Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units having metal alloy spacers and / or methods of making the same

Abstract

A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit includes an array of spacers disposed between at least a pair of substrates, such as glass substrates. Certain example embodiments relate to a spacer (e.g., a post) comprising a metal alloy or a VIG window unit comprising a metal alloy. The metal alloy of the spacer can be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., an amorphous alloy based on Zr and / or Cu). Such a metal alloy spacer advantageously reduces the thermal conductivity of the array of spacers and can increase the glass center R-value of the VIG window unit.

Description

[0001] Related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 138,587, filed December 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to spacers for use in vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) window units. More specifically, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to spacers (e.g., pillars) or VIG window units comprising metal alloys. It has been found that metal alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) have lower thermal conductivity and increased compressive strength compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the spacer comprises at least 30% (more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50%) Ti, Cu, and / or Zr by weight. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., an amorphous alloy based on Zr and / or Cu). Therefore, it has been found that using metal alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) advantageously reduces the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and increases the glass center R-value of the VIG window unit, and also provides sufficient spacing strength for the substrate of the VIG window unit. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner allows for increased spacing between adjacent spacers in the window element, which in turn allows for higher R values.

[0004] Background Technology and Summary of the Invention

[0005] Vacuum IG window units are known in the art. For example, see U.S. Patents 5,664,395, 5,657,607 and 5,902,652, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Figures 1 to 2 A conventional vacuum IG unit (vacuum IG unit or VIG unit) is shown. Vacuum IG unit 1 includes two spaced-apart glass substrates 2 and 3, which enclose a vacuum space or low-pressure space 6 between them. The glass sheets / substrates 2 and 3 are interconnected by a peripheral seal or hermetically sealed edge seal of molten solder glass 4 (or other suitable material) and an array of support spacers (e.g., pillars) 5.

[0007] The pump outlet tube 8 is hermetically sealed through solder glass 9 to a hole or opening 10, which extends from the inner surface of the glass sheet 2 to the bottom of a recess 11 in the outer surface of the glass sheet 2. Vacuum is attached to the pump outlet tube 8 such that the internal cavity between the substrates 2 and 3 can be evacuated to create a low-pressure region or space 6 with a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. After evacuation, the tube 8 is melted to seal the vacuum. The recess 11 retains the sealed tube 8. Optionally, a chemical getter 12 may be included within the recess 13 or at another suitable location.

[0008] The known material for spacer 5 is annealed 316 stainless steel. Unfortunately, 316 stainless steel has a combination of a thermal conductivity of 13.5 W / mK and a compressive yield strength of 42,000 psi. This combination of low compressive yield strength and medium to high thermal conductivity means that the spacers in the VIG window unit cannot be spaced too far apart (i.e., they must be positioned reasonably close to each other to prevent failure), which in turn contributes to the VIG window unit having an R value of approximately R-12.

[0009] Strain hardening can increase the compressive yield strength of 316 stainless steel compared to its annealed state. However, strain hardening increases the amount of martensite in the structure, making it ferromagnetic, and highly magnetic spacers cause problems during manufacturing. Furthermore, most pure metals have high thermal conductivity and low compressive yield strength.

[0010] Therefore, it should be understood that there is a need in the art to find solutions to the above problems, such as, for example, one or more of the following: (i) finding a solution that enables VIG window units to achieve higher R values ​​without significantly sacrificing strength; (ii) providing spacer materials that have higher compressive yield strength than annealed 316 stainless steel but do not have significant magnetism; and / or (iii) providing spacer materials that have lower thermal conductivity than 316 stainless steel.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, it has been found that alloyed metals both increase resistance to compressive plastic deformation and reduce thermal conductivity. Therefore, such alloys have been found to be particularly advantageous for spacers in VIG window units. Some exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to spacers (e.g., pillars) or VIG window units comprising metal alloys. It has been found that metal alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) have lower thermal conductivity and increased compressive strength compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the spacer comprises at least 30% (more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50%) Ti, Cu, and / or Zr by weight. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., an amorphous alloy based on Zr and / or Cu). For example, the spacers may have or comprise a Zr-based amorphous metal alloy containing Zr and one or more of Cu, Ni, Al, and / or Ti, wherein the Zr content is at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 40%, and most preferably at least about 50%, and sometimes at least about 60%. In another example, the spacers may have or comprise a Ti-based metal alloy containing Ti and one or more of Al and / or V, wherein the Ti content is at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 40%, and most preferably at least about 50%, and sometimes at least about 60% or at least about 80%. Therefore, it has been found that using metal alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) advantageously reduces the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and increases the glass center R-value of the VIG window cell, and also provides sufficient spacer strength for the substrate of the VIG window cell. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner allows for increased spacing between adjacent spacers in the window cell, which allows for achieving a higher R-value.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart, the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate defining a gap between them; an edge seal disposed near the periphery of the first and second substrates to form an hermetically tight seal and to help define the gap under a pressure less than atmospheric pressure; a plurality of spacers disposed between at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate of the VIG window unit to help space at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate apart; and wherein the spacers comprise a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of not more than 13.0 W / mK and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi. The metal alloy may optionally be nitrided.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy may contain Ti as the most abundant metal element, and the Ti content in the metal alloy may be at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 50%, and most preferably at least about 80%.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the metal content in the metal alloy may include at least 50% Ti, about 1% to 20% Al and about 1% to 20% V by weight.

[0015] Metal alloys can be amorphous, including non-crystalline structures. Zr or Cu can be the maximum metal element content in an amorphous metal alloy. The metal content in a metal alloy (e.g., amorphous) may contain at least 40% Zr and about 1% to 35% Cu by weight, and at least one of the following: about 1% to 30% Ni, about 1% to 15% Ti and / or about 1% to 15% Al; may contain at least 40% Zr and about 1% to 35% Cu by weight, and at least one of the following: about 1% to 15% Nb and / or about 1% to 15% Al; and / or may contain at least 30% Cu and about 1% to 35% Ti by weight, and at least one of the following: about 1% to 35% Zr, about 1% to 20% Ni and / or about 1% to 15% Sn.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: a spaced-apart first glass substrate and a second glass substrate defining a gap between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate; an edge seal disposed near the periphery of the first and second substrates to form an airtight seal and to help define the gap under a pressure less than atmospheric pressure; a plurality of spacers disposed between at least the first and second glass substrates of the VIG window unit to help space at least the first and second glass substrates apart; and wherein the spacers comprise a metal alloy having Ti as the most abundant metal element in the metal alloy, and wherein the Ti content in the metal alloy is at least about 50% by weight.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart, the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate defining a gap between them; an edge seal disposed near the periphery of the first substrate and the second substrate to form an airtight seal and to help define the gap under a pressure less than atmospheric pressure; a plurality of spacers disposed between at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate of the VIG window unit to help space at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate apart; and wherein the spacers comprise an amorphous metal alloy, wherein Zr or Cu is the most abundant metal element in the amorphous metal alloy.

[0018] The features, aspects, advantages, and exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined to achieve another embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0019] These and other features and advantages can be better and more fully understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a prior art cross-sectional view of a conventional vacuum IG cell;

[0021] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The section line shown intercepts Figure 1 Prior art top plan view of the bottom substrate, edge seals and spacers of a vacuum IG cell;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a method applicable to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figures 1 to 2 A side view of the metal alloy spacer in a VIG window unit or any other VIG window unit. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Now refer more specifically to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout several views.

[0024] Figures 1 to 2An exemplary vacuum IG unit (or VIG unit) is illustrated. The VIG window unit 1 includes two spaced-apart, substantially parallel glass substrates 2 and 3 that enclose a vacuum space or low-pressure space 6 between them. The glass sheets / substrates 2 and 3 are interconnected by an array of peripheral seals or hermetically sealed edge seals 4 made of molten solder glass or other suitable material and supporting spacers (e.g., pillars) 5. A pump tube 8 is hermetically sealed through solder glass 9 to a hole or opening 10 that extends from the inner surface of the glass sheet 2 to the bottom of a recess 11 in the outer surface of the glass sheet 2. Vacuum is attached to the pump tube 8 such that the internal cavity between substrates 2 and 3 can be evacuated to create a low-pressure region or space 6 with a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. After evacuation, the tube 8 is melted to seal the vacuum, and the spacers 5 at least space the glass substrates 2 and 3 apart from each other. The recess 11 retains the sealed tube 8. Optionally, the chemical getter 12 may be included within the recess 13 or at other suitable locations.

[0025] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to spacers (e.g., pillars) or VIG window units comprising metal alloys. It has been found that metal alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) have lower thermal conductivity and increased compressive strength compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal content of spacer 5 comprises at least 30% (more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50%) Ti, Cu, and / or Zr by weight. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., an amorphous alloy based on Zr and / or Cu). In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, the material of the spacer 5 is designed to advantageously provide one or more of the following: (i) increasing the glass center R value of the VIG window unit (e.g., at least 11.1, more preferably at least 12.0, more preferably at least 13.0, and sometimes at least 14.0, depending on the spacer spacing) without significantly sacrificing strength; (ii) providing a spacer material with higher compressive yield strength than annealed 316 stainless steel but without significant magnetism; and / or (iii) providing a spacer material with lower thermal conductivity than 316 stainless steel.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, for the material of spacer 5, the alloyed metal both increases resistance to compressive plastic deformation and reduces thermal conductivity. Such metal alloys have been found to be particularly advantageous for spacers in VIG window units.

[0027] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to spacers (e.g., pillars) 5 comprising a metal alloy or VIG window units comprising a metal alloy. Figures 1 to 3As shown, a metal alloy spacer 5 is disposed between at least glass substrates 2 and 3. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 Metal alloy spacers 5 can be used Figures 1 to 2 It can be used in a VIG window unit, or in any other VIG window unit. For example, as described herein and / or Figure 3 The metal alloy spacer 5 shown can be used in any of the VIG window units described in any of U.S. Patents 5,664,395, 5,657,607, 5,902,652, 10,703,667, 10,683,695, 10,590,695, 10,465,433 and / or 10,435,938, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. It has been found that, compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers, Figure 3 The metal alloy spacer 5 shown (e.g., an alloy containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) has lower thermal conductivity and increased compressive strength. In some exemplary embodiments, the spacer contains at least 30% (more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50%) Ti, Cu, and / or Zr by weight. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of the spacer can be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., an amorphous alloy based on Zr and / or Cu). Exemplary spacer materials are listed in the table below. It can be seen that most pure metals (e.g., Al, Ni, Zr, and Ti in the table below) have high thermal conductivity values ​​and low compressive yield strength, which is undesirable for use in VIG spacers 5. Lowering the thermal conductivity will reduce the heat transferred between the glass sheets.

[0028]

[0029] Alloying pure metals increases resistance to compressive plastic deformation and reduces thermal conductivity. Increased compressive yield allows for increased space between each individual pillar, thereby reducing the number of potential sites of heat conduction between the glass panes. The titanium-based alloy Ti-6Al-4V (also known as titanium 6-4) is an exemplary material for the spacer 5 according to an example of the invention, and is composed, for example, about 6% Al, about 4% V, and about 90% Ti. It can be seen that, for example, exemplary spacer 5 material alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V (also known as titanium 6-4), Timet 685, and Hastelloy C276 all have lower thermal conductivity and significantly higher compressive yield strength than annealed 316 stainless steel. Therefore, it should be understood that exemplary spacer 5 material alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V (also known as titanium 6-4), Timet 685, and Hastelloy C276 represent a significant improvement over annealed 316 stainless steel in terms of spacer material, and allow for higher R-values ​​in the VIG window unit and / or allow the spacers 5 to be further spaced apart without sacrificing durability. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the material of spacer 5 is designed to have: (a) a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi, more preferably at least 100,000 psi, more preferably at least 150,000 psi, and most preferably at least 200,000 psi, and / or (b) a thermal conductivity of not more than 13.0 W / mK, more preferably not more than 12.0 W / mK, even more preferably not more than 11.0 W / mK, and most preferably not more than 10.0 W / mK or 9.0 W / mK. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, Ti-based alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V (also known as titanium 6-4) and Timet 685, as well as Ni-Mo-Cr alloys such as Hastelloy C276, may be suitable for spacer 5. For example, Ti-6Al-4V under solution-aged heat treatment conditions provides improved compressive yield strength (155,000 psi) and thermal conductivity (6.7 W / mK) compared to annealed 316 stainless steel at only 42,000 psi. Other Ti-based alloys, such as Timet 685, can be used. An additional beneficial effect of such titanium alloys is that they are neither ferromagnetic nor paramagnetic, which allows for easy placement of pillars during manufacturing.

[0030] Optionally, vapor-phase nitriding can be used to increase compressive yield strength. Vapor-phase nitriding (e.g., vapor-phase nitriding of Ti-based alloys – see table above) is a secondary heat treatment process in which nitrogen atoms diffuse into the lattice of the titanium alloy. The nitrogen atoms are located at interstitial atomic sites, which results in increased flow strength and hardness without the formation of significant titanium nitride on the surface or in the bulk. This is advantageous because the thermal conductivity is significantly higher than that of Ti alloys.

[0031] For example, the spacer 5 of the VIG window unit may have or contain a Ti-based metal alloy comprising one or more of Ti and Al and / or V, wherein the Ti content is at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 40%, and most preferably at least about 50%, and sometimes at least about 60% or at least about 80%. For example, in addition to Ti, the metal content of the spacer 5 may also contain about 1% to 20% Al (more preferably about 2% to 10%, and most preferably about 4% to 8% by weight) and about 1% to 20% V (more preferably about 1% to 10%, and most preferably about 2% to 6%). Ti-6Al-4V (also known as titanium 6-4) is an example of such a Ti-based alloy.

[0032] As another example, spacer 5 may have or comprise a Zr-based amorphous metallic alloy containing Zr and one or more of Cu, Ni, Al, and / or Ti, wherein the Zr content is at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 40%, and most preferably at least about 50%, and sometimes at least about 60%. Thus, it has been found that using metallic alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) advantageously reduces the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and increases the glass center R-value of the VIG window cell, and also provides sufficient spacer strength for the substrate of the VIG window cell. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner allows for increased spacing between adjacent spacers in the window cell, which allows for achieving a higher R-value.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of spacer 5 may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., an amorphous alloy based on Zr and / or Cu). For example, the spacer may have or comprise a Zr-based amorphous metal alloy containing Zr and one or more of Cu, Ni, Al, and / or Ti, wherein the Zr content is at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 40%, and most preferably at least about 50%, and sometimes at least about 60%. It has been found that using such spacers advantageously reduces the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and increases the glass center R-value of the VIG window unit, and also provides sufficient spacing strength for the substrate of the VIG window unit. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner allows for increased spacing between adjacent spacers in the window unit, which allows for achieving a higher R-value.

[0034] The amorphous alloys used for spacer 5 (e.g., VIT 105, VIT 106, VIT 601, AMZ4, or AMC4) are characterized by their disordered, amorphous structure compared to metals and other typical alloys. Different metals can be combined and melted together under heating to form a liquid. When this liquid is rapidly cooled, the metal atoms retain a liquid-like random position from the melt during the formation of the amorphous alloy. The alloy system can be selected such that there is no significant phase transition from liquid to solid, which in turn results in near-net-shape parts that can be manufactured by casting, 3D printing, or injection molding (spacer 5 can therefore be manufactured by any of these techniques, including but not limited to 3D printing of glass for VIG cells). In the absence of lattice defects, there are few or no grains or phase boundaries, and few or no compositional changes. Several exemplary Zr and Cu-based amorphous alloys that can be used for spacer 5 herein are compared with conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. For example, the VIT 105 amorphous alloy consists of 16% Cu, 12% Ni, 3% Ti, 4% Al, and the balance (e.g., about 65%) is essentially Zr. As another example, the AMZ4 amorphous alloy consists of 24% Cu, 4% Al, 2% Nb, and the balance (e.g., about 70%) is essentially Zr. As yet another example, the AMC4 amorphous alloy consists of 26% Ti, 16% Zr, 8% Ni, 4% Sn, and the balance (e.g., about 46%) is essentially Cu.

[0035]

[0036] It can be seen that, compared to annealed 316 stainless steel, VIT 105, AMZ4 and AMC4 amorphous alloys are advantageous because they have lower thermal conductivity and / or higher compressive yield strength.

[0037] In certain exemplary amorphous alloy embodiments of the present invention for spacer 5, the amorphous metal alloy used for spacer 5 may have or contain at least 40% Zr, more preferably at least 50% Zr, and most preferably at least 60% Zr by weight relative to the metal content of the alloy; about 1% to 35% Cu, more preferably about 10% to 30% Cu, and most preferably about 15% to 25% Cu; about 1% to 30% Ni, more preferably about 5% to 20% Ni, and most preferably about 10% to 15% Ni; about 1% to 15% Ti, more preferably about 1% to 10% Ti, and most preferably about 1% to 5% Ti; and / or about 1% to 15% Al, more preferably about 1% to 10% Al, and most preferably about 1% to 5% Al.

[0038] In certain exemplary amorphous alloy embodiments of the present invention for spacer 5, the amorphous metal alloy used for spacer 5 may have or contain at least 40% Zr, more preferably at least 50% Zr, and most preferably at least 60% Zr by weight relative to the metal content of the alloy; about 1% to 35% Cu, more preferably about 10% to 30% Cu, and most preferably about 15% to 25% Cu; about 1% to 15% Nb, more preferably about 1% to 10% Nb, and most preferably about 1% to 5% Nb; and / or about 1% to 15% Al, more preferably about 1% to 10% Al, and most preferably about 1% to 5% Al.

[0039] In certain exemplary amorphous alloy embodiments of the present invention for spacer 5, the amorphous metal alloy used for spacer 5 may have or contain at least 30% Cu by weight, more preferably at least 40% Cu, relative to the metal content of the alloy; about 1% to 35% Ti, more preferably about 10% to 35% Ti, and most preferably about 20% to 30% Ti; about 1% to 35% Zr, more preferably about 5% to 30% Zr, and most preferably about 10% to 22% Zr; about 1% to 20% Ni, more preferably about 2% to 15% Ni, and most preferably about 5% to 12% Ni; and / or 1% to 15% Sn, more preferably about 1% to 10% Sn, and most preferably 2% to 8% Sn.

[0040] Additional heat treatment of bulk metallic glass based on zirconia can produce zirconia (e.g., ZrO2) on the surface of the column. This thin layer of zirconia (e.g., ZrO2) can create a thermal barrier between the bulk amorphous metallic column and the glass while maintaining the mechanical properties of the amorphous alloy. ZrO2 has a thermal conductivity of approximately 1.7 W / m K. For example, heat treatment at a temperature of 225°C to 275°C for 30 to 60 minutes in an oxygen-rich atmosphere produces a zirconia (e.g., ZrO2) surface oxide on at least one or all sides of the spacer.

[0041] The calculated thermal conductivity of various spacers was then imported into a VIG R-value calculator to determine their impact on the thermal performance of the VIG window cell. Ti-6Al-4V (also known as titanium 6-4 or Ti-6-4) and Heraeus amorphous alloy VIT105 spacers are compared to stainless steel pillars below. Due to increased compressive strength (e.g., resulting in larger pillar spacing) and decreased thermal conductivity, for example, but not limited to, Ti6-4 and VIT105 can achieve VIG cell R-values ​​of 20.3 and 25.7, respectively (which are significantly higher than conventional stainless steel spacers / pillars). The analytical results and the parameters leading to the calculations are shown below. It should be noted that double Ag and triple Ag refer to different types of low-E coatings on the inner surface of one of the glass substrates of the VIG cell.

[0042]

[0043] Therefore, it should be understood that, compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers (e.g., columns), spacers according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can allow VIG window units to achieve higher R values.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart, the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate defining a gap between them; an edge seal disposed near the periphery of the first substrate and the second substrate to form an airtight seal and to help define the gap under a pressure less than atmospheric pressure; a plurality of spacers disposed between at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate of the VIG window unit to help space at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate apart; and wherein the spacers comprise a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of not more than 13.0 W / mK and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi.

[0045] In the VIG window unit described in the previous paragraph, the spacer may comprise a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of not more than 12.0 W / mK, more preferably not more than 11.0 W / mK, more preferably not more than 10.0 W / mK, and most preferably not more than 9.0 W / mK.

[0046] In any of the first two paragraphs, the spacer in the VIG cell may comprise a metal alloy having a compressive yield strength of at least 100,000 psi, more preferably at least 150,000 psi, and most preferably at least 200,000 psi.

[0047] In any of the first three paragraphs, the metal alloy may be nitrided in the VIG unit.

[0048] In any one of the first four paragraphs, the VIG unit may contain Ti as the most abundant metallic element, and the Ti content in the metallic alloy may be at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 50%, and most preferably at least about 80%.

[0049] In any of the first five paragraphs, the metal content of the VIG unit may include at least 50% Ti, about 1% to 20% Al and about 1% to 20% V by weight.

[0050] In any of the VIG units described in the first six paragraphs, the metal alloy may be amorphous, including non-crystalline structures. Zr or Cu may be the most abundant metal element in the amorphous metal alloy.

[0051] In any of the preceding seven paragraphs, the metal content of the VIG unit may contain at least 40% Zr by weight.

[0052] In any one of the preceding eight paragraphs, the metal content in the metal alloy may include at least 40% Zr and about 1% to 35% Cu by weight, and at least one of the following: about 1% to 30% Ni, about 1% to 15% Ti and / or 1% to 15% Al.

[0053] In any one of the preceding nine paragraphs, the metal content in the metal alloy may include at least 40% Zr and about 1% to 35% Cu by weight, and at least one of the following: about 1% to 15% Nb and / or about 1% to 15% Al.

[0054] In any one of the preceding ten paragraphs, the metal content in the metal alloy may include at least 30% Cu and about 1% to 35% Ti by weight, and at least one of the following: about 1% to 35% Zr, about 1% to 20% Ni and / or about 1% to 15% Sn.

[0055] In any of the preceding eleven paragraphs, at least one of the spacers in the VIG cell may include a coating on its surface. The coating may have or comprise a ceramic, such as an oxide of zirconium (e.g., ZrO2). The coating may be located on one, two, three, or all sides of at least one of the spacers. The coating may be formed by heat treatment.

[0056] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments that are now considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit, the vacuum insulated glass window unit comprising: A first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart, with a gap defined between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate; An edge seal is disposed near the periphery of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate to form an airtight seal and to help define the gap under pressure less than atmospheric pressure. A plurality of spacers are disposed between at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate of the VIG window unit to help space at least the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate apart; and The spacer comprises an amorphous metal alloy including an amorphous structure, and the spacer comprises a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of not more than 13.0 W / mK and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi.

2. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a thermal conductivity of not more than 12.0 W / mK.

3. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a thermal conductivity of not more than 11.0 W / mK.

4. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a thermal conductivity of not more than 10.0 W / mK.

5. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a thermal conductivity of not more than 9.0 W / mK.

6. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a compressive yield strength of at least 100,000 psi.

7. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a compressive yield strength of at least 150,000 psi.

8. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy has a compressive yield strength of at least 200,000 psi.

9. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the amorphous metal alloy is nitrided.

10. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein Zr or Cu has the maximum metal content in the amorphous metal alloy.

11. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the metal content of the amorphous metal alloy comprises at least 40% Zr by weight.

12. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the metal content in the amorphous metal alloy comprises at least 40% Zr and 1% to 35% Cu by weight, and at least one of the following: 1% to 30% Ni, 1% to 15% Ti and / or 1% to 15% Al.

13. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the metal content of the amorphous metal alloy comprises at least 40% Zr and 1% to 35% Cu by weight, and at least one of the following: 1% to 15% Nb and / or 1% to 15% Al.

14. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the metal content in the amorphous metal alloy comprises at least 30% Cu and 1% to 35% Ti by weight, and at least one of the following: 1% to 35% Zr, 1% to 20% Ni and / or 1% to 15% Sn.

15. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the spacers comprises a coating on its surface.

16. The VIG window unit of claim 15, wherein the coating comprises an oxide of zirconium.

17. The VIG window unit of claim 15, wherein the coating comprises ZrO2.

18. The VIG window unit of claim 15, wherein the coating is disposed on all sides of the at least one spacer.

19. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the metal content of the amorphous metal alloy comprises at least 50% by weight Zr.

20. The VIG window unit of claim 1, wherein the metal content of the amorphous metal alloy comprises at least 60% by weight Zr.

21. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the metal content in the amorphous metal alloy comprises 10% to 30% Cu by weight.

22. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the metal content in the amorphous metal alloy comprises 15% to 25% Cu by weight.

23. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the metal content in the amorphous metal alloy comprises 5% to 20% Ni by weight.

24. The VIG window unit according to claim 1, wherein the metal content in the amorphous metal alloy comprises 2% to 15% Ni by weight.

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