14¾¾</td><td> 86.15</td><td>, H.60^l</td><td> 86.89</td><td> 744305 '4</td><td> 86.92</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>a * (2 / C)</td><td> //5:44¾</td><td> -1.13</td><td> _/2/86</td><td> -0.58</td><td> ^-2127/'</td><td> -0.55</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> 1</td>

<td>b * (2 / C)</td><td> //:10/48¾</td><td> 7.17</td><td>-S6 99 2</td><td> 5.77</td><td> :--:6.27/ .·</td><td> 5.53</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Δ Mist</td><td></td><td> 0.0</td><td> ’ 6:0.-</td><td> -0.1</td><td>/ 010- z</td><td> -0.2</td><td> -101.5</td><td> -7.6</td><td> -101.5</td><td> -7.6</td>

<td>A% Tvis (Y 2 / C)</td><td></td><td> -3.8</td><td> /.04¾</td><td> -0.9</td><td>;&gt; oo /^Tt</td><td> 2.3</td><td> -1.3</td><td> -68.2</td><td> -1.3</td><td> -68.2</td>

<td>ΔΕ *</td><td>SeSS</td><td> 2.6</td><td> 7-0.8'·'</td><td> 0.5</td><td>XÓ.4. '. ·</td><td> 3.0</td><td> 13.1</td><td> 86.3</td><td> 13.1</td><td> 86.3</td>

It was noticed that after putting the samples into the on state, the results of the transmission measurements re-stabilized after about eight minutes in the off state. This was not noticed initially for samples 1, 2, and 3. Off-state measurements were taken when the samples stabilized. Only one data set was obtained for sample 4; therefore they were considered as benchmarks for both the pane and the UV blocker side.

It should be noted that it is desirable to have lower haze change values, 10 percent visible light transmission, and E * values ​​over time for both on and off states. Thus, it is preferred to reduce the absolute value of the change in the haze to less than about 10, more preferably to less than about 5, even more preferably to less than about 3, even more preferably to less than about 2 and most preferably to less than about 1. Likewise, it is preferable to reduce the absolute value of the change in Tvis (as measured by the Y 2 / C method) to less than about 5, even more preferably to less than about 3, even more preferably to less than about 2 and most preferably to less than about 1. Moreover, it is preferred. reducing the change in E * to less than about 5, even more preferably to less than about 3, even more preferably to less than about 2 and most preferably to less than about 1. Note that exposure to UV radiation over time can affect the measurement results w

On or off state, or both. Thus, it may not always be possible to obtain a corresponding reduction in the change in the value of the haze, Tvis and E * for both the on and off states, although it is desirable to reduce the change in the value of the mist, Tvis and E * for the on state even though it is not possible to obtain corresponding results for the second state.

As noted above, there is sometimes a problem with delamination of sharp-edged curved laminates in the vicinity of high-stress hot spots. To make curved laminates, some embodiments take into account the stiffness of the PET material used. For example, in certain example embodiments, to alleviate the compressive stress component below 100 MPa, the combined PET / LC / PET layers may have a thickness that does not exceed about 300 microns. Additionally, or alternatively, stress points may be reduced by laser cutting the LC feedstock in certain example embodiments. For example, and without excluding other possibilities, LC can be laser cut, e.g. to make grooves or channels. Such grooves or channels may be on opposite sides of the stack. In addition to reducing the degree of delamination, these and / or similar grooves can also help to reduce the formation of folds.

Additional details are provided below for an exemplary multi-layer low-E UV blocking coating that may be used in certain example embodiments. Certain examples of low-E UV blocking coatings may include a stack of layers whereby the coated article will provide one or more features with high selectivity (T_Vand_S./ SF), a relatively low solar factor (SF), a substantially achromatic color at normal and / or off-axis viewing angles, and / or low emissivity. One, two, or three, or all of these features may be achieved in various embodiments of the invention. When a high selectivity is obtained (T._Vand_S./ SF), a high visible light transmission ratio (T_Vand s) to solar energy transmittance (SF), as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art as a sign of a combination of good visible light transmittance and good solar protection for e.g. building and / or vehicle interior.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, a coated article such as an IG window unit (e.g., with two spaced apart glass substrates) provides high selectivity (T_Vis / SF), at least 1.75, more preferably at least 1.80, even more preferably at least 1.85 and sometimes at least 1.90. In certain example embodiments of this invention, coated articles achieve a high selectivity value in combination with an SF no greater than 35.0, more preferably an SF no greater than 34.0, or even more preferably an SF no greater than 33.0 and most preferably an SF no greater than 32.5 (SF or g value is calculated according to DIN 67507). Thereby the articles, for example, provide good selectivity while blocking a significant amount of undesirable radiation and preventing this radiation from reaching the interior of a building or the like.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, a coated article is provided that has both high selectivity and a desired color at normal and off-axis viewing angles, such as 45 degrees from normal. Moreover, in some embodiments, the color of the coated article does not shift more than a predetermined amount between the normal viewing angle and an off-axis viewing angle of, for example, 45 degrees.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, coated articles achieve a visible transmission of from about 50 to 70%, more preferably from about 55 to 65%, and most preferably from about 58 to 64% in a monolithic and / or IG context.

Surface resistance (R_s) indicates emissivity and emissivity. Low sheet resistance is achieved in certain example embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments of this invention, coated articles provide sheet resistance (R._s) no greater than about 3.0 ohms / square, more preferably no greater than about 2.0

And most preferably no greater than about 1.9 ohms / square prior to any optional heat treatment such as quenching. Such low values ​​of the surface resistance indicate a low emissivity.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, the low-E coating of the coated article comprises only two IR reflecting layers (e.g., only two silver or silver based layers). While other numbers of infrared reflecting layers may be given, the use of two is advantageous in some cases as low emittance can be obtained and no more such layers are needed, making the coatings easier and cost effective to manufacture and less prone to problematic.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, an infrared reflecting layer is provided between a lower contact layer and an upper contact layer, each of which contacts the infrared reflecting layer. The contact layers can be made of material (s) such as nichrome oxide (NiCrO_x) in certain example embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, the lower contact layer is of the suboxide type, while the upper contact layer is more oxidized than the lower contact layer. It has surprisingly and unexpectedly been found that by using a suboxide contact layer under and in contact with the IR-reflecting layer and a more oxidized contact layer above the IR reflecting layer, much higher selectivity values ​​and lower SF values ​​can be obtained in combination with the desired coloration under normal and contact conditions. / or off-axis viewing angles. This demonstrates significant exemplary advantages in the art.

Figures 6 and 7 show exemplary multi-layer low e UV blocking coatings that may be used in certain example embodiments. The coated article comprises a substrate 202 (e.g., a clear, green, brown, or cyan glass substrate from about 1.0 to 10.0 mm thick, more preferably from about 1.0 mm to 7.0 mm thick), and a coating (or layered system) 600 directly or indirectly on it. substrate 202. The coating (or layer system) 600 comprises: a dielectric layer 601 of titanium oxide, which may be TiO_x (e.g. where x is from 1.5 to 2.0), a first, lower contact layer 603 (which contacts the IR reflecting layer 605), a first conductive and preferably metallic infrared (IR) reflecting layer 605, a first, upper contact layer 607 ( which contacts layer 605), dielectric layer 609 (which may be deposited in a single step or multiple steps in various embodiments of the invention), dielectric layer 615, which may be zinc oxide or contain zinc oxide, a second conductive and preferably metallic IR-conducting layer 619, a second, upper contact layer 621 (which contacts layer 619), a dielectric layer 623 and a protective dielectric layer 625. Each of the layers Contact 603, 607, and 621 is in contact with at least one IR reflecting layer (e.g., Ag, Au, or the like). The above-mentioned layers 601-625 form a low-E coating 600 which is on the glass or plastic substrate 202.

To improve the low E coating 600 of Figure 6 and / or the low E coating 700 of Figure 7 to provide better UV blocking characteristics (e.g., blocking light having a wavelength in the range of about 380-400 nm), additional layers may be added to the stack. For example, the dielectric layer 609 of Figure 6 may be separated and an additional UV blocking layer 611 added (e.g., between successive layers of the dielectric layer 609). That is, at least a portion of the dielectric layer 609 may be deposited, the UV blocking layer 611 may be deposited, and then the rest of the dielectric layer 609 may be deposited. The UV blocking layer may be of zinc oxide doped with bismuth (e.g., ZnBiO or other suitable stoichiometric ratio) or simply bismuth oxygen (BiO), or include such zinc oxide doped with bismuth, or bismuth oxide in certain embodiments. In certain

In some embodiments, the UV blocking layer 611 may include silver oxide (e.g., AgO_x or other suitable stoichiometric ratio) described, for example, in US Patent No. 6,596,399. Similarly, the dielectric layer 623 of Figure 7 may be separated by a UV blocking layer 611. In still other embodiments, the UV blocking layer 611 surrounded by dielectric layers (e.g., tin oxide) can be located anywhere in the low-E stack.

The improved, low-emission, UV-blocking stacks 600 and 700 are thus able to block UV and IR radiation.

Further details on low-e coatings and stacks can be found, for example, in US Patent Nos. 7,198,851 and 7,189,458, and US Publication No. 2005/0164015. For example, dielectric layer 601 may be titanium oxide or include titanium oxide in certain example embodiments of this invention. This layer is provided for anti-reflection purposes and preferably has a refractive index (n) from about 2.0 to 2.6, more preferably from about 2.2 to 2.5. Layer 601 may be in direct contact with glass substrate 202 in certain example embodiments of this invention, or alternatively another layer (s) may (other layers may) be between substrates 202 and layer 601 in certain instances.

The infrared (IR) reflecting layers 605 and 619 preferably, substantially or entirely, are metallic and / or conductive, may include silver (Ag), gold or any other suitable IR reflecting material, or consist essentially of silver, gold or any other suitable IR reflecting material. Due to the infrared reflecting layers 605 and 619, the coating can have low-E characteristics and / or good solar radiation control. The IR reflecting layer 605 and / or 619, however, may be slightly oxidized in certain example embodiments of this invention.

Contact layers 607 and 621 may be nickel oxide (Ni), chromium oxide (Cr), or a nickel alloy oxide such as nichrome oxide (NiCrO_x), or any other suitable material (s), or include nickel oxide (Ni), chromium oxide (Cr) or a nickel alloy oxide such as nichrome oxide (NiCrO_x), or any other suitable material (s) in certain example embodiments of this invention. Using, for example, NiCrO_x in these layers (607 and / or 621) it makes it possible to increase durability. These contact layers may or may not be continuous throughout the IR-reflecting layer according to various embodiments of the invention.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, the top contact layer 607 or 621 that is over the respective IR reflecting layer 605 or 619 is deposited to oxidize it to the first stage. In certain example embodiments, top contact layer 607 and / or 621 may be fully oxidized.

It has been surprisingly found that by using an optional suboxide contact layer under and in contact with IR-reflecting layer 619 and a more oxidized contact layer 621 over IR-reflecting layer 619, much higher selectivity values ​​and lower SF values ​​can be obtained in combination with the desired color. at normal and / or off-axis viewing angles. In particular, it has been found that unexpected benefits can be achieved when an optional contact layer under the IR reflecting layer 619 is deposited so as to oxidize it to a lesser extent than the upper contact layer 621 on the other side of the IR reflecting layer 619. In certain example embodiments, the optional contact layer and contact layer 621 may be composed of oxides of the same metal (the same metals) and oxidized to a different extent, where the optional lower contact layer is less oxidized than the upper contact layer 621. For example, in certain example embodiments, an optional, bottom NiCrO layer_x the contact layer is a suboxide layer (i.e. only partially oxidized), while the top NiCrO layer_x 621 of the contact is substantially fully oxidized and deposited by sputtering or the like.

-12ΕΡ 2217437

In certain example embodiments of this invention, an optional suboxide contact layer that is embedded and / or in the final product that has not been thermally tempered in certain embodiments may have no more than about 80% oxygen content of the upper contact layer 621, more preferably no more than about 70% oxygen content of top contact layer 621, and most preferably no more than about 60% oxygen content of top contact layer 621. In any of these cases as well as in others, it should be noted that the lower contact layer 617 under the IR reflecting layer 619 is oxidized to a lesser extent than the upper contact layer 621 located above the IR reflecting layer 619 in at least some portions of the respective contact layers.

In order to deposit the optional suboxide contact layer so that it is less oxidized than the upper contact layer 621, even when formed by oxides of the same metal (same metals), such as Ni and / or Cr, a lower atomization power of the oxygen gas may be used. kW compared to layer 621 when spraying the optional layer. For example, having similar or the same type of spray target (s) (e.g. NiCr-based targets for each layer), an oxygen gas flow of about 5 ml / kW can be used when spraying the optional suboxide lower contact layer, while an oxygen gas flow of about 10 ml / kW can be used when spraying a substantially fully oxidized upper layer 621 contact (the remainder of the gas flow may consist of Ar or the like). In this particular example, the flow of oxygen gas per kW of atomization power of the optional suboxide layer is about 50% of the flow for the more oxidized upper contact layer 621. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the flow of oxygen gas per kW of atomization power of the optional suboxide layer is no more than about 80% of the flow used for the more oxidized upper contact layer 621, more preferably no more than about 70% of the flow used for the more oxidized upper contact layer 621. 621 of contact and even more preferably no more than about 60% of the flow used for the more oxidized upper contact layer 621.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, top contact layers 607 and 621 over the respective infrared reflecting layer may be deposited in a similar or the same manner.

The lower contact layer 603 and / or the dielectric layer 615 in certain example embodiments of this invention is / is of or includes zinc oxide (e.g., ZnO). The zinc oxide of layers 603, 615 may also contain other materials such as Al (e.g. to form ZnAIO_x). For example, in certain example embodiments of this invention, one or more zinc oxide layers 603, 615 may be doped with from about 1 to 10% Al, more preferably from about 1 to 5% Al, and most preferably from about 2 to 4% Al. The use of zinc oxide 603 under the silver 605 makes it possible to obtain excellent quality silver.

Dielectric layer 609 may be of tin oxide or include tin oxide in certain example embodiments of this invention. However, as with the other layers described herein, other materials may be used in different instances. Dielectric layer 623 may be of tin oxide or include tin oxide in certain example embodiments of this invention. However, layer 623 is optional and need not be provided in certain example embodiments of this invention. Dielectric layer 625, which may be a top layer including one or more layers, in certain examples may be silicon nitride (e.g., S13N4) or any other suitable material, or include silicon nitride (e.g., S13N4), or any other suitable material. material in certain example embodiments of this invention. Optionally, other layers may be above layer 625. For example, a surface layer of zirconia or including zirconium oxide (not shown) may be formed directly on top of a silicon nitride layer 625 in certain example embodiments of this invention. Silicon nitride layer 625 may be doped with Al or the like in certain example embodiments of this invention.

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Another layer (s) may also be provided under or over the illustrated coating. Thus, although the layer system or coating is on the substrates 202 or supported by the substrate 202 (directly or indirectly), another layer (s) may be in between. Thus, for example, the coating of Figure 6 may be considered to be present on substrate 202 or supported by substrate 202 even though other layers are provided between layer 601 and substrate 202. In addition, certain layers of the illustrated coating may be omitted in certain example embodiments, while others may be added between the various layers and the various layers may be separated and another layer (s) inserted between the separated portions in other embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of certain embodiments. invention.

Certain embodiments include layers illustrated herein so that no more than about 20% of the light having a wavelength of about 380-400 nm reaches the PDLC layer. Preferably less than about 15% of the light having a wavelength of about 380-400 nm reaches the PDLC layer. Even more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the light having a wavelength of 380-400 enters the PDLC layer. Certain embodiments include layers as illustrated herein that visible transmission is at least 55%, more preferably at least about 60%, even more preferably at least about 65%, and most preferably at least about 70%.

PVB laminates tend to be more impact resistant. However, in some cases, PVB laminates allow the LC layer to shift inward, resulting in degraded performance and / or deterioration of the overall structure appearance. Thus, in certain example embodiments, the polymer (e.g., acrylic or amide) may be located on the periphery (e.g., near the edge, but not necessarily limited thereto) of the PDLC coating. This polymer can act as a barrier to limit the migration of the PVB plasticizer and reduce the chances of LC being forced inward. Thus, certain embodiments may include a polymer barrier near the periphery of the PDLC coating to limit PVB migration and / or LC layer movement. It should be noted that although the movement of the LC inward is a problem with PVB, the polymer barrier can be used with other laminates.

While certain embodiments have been described with reference to various applications, the invention is not limited thereto. The methods of some embodiments may be used for any glazing and / or window application, such as for example relating to vehicle windshields, sunroofs, interior and / or exterior windows, IG units, etc.

Features, aspects, benefits, and embodiments can be combined to implement still other embodiments.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it should be noted that not the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but includes various modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Proxy:

KANCE, A FABULOUS

BELLEPAT

Izabela Szych uluka-Hcwranek ul. Siowackteao 44, 37-700 Prz ^ nwśl tel. (016) 7J2-3T77 fax: (016) &lt;75-02-87 mobile tel (0608) 503-081 e-maH tellepat@op.pl NIP: 795-207-16-72 REGON: 1803505: 6

PROPERTYKLPTENTOWY mgr IzabeliSiy falilta-HanaiA nr ^ p ju 3192

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