Sealing of electrochromic devices

Abstract

An electrochromic article includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate. The second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate, and a first electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate. A second electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate. A sealant material is positioned between the first and second electrodes. An electrochromic composition is positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode. The sealant material has an oxygen permeability (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cc·mm / m. 2 The organic polymer material of ·day·atm is formed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 091683, filed on October 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a transparent electrochromic device, and more specifically, to a transparent electrochromic device having a single sealant material. Background Technology

[0004] Electrochromic switchable transparent elements are typically used when it is necessary to alter the visible light transmittance through transparent or glass components. For example, but not limited to, switchable transparent elements can be used in building transparent elements to provide users with the ability to increase or decrease the visible light transmittance of the transparent element. In the context of fully automated vehicles, it is conceivable that electrochromic switchable transparent elements could be used as windshields.

[0005] One type of electrochromic transparent element or system includes an electrochromic composition having an anodic compound and a cathodic compound both located between a pair of spaced-apart electrode assemblies. An arranged electrode assembly includes electrodes mounted on a glass plate surface. The pair of electrode assemblies are mounted spaced apart from each other, and the electrodes are mounted facing each other and in electrical contact with the electrochromic composition between the electrodes.

[0006] More than one sealant material is used to hold the electrochromic composition between the two electrode assemblies in place and isolate it from the environment. Electrochromic transparent parts typically utilize a mechanical barrier in contact with the electrochromic composition to hold the electrochromic material in place, and a permeable barrier in contact with the mechanical barrier to keep moisture and oxygen away from the electrochromic composition.

[0007] It is understandable that in electrochromic transparent parts, it would be advantageous to provide a single sealant material that serves as both a mechanical barrier and a permeation barrier. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention relates to an electrochromic article. The electrochromic article includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate. The second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate. A first electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate. A second electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated. A sealant material is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. An electrochromic composition is positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode. The sealant material has an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter at atmospheric pressure (cc·mm / m²). 2 Organic polymer materials (·day·atm) are formed.

[0009] This invention also relates to a method for preparing an electrochromic article. A first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface is provided. A first electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate. A sealant material is applied, making it directly contact at least a portion of the first electrode. An electrochromic composition is applied, making it directly contact at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the sealant material. A second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface is provided. A second electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate. The first substrate comprising the first electrode, the sealant material, and the electrochromic composition is contacted with the second substrate comprising the second electrode, such that the second electrode makes direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material. Pressure and heat are applied to form the electrochromic article. The sealant material has an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter at atmospheric pressure (cc·mm / m²). 2 Organic polymer materials (·day·atm) are formed.

[0010] This invention relates to an insulating glass unit. The insulating glass unit includes a modified first sheet. The modified first sheet includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate. The second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate. A first electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate. A second electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated. A sealant material is positioned between the first and second electrodes. An electrochromic composition is positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode. The sealant material has an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter at atmospheric pressure (cc·mm / m²).2 The insulating glass unit is formed from an organic polymer material (atm). It comprises a second layer having surfaces 3 and 4. The second layer is spaced apart from the first modified layer, and the first and second layers are bonded together.

[0011] Brief description of the attached figures

[0012] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of an electrochromic article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of an electrochromic article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of an electrochromic article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of an electrochromic article according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an insulating glass unit including an electrochromic article according to an embodiment of the present invention. Invention Details

[0018] As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are relevant to the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention may take various alternative orientations, and therefore these terms should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, all figures representing dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, ingredient quantities, reaction conditions, etc., as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to be modified by the term “about” in all cases. Therefore, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values ​​stated in the specification and claims may vary depending on the desired performance sought to be obtained according to the invention. At least, and not in an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalence to the scope of the claims, each numerical value should be interpreted at least according to the number of significant figures reported and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all scopes disclosed herein should be understood to include the starting and ending range values ​​and any and all sub-ranges contained therein. For example, the specified range of "1 to 10" should be considered as including any and all subranges (including endpoints) between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges that begin with a minimum value of 1 or greater and end with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as 1 to 3.3, 4.7 to 7.5, 5.5 to 10, and so on. "A" or "an" refers to one or more.

[0019] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “formed over,” “deposited over,” or “provided over” mean formed, deposited, or provided on a surface, but not necessarily in contact with the surface. For example, a coating “formed over” a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other layers or films of the same or different composition between the formed coating and the substrate. Additionally, all documents mentioned herein, such as, but not limited to, published patents and patent applications, are to be considered “incorporated in their entirety by reference.” As used herein, the term “film” refers to a coating area of ​​a desired or selected coating composition. A “layer” may include one or more “films,” while a “coating” or “coating stack” may contain one or more “layers.” The term “asymmetric reflectance” refers to a coating whose visible light reflectance from one side differs from that from the other side.

[0020] For the purposes of the following discussion, the electrochromic articles described herein may be discussed with reference to the use of architectural transparent elements, such as, but not limited to, insulating glass units (IGUs). As used herein, the term "architectural transparent element" refers to any transparent element located on a building, such as, but not limited to, windows and skylights. However, it should be understood that the electrochromic articles described herein are not limited to use with such architectural transparent elements, but can be practiced with transparent elements in any desired field, such as, but not limited to, laminated or non-laminated residential and / or commercial windows, insulating glass units, and / or for land, air, space, water, and underwater vehicles, such as autonomous vehicles. Therefore, it should be understood that the specifically disclosed exemplary aspects or embodiments are only used to explain the general concept of the invention, and the invention is not limited to these specific exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, while a typical "transparent element" may have sufficient visible light transmittance to allow objects to be seen through it, a "transparent element" does not need to be transparent to visible light, but may be translucent or opaque. That is, "transparent" means a visible light transmittance greater than 0% to 100%.

[0021] Non-limiting electrochromic articles 10 incorporating the features of the present invention, such as Figure 1A As shown. The electrochromic article 10 includes a first substrate 12 having a first surface 14 and an opposing second surface 16, and a substrate 18 separated from the first substrate 12 by having a third surface 20 and an opposing second surface 22. The second surface 16 of the first substrate 12 faces the third surface 20 of the second substrate 18. A first electrode 24 is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface 16 of the first substrate 12. A second electrode 30 is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface 20 of the second substrate 18, wherein the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30 are separated. A sealant material 36 is positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. An electrochromic composition 38 is positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode 24 and at least a portion of the second electrode 30. Figure 1A As further shown, the electrochromic composition 38 comprises a first electrode 24, a second electrode 30, and a sealant material 36.

[0022] It is understood that the electrochromic article 10 described herein can be used as a transparent element. Thus, the transparent element may include a first substrate 12 having a first surface 14 (surface 1) and an opposing second surface 16 (surface 2). The electrochromic article 10 includes a second sheet 18 having a first surface 20 (surface 3) and an opposing second surface 22 (surface 4). The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 are separated. Surface 14 of the first substrate 12 faces surface 20 of the second substrate 18. The electrochromic article 10 may have any desired visible light, infrared radiation, or ultraviolet radiation transmittance and / or reflectance.

[0023] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, surface 14 faces the exterior of the building and is therefore an outer surface, while surface 26 faces the interior of the building. In the non-limiting embodiment, surface 320 faces the exterior of the building and is therefore an outer surface, while surface 42 faces the interior of the building.

[0024] In a wide practice of this invention, the substrates 12 and 18 of the electrochromic article 10 may be the same or different materials. The substrates 12 and 18 may comprise any desired material having any desired properties. For example, one or more of the substrates 12 and 18 may be transparent or translucent to visible light. "Transparent" means having a visible light transmittance greater than 0% up to 100%. Alternatively, one or more of the substrates 12 and 18 may be translucent. "Translucent" means allowing electromagnetic energy (such as visible light) to pass through, but scattering this energy, making it difficult for an observer to see objects on the opposite side. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastic substrates (e.g., acrylic polymers, such as polyacrylates; polyalkyl methacrylates, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polypropyl methacrylate, etc.; polyurethanes; polycarbonates; polyalkyl terephthalates, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc.; polymers containing polysiloxanes; or copolymers of any monomers used to prepare these polymers, or any mixtures thereof); ceramic substrates; glass substrates; or any mixtures or combinations thereof. For example, one or more of substrates 12, 18 may comprise conventional soda-lime silicate glass, borosilicate glass, or lead-containing glass. The glass may be transparent. “Transparent glass” means uncolored or uncolored glass. Alternatively, the glass may be colored or otherwise tinted glass. The glass may be annealed or heat-treated glass. As used herein, the term “heat-treated” means tempering or at least partial tempering. The glass can be of any type, such as conventional float glass, and can be of any composition with any optical properties, such as any value of visible light transmittance, ultraviolet transmittance, infrared transmittance, and / or total solar transmittance. "Float glass" refers to glass formed by a conventional float process, in which molten glass is deposited onto a bath of molten metal and cooled in a controlled manner to form a float glass ribbon. Examples of the float glass process are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,466,562 and 4,671,155.

[0025] For example, substrates 12 and 18 may each comprise transparent float glass, or may be colored or tinted glass, or one of substrates 12 and 18 may be transparent glass while the other of substrates 12 and 18 may be tinted glass. While not limiting, examples of glass suitable for the first substrate 12 and / or the second substrate 18 are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,746,347, 4,792,536, 5,030,593, 5,030,594, 5,240,886, 5,385,872, and 5,393,593. Substrates 12 and 18 may have any desired dimensions, such as length, width, shape, or thickness. In an exemplary automotive transparent component, the first and second layers may each have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 1 mm to 8 mm, 2 mm to 8 mm, 3 mm to 7 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm, 6 mm, or 4 mm.

[0026] As previously described, the electrochromic article 10 includes a first electrode 24. The first electrode 24 is positioned above at least a portion of a second surface 16 of a first substrate 12. The end of the first substrate 12 may extend further than the first electrode 24. The first electrode 24 may have one or more connections (not shown), which may be made of one or more external circuits (not shown) to allow current to flow through the first electrode 24. Furthermore, the first electrode 24 has a first surface 26 and a second surface 28. The first surface 26 of the first electrode 24 is supported on the second surface 16 of the first substrate 12 and is preferably securely mounted on the second surface. When the electrochromic article 10 is in its "off", "uncolored", or "bleached" state, the first electrode 24 is transparent to visible light. The first electrode 24 may be an anode or a cathode. The first electrode 24 may include, but is not limited to, indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO), indium-doped zinc oxide (IZO), silver doping, silver, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. The first electrode 24 may also comprise one or more layers of dielectric material, such as oxides of the following elements: titanium, hafnium, zirconium, niobium, zinc, bismuth, lead, indium, tin, aluminum, silicon, and mixtures thereof, for the durability or modification of the optical properties of the electrochromic article 10. The first electrode 24 may be deposited on the second surface 16 of the first substrate 12 by conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and / or physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods. Examples of CVD processes include spray pyrolysis. Examples of PVD processes include electron beam evaporation and vacuum sputtering (e.g., magnetron sputtering vapor deposition (MSVD)). Other coating methods may also be used, such as, but not limited to, wet precursor methods. The first electrode 24 may comprise one or more layers of the aforementioned materials. Although not limiting for the purposes of this invention, the thickness of the first electrode 24 may range from 500 Å to 10000 Å, for example, from 950 Å to 3000 Å, or from 950 Å to 2000 Å.

[0027] Refer again Figure 1A The electrochromic article 10 also includes a second electrode 30. The second electrode 30 is positioned above at least a portion of surface 20 3 of the second substrate 18. The end of the second substrate 18 may extend further than the second electrode 30. Figure 1AAs shown, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30 are separated. The second electrode 30 may have one or more connections (not shown), which may be made of one or more external circuits (not shown) to allow current to flow through the second electrode 30. Furthermore, the second electrode 30 has a first surface 32 and a second surface 34. The first surface 32 of the second electrode 30 faces the second surface 28 of the first electrode. The second surface 34 of the second electrode 30 is supported on and preferably securely mounted on surface 20 of the second substrate 18. When the electrochromic article 10 is in its "off," "uncolored," or "bleached" state, the second electrode 30 is transparent to visible light. The second electrode 30 may be an anode or a cathode. The second electrode 30 may include any material described above with respect to the first electrode 24, such as ITO, FTO, AZO, GZO, IZO, doped silver, silver, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof. The second electrode 30 may also have one or more layers of dielectric material and may include any material described above with respect to the first electrode 24, such as oxides of the following elements: titanium, hafnium, zirconium, niobium, zinc, bismuth, lead, indium, tin, aluminum, silicon, and mixtures thereof. The second electrode 30 may be deposited onto the first surface 20 of the second substrate 18 by the method described above with respect to the first electrode 24. The second electrode 30 may comprise one or more layers of the aforementioned material. The second electrode 30 may be formed of the same material as the first electrode 24, or the second electrode 30 may be formed of a material different from that of the first electrode 30. Although not limiting for the purposes of this invention, the thickness of the second electrode 30 may range from 500 Å to 10000 Å, for example, from 950 Å to 3000 Å or from 950 Å to 2000 Å.

[0028] As previously described, the electrochromic article 10 also includes a sealant material 36. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is the only sealant material in the electrochromic article 10. The sealant material 36 is positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. The sealant material 36 can be in direct contact with the second surface 28 of the first electrode 24 and the first surface 32 of the second electrode 30. The edge of the first electrode 24 can extend further than the sealant material 36. Similarly, the edge of the second electrode 30 can also extend further than the sealant material 36.

[0029] The sealant material 36 can be applied in any shape suitable for the electrochromic article 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is shaped like a frame to define the outer boundary or border of the electrochromic composition 38, such as... Figure 1AAs shown. In one non-limiting embodiment, the electrochromic composition 38 is applied within the framework of the sealant material 36. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 overlaps the electrochromic composition 38 in a stepped orientation, as shown. Figure 1B As shown.

[0030] The sealant material 36 is adjacent to the electrochromic composition 38 and can be associated with each other in various configurations. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is in direct contact with the electrochromic composition 38. In another non-limiting embodiment, a gap with a vacuum or inert gas exists between the sealant material 36 and the electrochromic composition 38. Furthermore, in one non-limiting embodiment, there is no additional material between the sealant material 36 and the electrochromic composition 38. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 surrounds the electrochromic composition 38. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 overlaps with the electrochromic composition 38. Furthermore, in one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is in direct contact simultaneously with at least a portion of the second surface 28 of the first electrode 24, at least a portion of the electrochromic composition 38, and at least a portion of the first surface 32 of the second electrode 30.

[0031] The sealant material 36 serves as both a mechanical barrier and a permeability barrier. A suitable sealant material 36 for the electrochromic article 10 is a material possessing the following properties: good adhesion to the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 and / or the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30; low permeability to oxygen, moisture, and other harmful vapors and gases; chemical inertness relative to the materials used to construct the electrochromic article 10; and transparency. The sealant material 36 is intended to contain and protect the electrochromic composition 38. The sealant material 36 must not react with the electrochromic composition 38 to create an undesirable aesthetic. As used herein, "undesirable aesthetic" refers to discoloration or unwanted performance degradation. The sealant material 36 is resistant to degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation.

[0032] The selected sealant material 36 has a pressure of less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter atmosphere (cc·mm / m). 2 Oxygen permeability (OTR) of 1 cc·mm / m (atm) for example, less than or equal to 1 cc·mm / m 2 • day • atm, or for example, less than or equal to 0.5 cc • mm / m 2 • Days • atm. However, those skilled in the art will understand that a wider sealant material 36 would allow for a higher OTR.

[0033] One or more connections (not shown) from the external circuit (not shown) to the first electrode 24 may extend through the sealant material 36. One or more connections (not shown) from the external circuit (not shown) to the second electrode 30 may extend through the sealant material 36.

[0034] One or more connections (not shown) from the external circuit (not shown) to the first electrode 24 do not extend through the sealant material 36. One or more connections (not shown) from the external circuit (not shown) to the second electrode 30 do not extend through the sealant material 36.

[0035] The sealant material 36 is selected to have a suitable glass transition temperature (Tg) or viscosity such that the sealant material 36 does not flow into the viewing area of ​​the electrochromic device, does not flow and mix with the electrochromic composition 38, or flows outward across the edge of the glass.

[0036] Sealant materials can be formed from one or more organic polymer materials. As used herein, the term "resin" is used interchangeably with "polymer," which refers to oligomers and homopolymers, copolymers, and graft polymers. Homopolymers contain one type of building block or monomer, while copolymers contain more than one type of monomer. An "oligomer" can be a polymer containing a smaller number of monomers, such as 3 to 100 monomer residues.

[0037] Polymers can have various structures, such as block polymers. A "block polymer" is a polymer comprising one or more homopolymer subunits covalently linked to, or spaced apart from, subunits with different chemical properties, or separated by low-molecular-weight coupling groups. A block copolymer is a block polymer containing two or more different homopolymer subunit segments connected in any topological configuration.

[0038] If a specified monomer is incorporated into a polymer, the polymer is said to "contain" or "derive from" that monomer. Therefore, the incorporated monomer in a polymer differs from the monomer prior to its incorporation, at least because some linking groups are incorporated into the polymer backbone or some groups are removed during polymerization. If a specific type of bond exists in the polymer, the polymer is said to contain that bond. The incorporated monomer can be a "residue" of that monomer. A "macromonomer" refers to a monomer subunit used for incorporation into a copolymer; it can be a macromolecule with at least one end group that enables it to function as a monomer molecule. It can be a combination of two or more smaller monomer residues.

[0039] As used herein, a “moiety” is a part of a molecule and may include, as a class of “residues” which are portions of a compound or monomer that are retained in a larger molecule (e.g., a polymer chain) after the compound or monomer has been incorporated into it, or as a “functional group” that is a specific substituent or moiety attributable to a characteristic chemical reactivity, non-covalent interaction, physical property, or other chemical or physical property.

[0040] Organic polymeric materials used for sealant materials can include a variety of thermosetting resins known in the art. As used herein, the term "thermosetting" refers to a resin that is irreversibly "consolidated" upon curing or crosslinking, wherein the polymer chains of the polymer components are bonded together by covalent bonds. This property is generally associated with the crosslinking reaction of the composition components, which is typically induced by, for example, heat or radiation (e.g., UV radiation).

[0041] As previously mentioned, organic polymer materials may also include thermoplastic resins. As used herein, the term "thermoplastic" refers to a resin that is not covalently bonded and therefore can flow as a liquid when heated.

[0042] Non-limiting examples of suitable organic polymer materials include (meth)acrylate resins, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyesters, polysiloxanes, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. As used herein, “(meth)acrylate” and similar terms refer to acrylates and the corresponding methacrylates. The term “polyurethane” refers to a compound having a “-urethane-” structure comprising multiple urethane bonds, typically formed by the reaction of a polyisocyanate and a polyol. Polyurethanes can also be poly(urea urethane) prepared by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyol and water and / or an amine, and may include additional linkages such as urea bonds. “Polyolefin” refers to a compound formed from at least one olefinic monomer (e.g., α-unsaturated C2-C... 32 Polymers formed from olefins. As used herein, "siloxane" is a compound having one or more Si-O-Si bonds, for example,

[0043]

[0044] In each case, R is an organic group or H, such as a straight-chain or branched C1-C4 alkyl group, including methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, or phenyl C1-C4 alkyl, such as phenylmethyl or phenylethyl, optionally substituted with one or more halogen (-F, -Cl, -Br and / or -I) atoms. n typically varies between 1 and 2000, with a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of, for example, about 1000 to about 10000, and increments therein. For polysiloxanes, n is greater than 1, for example, 10-200 or 10-50.

[0045] Polymers forming organic polymer materials can include linear, branched, or cyclic structures. The term "linear" refers to a compound having a straight hydrocarbon chain, "branched" refers to a compound in which hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon chain are replaced by substituents (e.g., alkyl groups branching from or extending from the linear chain), and "cyclic" refers to a closed-ring structure. Polymers can also include aliphatic or aromatic cyclic structures. As used herein, "aromatic group" refers to a cyclic conjugated hydrocarbon whose stability (due to delocalization) is significantly greater than that of a hypothetically localized structure. Furthermore, the term "aliphatic" refers to a non-aromatic structure containing saturated carbon bonds. Cyclic structures also include bridged polycyclic alkyl groups (or bridged polycyclic groups) and fused polycyclic alkyl groups (or fused polycyclic groups).

[0046] In addition, organic polymer materials can have any number of functional groups, including but not limited to carboxylic acid groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, thiol groups, urethane groups, amide groups, urea groups, isocyanate groups (including block isocyanate groups), and combinations thereof.

[0047] Thermosetting resins typically include a crosslinking agent, which can be selected from any crosslinking agent known in the art to react with the functionality of one or more resins. Therefore, sealant material 36 may also include a crosslinking agent. As used herein, the term "crosslinking agent" refers to a molecule containing two or more functional groups reactive with other functional groups and capable of linking two or more monomers or polymers by chemical bonds. Alternatively or supplemented, organic polymer materials may have functional groups reactive with themselves; in this way, such resins are self-crosslinked.

[0048] In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is a (meth)acrylic acid-polyurethane copolymer. The sealant material 36 comprising the (meth)acrylic acid-polyurethane copolymer can be cured using ultraviolet radiation.

[0049] In one non-limiting example, the polyester used for sealant material 36 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In one non-limiting example, the PET is biaxially oriented and is commercially available as Mylar® M813.

[0050] In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 comprises a polysiloxane. A non-limiting example of a suitable polysiloxane is Sylgard® 184. Sylgard® 184 is a silicone elastomer comprising a polydimethylsiloxane and an organically modified silica (e.g., ORMOSIL). Sylgard® 184 is prepared by combining a base material (part A) with a curing agent (part B). The base material comprises a siloxane (dimethylvinyl-terminated dimethylsiloxane) and ORMOSIL (dimethylpropylene- and trimethylated silica) in a solvent (ethylbenzene). The curing agent further comprises a mixture of the siloxane and ORMOSIL in a solvent, comprising: dimethyl,methylhydrosiloxane; dimethylvinyl-terminated dimethylsiloxane; dimethylvinyl- and trimethylated silica; tetramethyltetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane; and ethylbenzene.

[0051] As used herein, the term "elastomer" refers to a polymeric material that, at temperatures such as room temperature (e.g., 20°C–30°C) or physiological temperatures (e.g., 35°C–40°C), is capable of repeatedly restoring its size and shape after the removal of deformation forces. An elastomer can be a material that can be repeatedly stretched to at least 1.5X, at least 2X, or at least 3X of its original length and will repeatedly return to approximately its original length upon stress release.

[0052] In one non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is a non-epoxide-based organic polymer material. As used herein, "non-epoxide-based" means an organic polymer that does not have epoxide functional groups, or has a negligible amount of epoxide functional groups, such as less than 1 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, or 0 wt%. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sealant material 36 does not contain epoxide functional groups. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sealant material 36 includes a negligible amount of epoxide functional groups such that the epoxide functional groups do not contribute to the reaction with the electrochromic composition 38 to provide any undesirable effects (e.g., discoloration, such as yellowing).

[0053] The electrochromic article 10 includes an electrochromic composition 38. The electrochromic composition 38 can be any electrochromic composition known in the art, such as an electrochromic solution, an electrochromic gel, an electrochromic semi-solid material, an electrochromic solid material, etc. The electrochromic composition 38 can be a solution-phase electrochromic composition or a gel-phase electrochromic composition, wherein the material contained in the solution in an ion-conducting electrolyte remains in the solution within the electrolyte upon electrochemical reduction or oxidation. Alternatively, the electrochromic composition 38 can be an electrodeposition-type electrochromic composition, wherein the material contained in the solution in an ion-conducting electrolyte forms a layer on a conductive electrode upon electrochemical reduction or oxidation.

[0054] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electrochromic composition 38 comprises a first compound and a second compound, including at least one anodic electrochromic compound and at least one cathodic electrochromic compound. The anodic electrochromic compound is an oxidizable material. The cathodic material is a reducible material. When a potential is applied to the electrochromic composition 38, the anodic electrochromic compound oxidizes and the cathodic electrochromic compound is simultaneously reduced. When electrochemically activated, the simultaneous oxidation and reduction result in a change in the absorption coefficient at at least one wavelength in the visible spectrum. The combination of the anodic and cathodic electrochromic compounds in the electrochromic composition 38 defines the color associated with it when a potential is applied across the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. Suitable anodic electrochromic materials for the electrochromic composition 38 include phenazine dyes. Suitable cathodic electrochromic materials for the electrochromic composition 38 include violet dyes.

[0055] The electrochromic composition 38 may further include additional additives. These additional additives include solvents, light absorbers, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, dyes, mixtures thereof, and combinations thereof. The dye incorporated into the electrochromic composition 38 defines the color of the electrochromic article 10. It is well known in the art that such dyes color and / or darken the color or chromaticity when a larger voltage is applied to the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, when voltage is applied to the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30, the electrochromic composition 38 is colored and the percentage of visible light transmitted through the electrochromic composition 38 decreases. When the voltage applied to the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30 is turned off, the color of the electrochromic medium is bleached, resulting in an increase in the percentage of visible light transmitted through the electrochromic composition 38.

[0056] For the purposes of this invention, "transparent to visible light" or "transparent" means the total amount of visible light that passes through an object, for example, but not limited to this invention, through an electrode assembly, or through an electrode assembly and an electrochromic medium, or through an electrochromic medium between two electrode assemblies and two electrode combinations. The term "visible light" refers to electromagnetic radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths in the range of 400-700 nanometers. This invention is not limited to the following percentages of visible light passing through the electrochromic device 10 of this invention when the transparent element is in a "closed," "uncolored," or "bleached" state: through the first substrate 12 and the first electrode 24, or the second substrate 18 and the second electrode 30, or through the first substrate 12, the first electrode 24, the sealant material 36, and the electrochromic composition 38, or through the second substrate 18, the second electrode 30, the sealant material 36, and the electrochromic composition 38, or through the first substrate 12, the first electrode 24, the sealant material 36, the second electrode 30, the second substrate 18, and the electrochromic composition 38 between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, visible light transmittance is greater than 0%, for example greater than 30%, or greater than 45%, or greater than 60%. Visible light transmittance can be measured by CIE Standard Light Source A or other suitable standards.

[0057] The electrochromic article 10 may further include an optional intermediate layer material 40. For example... Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the interlayer material 40 may be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first substrate 12, at least a portion of the first electrode 24, at least a portion of the sealant material 36, at least a portion of the second electrode 30, and at least a portion of the second substrate 18. The interlayer material 40 is not in contact with the electrochromic composition 38. Non-limiting examples of suitable interlayer materials include polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyisobutylene (PIB). In one non-limiting embodiment, the interlayer material 40 is PVB. One or more connections (not shown) from the external circuitry (not shown) to the first electrode 24 may extend through the sealant material 36 and the interlayer material 40 (when present). One or more connections (not shown) from the external circuitry (not shown) to the second electrode 30 may extend through the sealant material 36 and the interlayer material 40 (when present).

[0058] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing an electrochromic article 10. A first substrate 12 having a first surface 14 and an opposing second surface 16 is provided. A first electrode 24 is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface 16 of the first substrate 12. A sealant material 36 is applied to directly contact at least a portion of the first electrode 24. An electrochromic composition 38 is applied to directly contact at least a portion of the first electrode 24 and at least a portion of the sealant material 36. A second substrate 18 having a third surface 20 and an opposing fourth surface 22 is provided. A second electrode 30 is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface 20 of the second substrate 18. The first substrate 12 having the first electrode 24, sealant material 36, and electrochromic composition 38 thereon is in contact with the second substrate 18 having the second electrode 30 thereon, such that the second electrode 30 is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material 36 and at least a portion of the electrochromic composition 38. Sufficient pressure and heat are applied to form the electrochromic article 10.

[0059] The thickness of the sealant material 36 and the thickness of the electrochromic composition 38 define the thickness between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. The thickness of the sealant material 36 is chosen such that the electrochromic composition 38 is in direct contact with both the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 30. The sealant material 36 can be a compressible material, allowing its thickness to be reduced. The sealant material 36 can also be a stretchable material, allowing its thickness to be increased.

[0060] In some non-limiting embodiments, the applied thickness of the sealant material 36 is equal to the thickness of the electrochromic composition 38.

[0061] In some non-limiting embodiments, the applied thickness of the sealant material 36 is greater than the thickness of the electrochromic composition 38. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sealant material 36 is compressed to obtain a thickness equal to that of the electrochromic composition 38.

[0062] In some non-limiting embodiments, the applied thickness of the sealant material 36 is less than the thickness of the electrochromic composition 38. For example, when the sealant material 36 is applied as... Figure 1B or Figure 2B When the step orientation shown is applied, the thickness of the sealant material 36 may be less than the thickness of the electrochromic composition 38. In some non-limiting embodiments, when the thickness of the sealant material 36 is less than the thickness of the electrochromic composition 38, the electrochromic article 10 may have a gap with a vacuum or inert gas between the electrochromic composition 38 and the sealant material 36.

[0063] The sealant material 36 may be obtained in the form of pellets, sheets, or liquid compositions. The sealant material 36 may be applied to at least a portion of the second surface 28 of the first electrode 24 in the form of a gasket or sheet, or directly extruded onto the first electrode 24, or deposited in liquid form. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 may be a gasket formed by molding, extrusion, or 3D printing.

[0064] The sealant material 36 can be deposited in liquid form on the first electrode 24 and / or the electrochromic composition 38 by brushing, nozzle flow, screen printing and / or other printing techniques. The applied sealant material 36 can then be cured by heating or ultraviolet light to form a cross-linked sealant material 36.

[0065] In a non-limiting embodiment, the sealant material 36 is applied in the form of a sheet or strip. When applied as a sheet or strip, the sealant material 36 overlaps at least a portion of the electrochromic composition 38. When applied as a sheet or strip, the sealant material 36 may further include a transfer tape or backing tape. The transfer tape or backing tape is removed before contacting the second substrate 18 having the second electrode 30.

[0066] The present invention also relates to a insulating glass unit 42 comprising an electrochromic article. The present invention relates to a dynamic component that can be used in an insulating glass unit. The insulating glass unit includes a modified first layer as a dynamic component. Figure 3The exemplary insulating glass unit 42 is in the form of a conventional insulating glass unit including an electrochromic article. The insulating glass unit is formed of a first layer 112 and a second layer 118, wherein the first layer 112 and the second layer 118 are spaced apart. The first layer 112 used herein with respect to the insulating glass unit is referred to as a modified first layer 112. The modified first layer 112 includes an electrochromic article according to the invention and as previously described herein. Any of the foregoing embodiments of the electrochromic article can be used as the modified first layer 112 of the invention. The modified first layer 112 can be used as an inner layer or an outer layer. In a non-limiting embodiment, the modified first layer 112 is an outer layer. The insulating glass unit 42 includes a modified first layer 112 having a first main surface 114 (surface 1) and an opposing second main surface 116 (surface 2). In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first main surface 114 faces the exterior of the building, i.e., is the outer main surface, and the second main surface 116 faces the interior of the building. The insulating glass unit 42 also includes a second sheet 118 having an inner (first) main surface 120 (surface 3) and an outer (second) main surface 122 (surface 4). The insulating glass unit may further include a third sheet having a first main surface (surface 5) and an opposing second main surface (surface 6). This numbering of the sheet surfaces conforms to conventional practice in the art. In cases with more than two sheets, electrochromic articles can be used to form an outer sheet, an inner sheet, an additional intermediate sheet, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The first layer 112 and the second layer 118 can be connected in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive to a conventional spacer frame 124. A gap or chamber 126 is formed between the two layers 112, 118. The chamber 126 can be filled with a selected atmosphere, such as air, or a non-reactive gas, such as argon or krypton. Examples of insulating glass units can be found, for example, in U.S. Patents 4,193,228, 4,464,874, 5,088,258, and 5,106,663.

[0068] The following numbered clauses describe various aspects of the invention:

[0069] Clause 1: An electrochromic article comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate, wherein the second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated; a sealant material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an electrochromic composition positioned to directly contact at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode, wherein the sealant material is composed of an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter atm (cc·mm / m²). 2 Organic polymer materials (·day·atm) are formed.

[0070] Clause 2: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clause 1, wherein the organic polymer material comprises (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymer thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0071] Clause 3: Electrochromic articles according to Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with the electrochromic composition.

[0072] Clause 4: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material is adjacent to the electrochromic composition.

[0073] Clause 5: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material surrounds the electrochromic composition.

[0074] Clause 6: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein there is no other material between the sealant material and the electrochromic composition.

[0075] Clause 7: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material overlaps with the electrochromic material.

[0076] Clause 8: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material is chemically inert to the electrochromic composition.

[0077] Clause 9: An electrochromic product according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material is resistant to degradation caused by ultraviolet light.

[0078] Clause 10: Electrochromic articles according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material is not an epoxide-based organic polymer material.

[0079] Clause 11: Electrochromic products according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material is solvent-free.

[0080] Clause 12: An electrochromic article of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises an electrochromic solution, an electrochromic gel, an electrochromic semi-solid material or an electrochromic solid material.

[0081] Clause 13: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises at least one anodic electrochemical compound and at least one cathodic electrochemical compound.

[0082] Clause 14: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clause 13, wherein the at least one anodic electrochemical compound comprises violet dye.

[0083] Clause 15: Articles of manufacture pursuant to Clause 13, wherein the at least one cathodic electrochemical compound comprises a phenazine dye.

[0084] Clause 16: An electrochromic article according to any one of Clauses 12-15, wherein the electrochromic composition further comprises a solvent, a light absorber, a light stabilizer, a heat stabilizer, an antioxidant, a thickener, a viscosity modifier, a dye, a combination thereof, or a mixture thereof.

[0085] Clause 17: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface.

[0086] Clause 18: An electrochromic article pursuant to Clause 17, wherein a first surface of a first electrode is in direct contact with a second surface of a first substrate.

[0087] Clause 19: An electrochromic article according to Clauses 17 to 18, wherein the second surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material.

[0088] Clause 20: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clause 17, wherein the second electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface.

[0089] Clause 21: An electrochromic article pursuant to Clause 20, wherein the first surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material.

[0090] Clause 22: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clauses 20 to 21, wherein the second surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with the third surface of the second substrate.

[0091] Clause 23: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses further includes one or more connections from one or more external circuits to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0092] Clause 24: An electrochromic article pursuant to Clause 23, wherein one or more connections to the first and second electrodes extend through a sealant material.

[0093] Clause 25: Electrochromic articles according to Clause NEW, wherein one or more connections to the first and second electrodes do not extend through the sealant material.

[0094] Clause 26: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise indium-doped tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, gallium-doped zinc oxide, indium-doped zinc oxide, doped silver, silver, titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, tin oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0095] Clause 27: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the electrochromic composition, and at least a portion of the first surface of the second electrode.

[0096] Clause 28: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses further includes an intermediate layer material in direct contact with at least a portion of the first substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the sealant material, at least a portion of the second electrode, and at least a portion of the second substrate.

[0097] Clause 29: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clause 28, wherein the intermediate layer material comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyisobutylene (PIB).

[0098] Clause 30: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clause 2, wherein the organic polymer material is (meth)acrylic acid-polyurethane copolymer.

[0099] Clause 31: Electrochromic articles pursuant to Clause 2, wherein the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0100] Clause 32: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than or equal to 1 cc·mm / m 2 ·day·atm.

[0101] Clause 33: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than or equal to 0.5 cc·mm / m 2 ·day·atm.

[0102] Clause 34: An electrochromic article according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a gap with a vacuum or inert gas exists between the sealant material and the electrochromic composition.

[0103] Clause 35: An electrochromic article comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate, wherein the second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated; a sealant material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an electrochromic composition positioned to directly contact at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode, wherein the sealant material is composed of an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter atm (cc·mm / m²). 2 The organic polymer material is formed from (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymer thereof, or combination thereof.

[0104] Clause 36: A method for preparing an electrochromic article, the method comprising: providing a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; positioning a first electrode over at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; applying a sealant material such that the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode; applying an electrochromic composition such that the electrochromic composition is in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the sealant material; providing a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface; positioning a second electrode over at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate; contacting the first substrate comprising the first electrode, the sealant material, and the electrochromic composition with the second substrate comprising the second electrode such that the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material; providing a vacuum to evacuate the system or to replace any oxygen or moisture with an inert gas; and heating to form the electrochromic article, wherein the sealant has an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter atm (cc·mm / m²). 2 Organic polymer materials (·day·atm) are formed.

[0105] Clause 37: The method according to Clause 36, wherein the sealant material in direct contact with the first electrode is applied in the shape of a frame.

[0106] Clause 38: The method according to Clause 37, wherein the electrochromic composition is applied within the framework of the sealant material.

[0107] Clause 39: The method according to Clauses 36 to 38, wherein the thickness of the sealant material is equal to the thickness of the electrochromic composition.

[0108] Clause 40: The method according to Clauses 36 to 39, wherein the sealant material is compressible.

[0109] Clause 41: The method according to Clauses 36 to 40, wherein the thickness of the sealant material and the thickness of the electrochromic composition define the thickness between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0110] Clause 42: The method according to Clauses 36 to 41, wherein the organic polymer material includes (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymer thereof, or combination thereof.

[0111] Clause 43: The method according to Clause 42, wherein the sealant material is in the form of pellets, sheets or liquid.

[0112] Clause 44: The method according to Clauses 36 to 43, wherein the sealant material is applied to at least a portion of the second electrode in the form of a gasket, a sheet, directly extruded onto the first electrode, or deposited in liquid form.

[0113] Clause 45: The gasket is formed by molding, extrusion or 3D printing according to the method of Clause 44.

[0114] Clause 46: The method according to Clauses 43 to 44, wherein the sealant material deposited in liquid form is cured by heating or ultraviolet light.

[0115] Clause 47: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 46, wherein the sealant material is adjacent to the electrochromic composition.

[0116] Clause 48: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 47, wherein there is no other material between the sealant material and the electrochromic composition.

[0117] Clause 49: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 48, wherein the sealant material overlaps with the electrochromic material.

[0118] Clause 50: According to the method of Clause 49, the sealant material in direct contact with the first electrode is stepped.

[0119] Clause 51: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 50, wherein the sealant material is chemically inert to the electrochromic composition.

[0120] Clause 52: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 51, wherein the sealant material is resistant to degradation caused by ultraviolet light.

[0121] Clause 53: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 52, wherein the sealant material is not an epoxide-based organic polymer material.

[0122] Clause 54: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 53, wherein the sealant material is solvent-free.

[0123] Clause 55: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 54, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises an electrochromic solution, an electrochromic gel, an electrochromic semi-solid material or an electrochromic solid material.

[0124] Clause 56: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 55, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises at least one anodic electrochemical compound and at least one cathodic electrochemical compound.

[0125] Clause 57: According to the method of Clause 56, the at least one anodic electrochemical compound comprises violet dye.

[0126] Clause 58: The method according to Clause 56, wherein the at least one cathodic electrochemical compound comprises a phenazine dye.

[0127] Clause 59: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 58, wherein the electrochromic composition further comprises a solvent, a light absorber, a light stabilizer, a heat stabilizer, an antioxidant, a thickener, a viscosity modifier, a dye, a combination thereof, or a mixture thereof.

[0128] Clause 60: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 59, wherein the first electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface.

[0129] Clause 61: The method according to Clause 60, wherein the first surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with the second surface of the first substrate.

[0130] Clause 62: According to the method of Clause 60, the second surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material.

[0131] Clause 63: The method according to Clause 60, wherein the second electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface.

[0132] Clause 64: The method according to Clause 63, wherein the first surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material.

[0133] Clause 65: The method according to Clauses 63 to 64, wherein the second surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with the third surface of the second substrate.

[0134] Clause 66: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 65 further includes one or more connections from one or more external circuits to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0135] Clause 67: According to the method of Clause 66, wherein one or more connections to the first electrode and the second electrode extend through the sealant material.

[0136] Clause 68: According to the method of Clause 66, wherein one or more connections to the first electrode and the second electrode do not extend through the sealant material.

[0137] Clause 69: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 68, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise indium-doped tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, gallium-doped zinc oxide, indium-doped zinc oxide, silver-doped, silver, titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, tin oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0138] Clause 70: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 69, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the electrochromic composition, and at least a portion of the first surface of the second electrode.

[0139] Clause 71: The method according to any one of Clauses 36 to 70 further includes an intermediate layer material in direct contact with at least a portion of the first substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the sealant material, at least a portion of the second electrode, and at least a portion of the second substrate.

[0140] Clause 72: The method according to Clause 71, wherein the intermediate layer material comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyisobutylene (PIB).

[0141] Clause 73: The method according to Clause 42, wherein the organic polymer is a (meth)acrylic acid-polyurethane copolymer.

[0142] Clause 74: The method according to Clause 42, wherein the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0143] Clause 75: The method according to Clauses 36 to 74, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than or equal to 1 cc·mm / m 2 ·day·atm.

[0144] Clause 76: The method according to Clauses 36 to 74, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than or equal to 0.5 cc·mm / m 2 ·day·atm.

[0145] Clause 77: A method of preparing an electrochromic article, the method comprising: providing a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; positioning a first electrode over at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; applying a sealant material such that the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode; applying an electrochromic composition such that the electrochromic composition is in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the sealant material; providing a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface; positioning a second electrode over at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate; contacting the first substrate comprising the first electrode, the sealant material, and the electrochromic composition with the second substrate comprising the second electrode such that the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material; providing a vacuum to evacuate the system or to replace any oxygen or moisture with an inert gas; and

[0146] Heating to form an electrochromic article, wherein the sealant has an oxygen permeability (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeter millimeters per square meter at atmospheric pressure (cc·mm / m²). 2 The organic polymer material is formed from (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymers thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0147] Clause 78: An insulating glass unit comprising: a modified first layer formed of an electrochromic article and a second layer comprising a third surface and a fourth surface, the electrochromic article including a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate, wherein the second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated; a sealant material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrochromic composition positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode; wherein the sealant material is composed of an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter atm (cc·mm / m²). 2 An organic polymer material of (·atm) is formed; wherein the second layer is separated from the modified first layer, and the modified first layer and the second layer are connected together.

[0148] Clause 79: The insulating glass unit pursuant to Clause 78, wherein the organic polymer material comprises (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymer thereof, or combination thereof.

[0149] Clause 80: The insulating glass unit according to Clauses 78 to 79, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with the electrochromic composition.

[0150] Clause 81: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 80, wherein the sealant material is adjacent to the electrochromic composition.

[0151] Clause 82: The insulating glass unit according to Clauses 78 to 81, wherein the sealant material surrounds the electrochromic composition.

[0152] Clause 83: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 82, wherein there is no other material between the sealant material and the electrochromic composition.

[0153] Clause 84: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 83, wherein the sealant material overlaps with the electrochromic material.

[0154] Clause 85: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 84, wherein the sealant material is chemically inert to the electrochromic composition.

[0155] Clause 86: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 85, wherein the sealant material is resistant to degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation.

[0156] Clause 87: The insulating glass unit pursuant to any of Clauses 78 to 86, wherein the sealant material is not an epoxide-based organic polymer material.

[0157] Clause 88: Insulating glass units pursuant to Clauses 78 to 87, wherein the sealant material is solvent-free.

[0158] Clause 89: The insulating glass unit according to Clauses 78 to 88, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises an electrochromic solution, an electrochromic gel, an electrochromic semi-solid material or an electrochromic solid material.

[0159] Clause 90: The insulating glass unit pursuant to Clauses 78 to 89, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises at least one anodic electrochemical compound and at least one cathodic electrochemical compound.

[0160] Clause 91: The insulating glass unit of Clause 90, wherein the at least one anodic electrochemical compound comprises violet dye.

[0161] Clause 92: The insulating glass unit according to Clause 90, wherein the at least one cathode electrochemical compound comprises a phenazine dye.

[0162] Clause 93: The insulating glass unit according to Clauses 78 to 92, wherein the electrochromic composition further comprises a solvent, a light absorber, a light stabilizer, a heat stabilizer, an antioxidant, a thickener, a viscosity modifier, a dye, a combination thereof, or a mixture thereof.

[0163] Clause 94: The insulating glass unit pursuant to Clauses 78 to 93, wherein the first electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface.

[0164] Clause 95: The insulating glass unit according to Clause 94, wherein the first surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with the second surface of the first substrate.

[0165] Clause 96: The insulating glass unit according to Clauses 94 to 95, wherein the second surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material.

[0166] Clause 97: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 93, wherein the second electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface.

[0167] Clause 98: The insulating glass unit according to Clause 97, wherein the first surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material.

[0168] Clause 99: The insulating glass unit according to Clauses 97 to 98, wherein the second surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with the third surface of the second substrate.

[0169] Clause 100: The insulating glass unit pursuant to any one of Clauses 78 to 99 further includes one or more connections from one or more external circuits to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0170] Clause 101: The insulating glass unit according to Clause 100, wherein one or more connections to the first and second electrodes extend through the sealant material.

[0171] Clause 102: The insulating glass unit according to Clause 100, wherein one or more connections to the first and second electrodes do not extend through the sealant material.

[0172] Clause 103: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 102, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise indium-doped tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, gallium-doped zinc oxide, indium-doped zinc oxide, doped silver, silver, titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, tin oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0173] Clause 104: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 103, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the electrochromic composition, and at least a portion of the first surface of the second electrode.

[0174] Clause 105: The insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 104 further includes an intermediate layer material in direct contact with at least a portion of the first substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the sealant material, at least a portion of the second electrode, and at least a portion of the second substrate.

[0175] Clause 106: The insulating glass unit according to Clause 105, wherein the intermediate layer material comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyisobutylene (PIB).

[0176] Clause 107: The insulating glass unit pursuant to Clause 79, wherein the organic polymer material is (meth)acrylic acid-polyurethane copolymer.

[0177] Clause 108: The insulating glass unit pursuant to Clause 79, wherein the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0178] Clause 109: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 108, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than or equal to 1 cc·mm / m 2 ·day·atm.

[0179] Clause 110: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 108, wherein the oxygen permeability is less than or equal to 0.5 cc·mm / m 2 ·day·atm.

[0180] Clause 111: An insulating glass unit according to any one of Clauses 78 to 110, wherein a gap with a vacuum or inert gas exists between the sealant material and the electrochromic composition.

[0181] Clause 112: An insulating glass unit comprising a modified first layer formed of an article and a second layer comprising a third surface and a fourth surface, said article comprising a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; a second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, separated from the first substrate, wherein the second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated; a sealant material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrochromic composition positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode, wherein said sealant material is composed of an oxygen permeability (OTR) less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter atm (cc·mm / m²). 2 The second sheet is formed from an organic polymer material (·atm), and the organic polymer material includes (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymer thereof, or combination thereof; wherein the second sheet is separated from the modified first sheet, and the modified first sheet and the second sheet are connected together.

[0182] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Therefore, the specific embodiments described in detail herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention, which is to be endowed with the full scope of the claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An electrochromic product, comprising: A first substrate, the first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; A second substrate separated from the first substrate, the second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, wherein the second surface of the first substrate faces the third surface of the second substrate; A first electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; A second electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated. A sealant material is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; An electrochromic composition positioned to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode; The sealant material described herein has an oxygen permeability (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter at atmospheric pressure (cc·mm / m²). 2 Organic polymer materials (atm) are formed. The electrochromic article further comprises an intermediate layer material in direct contact with a portion of a second surface opposite to the first substrate, a portion of a second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the sealant material, a portion of a first surface of the second electrode, and a portion of a third surface of the second substrate, wherein the second surface of the first electrode and the first surface of the second electrode are facing each other and separated. The intermediate layer material includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyisobutylene (PIB). The sealant material overlaps with the electrochromic composition in a stepped orientation, wherein a portion of the sealant material is inserted between a portion of the second surface of the first electrode and a portion of the electrochromic composition, and the portion of the sealant material extends above a portion of the first surface of the second electrode.

2. The electrochromic article according to claim 1, wherein the organic polymer material comprises (meth)acrylic acid, polyurethane, polyester, polyolefin, polysiloxane, copolymer thereof, or a combination thereof.

3. The electrochromic article according to claim 1, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with the electrochromic composition.

4. The electrochromic article of claim 1, wherein the sealant material is not an epoxide-based organic polymer material, and The sealant material described herein is solvent-free.

5. The electrochromic article according to claim 1, wherein the electrochromic composition comprises an electrochromic solution, an electrochromic gel, an electrochromic semi-solid material, or an electrochromic solid material. The electrochromic composition comprises at least one anodic electrochemical compound and at least one cathodic electrochemical compound. The at least one cathode electrochemical compound includes violet dye, and The at least one anodic electrochemical compound mentioned above includes phenazine dyes.

6. The electrochromic article according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with the second surface of the first substrate, and The second surface of the first electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic composition.

7. The electrochromic article according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic composition, and The second surface of the second electrode is in direct contact with the third surface of the second substrate.

8. The electrochromic article according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode comprise indium-doped tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, gallium-doped zinc oxide, indium-doped zinc oxide, doped silver, silver, titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide, tin oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, mixtures thereof, or combinations thereof.

9. The electrochromic article of claim 1, wherein the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the electrochromic composition, and at least a portion of the first surface of the second electrode.

10. A method for preparing an electrochromic article, the method comprising: A first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface is provided; The first electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate; Apply a sealant material such that the sealant material is in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode; An electrochromic composition is applied such that it comes into direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the sealant material. A second substrate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface is provided; The second electrode is positioned above at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate; A first substrate comprising a first electrode, a sealant material, and an electrochromic composition is brought into contact with a second substrate comprising a second electrode, such that the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic composition. Provide a vacuum to evacuate the system or replace any oxygen or moisture with an inert gas; and Heating to form the electrochromic article, The sealant described herein has an oxygen permeability (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters millimeters per square meter at atmospheric pressure (cc·mm / m²). 2 Organic polymer materials (atm) are formed. The method further includes providing an interlayer material in direct contact with a portion of a second surface opposite to the first substrate, a portion of a second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the sealant material, a portion of a first surface of the second electrode, and a portion of a third surface of the second substrate, wherein the second surface of the first electrode and the first surface of the second electrode are facing each other and separated. The sealant material overlaps with the electrochromic composition in a stepped orientation, wherein a portion of the sealant material is inserted between a portion of the second surface of the first electrode and a portion of the electrochromic composition, and a portion of the sealant material extends above a portion of the first surface of the second electrode. The intermediate layer material includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyisobutylene (PIB).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sealant material in direct contact with the first electrode is applied in the shape of a frame. The electrochromic composition is applied within the framework of the sealant material, and The thickness of the sealant material is equal to the thickness of the electrochromic composition.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the sealant material and the thickness of the electrochromic composition define the thickness between the first electrode and the second electrode.

13. An insulating glass unit, comprising: The modified first layer formed from the electrochromic article according to claim 1, and The second layer includes the fifth and sixth surfaces. The second layer and the modified first layer are separated by spacers, and the modified first layer and the second layer are connected together by spacer frames.

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