Cleaning agent for cleaning coated lens as well as preparation method and application of cleaning agent

Abstract

The invention discloses a cleaning agent for cleaning a coated lens as well as a preparation method and application of the cleaning agent, and the cleaning agent is prepared from the following components in percentage by volume: 30-50% of deionized water; 40%-60% of isopropyl alcohol; and 5%-15% of petroleum ether. The cleaning agent is a novel water + isopropanol + petroleum ether mixed lens cleaning agent composition. According to the composition, through the elaborately designed components and proportions, the advantages of all the components are synergistically exerted, meanwhile, the defects of all the components are effectively inhibited, and the safe, efficient and traceless cleaning effect on the ultraviolet optical lens is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fine chemicals, and more particularly to a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, its preparation method, and its application. It is specifically designed for cleaning various optical lenses, including but not limited to spectacle lenses, camera lenses, telescope lenses, and optical instrument lenses. Background Technology

[0002] Coated near-ultraviolet optical lenses are extremely prone to getting dirty during daily use and professional maintenance. These stains not only affect light transmittance and image quality, but improper cleaning may also scratch the lens surface or damage expensive anti-reflective, waterproof, and anti-fouling special coatings.

[0003] Currently available lens cleaning products mainly include:

[0004] 1. Single solvent-based cleaning agents: such as pure isopropanol, methanol, ethanol or special lens cleaning fluid. They have good grease solubility and fast evaporation, but have significant disadvantages: (1) They may dissolve, swell or fog up certain lens substrates (such as polycarbonate PC) or specific coatings; (2) High concentrations of alcohol evaporate very quickly, and during the drying process, they are prone to forming new water stains or streaks due to local cooling and condensation of moisture in the air (especially in high humidity environments); (3) They are relatively expensive.

[0005] 2. Water-based cleaners: usually contain surfactants. Advantages include safety, low cost, and good wetting properties. Disadvantages include: (1) slow drying speed, which can leave watermarks on the mirror surface; (2) limited ability to dissolve grease and grime; (3) if not rinsed thoroughly when containing surfactants, the residue may affect optical performance or attract dust; (4) not suitable for specific coatings or near electronic components that cannot come into contact with water.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a lens cleaning agent that combines high cleaning efficiency, rapid and residue-free drying, broad material compatibility (especially safety for substrates with UV coatings), and controllable cost. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, its preparation method, and its application. This cleaning agent is a novel water + isopropanol + petroleum ether mixed lens cleaning agent composition. Through careful design of components and proportions, this composition synergistically leverages the advantages of each component while effectively suppressing their respective disadvantages, achieving a safe, efficient, and scratch-free cleaning effect for ultraviolet optical lenses.

[0008] The technical solution of this invention is: a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, comprising the following components by volume percentage:

[0009] Deionized water: 30%-50%;

[0010] Isopropanol: 40%-60%;

[0011] Petroleum ether: 5%-15%.

[0012] Furthermore, by volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 40%; isopropanol: 50%; petroleum ether: 10%.

[0013] Furthermore, by volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 45%; isopropanol: 45%; petroleum ether: 10%.

[0014] Furthermore, by volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 50%; isopropanol: 40%; petroleum ether: 10%.

[0015] Furthermore, by volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 35%; isopropanol: 55%; petroleum ether: 10%.

[0016] Furthermore, by volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 40%; isopropanol: 55%; petroleum ether: 5%.

[0017] Furthermore, the boiling point of the petroleum ether is 30℃-60℃.

[0018] Furthermore, the boiling point of the petroleum ether is 40℃-60℃.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method for preparing a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, the specific steps of which are as follows: water, isopropanol and petroleum ether are mixed at room temperature and pressure according to the volume ratio, and the mixture is stirred slightly until a homogeneous and transparent solution is formed.

[0020] The present invention also provides an application of a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, which is suitable for cleaning optical lenses of various materials, including but not limited to: CaF glass lenses (including various optical glasses), fused silica, microcrystalline, polyurethane (PU) lenses, as well as anti-reflective coatings (AR), waterproof coatings, high-reflective coatings, hard coatings, etc. applied to their surfaces.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it provides a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, its preparation method, and its application. This cleaning agent can effectively remove fingerprints, grease, dust, surface residues, and other unknown contaminants from the lens surface. It also features rapid drying, low residue, high cleanliness, and high safety for the lens coating and substrate. The improved feature is that when MgF2 or SiO2 is used as the outer surface of the substrate for near-ultraviolet coating under normal temperature or high humidity air conditions, it can effectively remove the problem of increased transmittance caused by water molecules on the surface.

[0022] This invention allows the coating to return to normal even when humidity reaches 90%, such as when MgF2 material is used as the outer surface of an optical coating. It enables the coating surface to generate a stable crystal or colloid substance to form a protective film and evaporate water molecules on the film surface, which can significantly improve transmittance and increase the application range and efficiency of the product, making it easy to promote and use.

[0023] 1. Excellent cleaning performance and broad-spectrum effectiveness:

[0024] Petroleum ether (5-15%): As a non-polar solvent, it has excellent dissolving and penetrating ability for highly hydrophobic dirt such as fingerprints, sebum, and wax. Its low surface tension helps to quickly wet the lens surface and loosen stubborn stains.

[0025] Isopropanol (40-60%): As a moderately polar solvent, it has good dissolving power for various organic stains (such as resins) and can effectively dissolve residual grease after petroleum ether treatment. At the same time, IPA is a good dehydrating agent, helping to remove moisture.

[0026] Deionized water (30-50%): As a polar solvent and carrier, it can effectively dissolve and wash away salts, sugars, and other hydrophilic dirt from dust and sweat. The large presence of water significantly reduces the overall evaporation rate of the system.

[0027] Synergistic effect: When the three are mixed, they form a system with a wide range of solubility parameters, which can effectively handle a variety of dirt combinations from strong polarity to non-polarity, achieving "one-stop" cleaning without the need to repeatedly use different solvents.

[0028] 2. Rapid and seamless drying (key advantage):

[0029] a. Petroleum ether has the lowest boiling point (30-60℃) and the fastest evaporation rate, and is responsible for quickly removing a large amount of solvent in the initial stage after cleaning.

[0030] b. Isopropanol has a moderate boiling point (~82℃) and a moderate evaporation rate. It continues to evaporate after petroleum ether evaporates, and utilizes its azeotropic properties with water (azeotropic point ~80℃, azeotrope containing ~12% water) to significantly promote the azeotropic evaporation of water in the system. This greatly overcomes the fatal drawbacks of pure water or high-water-content detergents, such as slow drying and easy watermarks.

[0031] C. Although deionized water itself evaporates slowly, it is efficiently carried away by IPA. Ultimately, dominated by petroleum ether and IPA (especially its azeotropic effect), the entire mixture can rapidly evaporate and dry within tens of seconds, with very little or no visible water stains, white spots, or streaks remaining. This is an effect that is difficult to achieve with a single alcohol or alcohol-water mixture.

[0032] 3. Excellent material compatibility and safety:

[0033] The addition of a large amount of deionized water significantly dilutes the concentrations of isopropanol and petroleum ether, greatly reducing the risk of dissolution, swelling, fogging, or damage to sensitive resin lenses (such as PC) and various coatings. Practical experience shows that this formulation is safe for common optical coated lens substrates.

[0034] Compared to high-concentration petroleum ether or pure petroleum solvents, this formulation has a lower petroleum ether content (≤15%), and is diluted with water and IPA, which significantly reduces its flammability, making it safer to use and store.

[0035] The low content of petroleum ether also greatly reduces its unpleasant odor problem.

[0036] It does not contain strong acids, strong alkalis, or other components that may damage the optical surface.

[0037] 4. High cost-effectiveness:

[0038] The main components, deionized water, isopropanol, and petroleum ether, are all readily available and relatively inexpensive bulk chemicals. The mixing process is simple, requiring no complex equipment or expensive additives, and the overall cost is controllable. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0040] Formulations of cleaning agent compositions in Examples 1-5:

[0041] Example | Water (v / v%) | Isopropanol (v / v%) | Petroleum ether (v / v%) | Petroleum ether boiling range |

[0042] | 1 | 40 | 50 | 10 | 30-60°C |

[0043] | 2 | 45 | 45 | 10 | 30-60°C |

[0044] | 3 | 50 | 40 | 10 | 30-60°C |

[0045] | 4 | 35 | 55 | 10 | 30-60°C |

[0046] | 5 | 40 | 55 | 5 | 40-60°C |

[0047] Preparation method: In a well-ventilated environment, using a clean and dry container, measure out deionized water, isopropanol, and petroleum ether in the volume ratios shown in the table above. Pour all three into the container and gently stir with a glass rod for about 1-2 minutes until a homogeneous, transparent, and non-layered solution is formed. Seal and store in a cool, dark place.

[0048] Cleaning effect and drying speed test:

[0049] Test samples: Glass lenses with a standard UV anti-reflective coating (AR). Each lens was pre-coated with a standard artificial stain (simulating fingerprints: a mixture of sebum, inorganic salts, and dust).

[0050] Test method:

[0051] 1. Use an ultrafine lint-free cloth to apply an appropriate amount (about 1 ml) of the cleaning agent prepared in Examples 1-5.

[0052] 2. Gently wipe the lens surface 3-5 times in the same direction with moderate pressure.

[0053] 3. After wiping, allow the lens to air dry in a standard laboratory environment (25°C, 50% RH).

[0054] 4. Record the time from the completion of wiping until the lens surface is completely dry to the naked eye, without watermarks or streaks (drying time).

[0055] 5. After drying, check the cleanliness of the lens surface (whether there are visible stains or residue) and whether there is any damage (scratches, fogging, coating peeling, etc.) under strong light.

[0056] Test results:

[0057] 1. Cleanliness: All formulations in Examples 1-5 showed excellent performance on fused silica glass. After cleaning and wiping, the lenses were clear and residue-free, comparable to commercially available pure IPA, and significantly superior to commercially available water-based cleaners and pure water. Water-based cleaners left slight oil residue, and pure water had poor cleaning effect.

[0058] 2. Drying Time: The drying time for Examples 1-5 is within the range of 25-45 seconds (the specific time may vary slightly depending on the ambient temperature and humidity). This is significantly faster than commercially available water-based cleaners (>2 minutes) and pure water (>3 minutes). Compared to commercially available pure IPA (approximately 15-25 seconds), it is slightly slower by a few to a dozen seconds, but the difference is negligible in practical applications and is perfectly acceptable.

[0059] 3. Residue / Stripes: No obvious water stains, white spots or wiping streaks were observed in the formulations of Examples 1-5 after drying, and the surface was mirror-smooth.

[0060] 4. Material damage: After cleaning with the formulas in Examples 1-5, no visible scratches, fogging, coating damage, or dissolution and swelling were found on any of the test lenses.

[0061] Application method suggestions:

[0062] 1. Shake the bottle gently before use to ensure the mixture is even (there may be a very slight tendency for separation if left to stand for a long time, but this will not affect the effect; just shake it well).

[0063] 2. Apply a small amount of cleaning agent to a lint-free cloth. Do not spray a large amount directly onto the lenses.

[0064] 3. Gently wipe the lens surface with a damp, lint-free cloth. Use a unidirectional straight line or spiral motion from the center outwards, avoiding circular motions.

[0065] 4. For stubborn stains, apply a little more pressure or wipe repeatedly.

[0066] 5. After wiping, allow the lens to air dry in a well-ventilated area, which usually takes only a few tens of seconds. A second wipe is recommended. If the ambient humidity is extremely high, the drying time may be slightly longer. In this case, gently blot any remaining droplets from the edges with a corner of a clean, dry lens cloth.

[0067] Precautions: 1. This product contains organic solvents; use in a well-ventilated area and avoid prolonged inhalation of vapors. 2. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water. 3. Before first use on valuable or specially coated lenses, it is recommended to test in a small, inconspicuous area.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses, characterized in that: By volume percentage, it consists of the following components composition: Deionized water: 30%-50%; Isopropanol: 40%-60%; Petroleum ether: 5%-15%.

2. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: By volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 40%; isopropanol: 50%; petroleum ether: 10%.

3. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: By volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 45%; isopropanol: 45%; petroleum ether: 10%.

4. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: By volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 50%; isopropanol: 40%; petroleum ether: 10%.

5. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: By volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 35%; isopropanol: 55%; petroleum ether: 10%.

6. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: By volume percentage, it consists of the following components: deionized water: 40%; isopropanol: 55%; petroleum ether: 5%.

7. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boiling point of the petroleum ether is 30℃-60℃.

8. The cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boiling point of the petroleum ether is 40℃-60℃.

9. A method for preparing a cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The specific steps are as follows: Mix water, isopropanol and petroleum ether at room temperature and pressure according to the volume ratio, and stir gently until a homogeneous and transparent solution is formed.

10. The application of the cleaning agent for cleaning coated lenses according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Suitable for cleaning optical lenses of various materials, including but not limited to: CaF glass lenses, fused silica, microcrystalline, polyurethane lenses, as well as antireflective coatings, waterproof coatings, high reflective coatings, and hard coatings applied to their surfaces.