Electric-arc resistant face shield or lens including ir-blocking inorganic nanoparticles

Abstract

A transparent electric-arc resistant composition is produced by preparing crystalline tungsten bronze nanoparticles and homogenously dispersing the nanoparticles in a transparent plastic matrix. The crystalline tungsten bronze nanoparticles are prepared by homogeneously mixing an aqueous solution of soluble tungsten and cesium salts and then drying the solution. The dried solution is then heated in a reducing gas or inert gas atmosphere to form crystalline tungsten bronze nanoparticles. Thereafter, a dispersion agent is added and the nanoparticles are dispersed in a liquid solvent medium by wet milling to form a dispersion mixture. The dispersion mixture is then mixed with polymer pellets to form a polymer mixture, and the polymer mixture is then extruded to yield polymer pellets containing highly homogeneously dispersed inorganic nanoparticles. During or after dispersion, additional particles, dyes, heat stabilizers or UV absorbers, may be added. A lens or shield is then molded from the polymer pellets.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present disclosure relates to electric-arc resistant materials and more particularly to electric-arc resistant face shields.[0002]Electrical workers are at risk from electric arcs or flashes from high voltage equipment. Electric arcs are extremely dangerous and the resulting high temperatures can cause injury through burning and can even cause immediate fatal burns. Due to the dangers involved, personal protective equipment is needed for electric arc protection, including helmets and headgear.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]The present disclosure relates to electric-arc resistant face shields incorporating IR-blocking nanoparticles.[0004]A transparent plastic composition resistant to an electric arc includes a transparent substrate material and inorganic nanoparticles. The inorganic nanoparticles are dispersed in the substrate so that the composition is substantially transparent. The substrate may be a cellulose-derived material such as cellulose acetate propionat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a new type of face shield that can resist electric arches. It is made by adding inorganic nanoparticles to a transparent plastic material. The nanoparticles are dispersed evenly throughout the plastic and help to make it resistant to electric arc. The nanoparticles used are made of tungsten or a tungsten bronze alloy. The plastic material can be a cellulose-derived material or another transparent plastic. The nanoparticles are prepared by mixing a solution of tungsten and cesium salts and then drying it. The resulting mixture is then mixed with polymer pellets and extruded to form a polymer composition with the nanoparticles evenly distributed throughout. The resulting face shield or eye safety product made from this composition has better resistance to electric arches.

Problems solved by technology

Electrical workers are at risk from electric arcs or flashes from high voltage equipment.

Electric arcs are extremely dangerous and the resulting high temperatures can cause injury through burning and can even cause immediate fatal burns.

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