Coated articles with coatings containing light-absorbing substances

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is entitled to and claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 735,632, filed on September 24, 2018.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to coated articles that contain light absorption materials and which can be used for absorbing and transmitting desired ranges of electromagnetic radiation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Substrates used in a variety of applications including architectural applications, automotive applications, consumer appliances, etc. are typically coated with a functional and / or aesthetic coating. For example, solar control coatings are commonly applied to transparent architectural and automotive substrates to reflect and / or absorb light. For example, solar control coatings are typically used to block or filter certain ranges of electromagnetic radiation to reduce the amount of solar energy entering a vehicle or building. This reduction of solar energy transmittance also helps reduce the energy load on the cooling units of the vehicle or building. It is therefore desirable to provide new coatings that block or filter certain ranges of electromagnetic radiation.

[0004] US 2018 / 237336 A1, US 2016 / 299259 A1, US 2017 / 341977 A1 and WO 2006 / 124503 A2 disclose different coated articles that can include one or more absorbing layers in the coating stack.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a coated article as set out in appended independent claim 1. Specific variants of the coated article are subject of the dependent claims. The present invention further relates to a method of making a coated article as set out in appended independent claim 9.

[0006] The coating can also include a second metallic layer over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer and a third dielectric layer over at least a portion of the second metallic layer. Further, the overcoat is over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer and the light absorbing layer is over the third dielectric layer, in between the overcoat and the third dielectric layer, beneath the overcoat, or can be a part of the overcoat.

[0007] The coated article can further include a third metallic layer over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer over at least a portion of the third metallic layer. The overcoat is over at least a portion of the fourth dielectric layer. The light absorbing layer is over the fourth dielectric layer, between the fourth dielectric layer and the overcoat, beneath the overcoat, or can be a part of the overcoat.

[0008] The coated article can further include a fourth metallic layer over at least a portion of the fourth dielectric layer, and a fifth dielectric layer over at least a portion of the fourth metallic layer. The overcoat is over at least a portion of the fifth dielectric layer. The light absorbing layer is over the fifth dielectric layer, between the fifth dielectric layer and the overcoat, beneath the overcoat, or can be a part of the overcoat.

[0009] According to a specific variant, the coated article includes a glass substrate and a coating applied over at least a portion of the substrate in which the coating includes a first dielectric layer over at least a portion of the substrate; a first metallic layer over at least a portion of the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer over at least a portion of the first metallic layer; a second metallic layer over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer; a third dielectric layer over at least a portion of the second metallic layer; and an overcoat over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer. At least one of the metallic layers is a continuous metallic layer and at least one primer layer is formed over at least one of the metallic layers. A light absorbing layer is over the third dielectric layer, between the third dielectric layer and the overcoat, beneath the overcoat, or can be a part of the overcoat. Further, the light absorbing layer comprises a metal allow or suboxide selected from the group consisting of Si a Al b , Si a Al b O x , Si a Co b , Si a Co b O x , Si a Co b Cu c , Si a Co b Cu c O x , Si a Cr b , Si a Cr b O x , Si a Ni b , SiNiO x , or any combination thereof.

[0010] The coating can further include one or more additional metallic layers and one or more dielectric layers. Each additional metallic layer is formed over at least a portion of a previously formed dielectric layer and an additional dielectric layer is formed over each additional metallic layer. Further, the overcoat is formed over at least a portion of the uppermost dielectric layer and the light absorbing layer is formed between the uppermost dielectric layer and the overcoat, or can be a part of the overcoat.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figures 1A-1D: A side view (not to scale) diagram of a coated article (not according to the invention), wherein a light absorbing layer is positioned between the substrate and the first film of the first dielectric layer for a single metallic layer coating stack (Figure 1A), a double metallic layer coating stack (Figure 1B), a triple metallic layer coating (Figure 1C), and a quadruple metallic layer coating (Figure 1D). Figures 2A-2D: A side view (not to scale) diagram of a coated article (not according to the invention), wherein a light absorbing layer is positioned between the first primer layer and the first film of the second dielectric layer for a single metallic layer coating stack (Figure 2A), a double metallic layer coating stack (Figure 2B), a triple metallic layer coating (Figure 2C), and a quadruple metallic layer coating (Figure 2D). Figures 3A-3D: A side view (not to scale) diagram of a coated article (not according to the invention), wherein a light absorbing layer is positioned between the first film of the second dielectric layer and the second film of the second dielectric layer for a single metallic layer coating stack (Figure 3A), a double metallic layer coating stack (Figure 3B), a triple metallic layer coating (Figure 3C), and a quadruple metallic layer coating (Figure 3D). Figures 4A-4D: A side view (not to scale) diagram of a coated article incorporating features of the invention, wherein a light absorbing layer is positioned within the overcoat for a single metallic layer coating stack (Figure 4A), a double metallic layer coating stack (Figure 4B), a triple metallic layer coating (Figure 4C), and a quadruple metallic layer coating (Figure 4D). Figures 5A-5D: A side view (not to scale) diagram of a coated article incorporating features of the invention, wherein a light absorbing layer is positioned between the uppermost dielectric layer and the overcoat for a single metallic layer coating stack (Figure 5A), a double metallic layer coating stack (Figure 5B), a triple metallic layer coating (Figure 5C), and a quadruple metallic layer coating (Figure 5D). DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] For purposes of the following detailed description, it is to be understood that, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of ingredients used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0013] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard variation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0014] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10.

[0015] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural and plural encompasses singular, unless specifically stated otherwise. Further, in this application, the use of "a" or "an" means "at least one" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0016] Further, as used herein, the terms "formed over", "deposited over", or "provided over" mean formed, deposited, or provided on but not necessarily in contact with the surface. For example, a coating layer "formed over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating layers or films of the same or different composition located between the formed coating layer and the substrate.

[0017] The terms "visible region" or "visible light" refer to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 800 nm. The terms "infrared region" or "infrared radiation" refer to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of greater than 800 nm to 100,000 nm. The terms "ultraviolet region" or "ultraviolet radiation" mean electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to less than 380 nm.

[0018] The discussion of the invention may describe certain features as being "particularly" or "preferably" within certain limitations (e.g., "preferably", "more preferably", or "most preferably", within certain limitations). It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations but encompasses the entire scope of the claims.

[0019] As used herein, the term "film" refers to a coating region of a desired or selected coating composition. A "layer" can comprise one or more "films", and a "coating" or "coating stack" can comprise one or more "layers". The term "critical thickness" means a thickness above which a coating material forms a continuous, uninterrupted layer and below which the coating material forms discontinuous regions or islands of the coating material rather than a continuous layer. The term "subcritical thickness" means a thickness below the critical thickness such that the coating material forms isolated, non-connected regions of the coating material. The term "islanded" means that the coating material is not a continuous layer but, rather, that the material is deposited to form isolated regions or islands.

[0020] As indicated, the present invention relates to coated substrates. The coatings that are applied over the substrates can act as solar control coatings. As used herein, the term "solar control coating" refers to a coating comprised of one or more layers or films that affect the solar properties of the coated article, such as, but not limited to, the amount of solar radiation, for example, visible, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation, reflected from, absorbed by, or passing through the coated article; shading coefficient; emissivity, etc. The solar control coating can block, absorb, or filter selected portions of the solar spectrum, such as, but not limited to, the IR, UV, and / or visible spectrums.

[0021] The coatings of the present invention are typically applied to substrates exhibiting a degree of transparency including, but not limited to, an insulating glass unit (IGU). It is appreciated that the coatings of the present invention can be practiced with various types of substrates. For example, the coatings of the present invention can be applied to laminated or non-laminated residential and / or commercial windows, insulating glass units, and / or transparencies for land, air, space, above water, and underwater vehicles. Other non-limiting examples of suitable substrates include metal substrates including, but not limited to, steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum; ceramic substrates; tile substrates; plastic substrates (such as acrylic polymers, such as polyacrylates; polyalkylmethacrylates, such as polymethylmethacrylates, polyethylmethacrylates, polypropylmethacrylates, and the like; polyurethanes; polycarbonates; polyalkylterephthalates, such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polypropyleneterephthalates, polybutyleneterephthalates, and the like; polysiloxane-containing polymers; or copolymers of any monomers for preparing these, or any mixtures thereof); or mixtures or combinations of any of the above.

[0022] As previously described, the substrate can include a transparent substrate. It is appreciated that while a typical transparent substrate can have sufficient visible light transmission such that materials can be viewed through the transparency, the transparency needs not be transparent to visible light but may be translucent or opaque. In addition, the transparency of the substrate can exhibit any desired visible light, infrared radiation, or ultraviolet radiation transmission and / or reflection. For example, the substrate can have a visible light transmission of any desired amount, e.g., greater than 0% and up to 100%.

[0023] In some examples, the substrate is a conventional insulating glass unit. Examples of such substrates are described in U.S. Application Publication No. 2011 / 0236715. For instance, and as described in U.S. Application Publication No. 2011 / 0236715, the substrate is a conventional insulating glass unit that includes a first ply with a first major surface and an opposed second major surface. The substrate can also include a second ply having an outer (first) major surface and an inner (second) major surface and which is spaced from the first ply. The first and second plies can be connected together in any suitable manner, such as by being adhesively bonded to a conventional spacer frame. A gap or chamber is formed between the two plies. The chamber can be filled with a selected atmosphere, such as air, or a non-reactive gas such as argon or krypton gas. Non-limiting examples of insulating glass units are also described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,193,236; 4,464,874; 5,088,258; and 5,106,663.

[0024] When an insulating glass unit is used, the plies can be of the same or different materials. For example, one or more of the plies can be transparent or translucent to visible light. As used herein, the term "translucent" refers to a substrate that allows electromagnetic energy (e.g., visible light) to pass through but which diffuses the energy such that objects on the side opposite are not clearly visible to the viewer. For example, one or more of the plies can include conventional soda-lime-silicate glass, borosilicate glass, or leaded glass. The glass can be clear glass such as non-tinted or non-colored glass. Alternatively, the glass can be tinted or otherwise colored glass. The glass can be annealed or heat-treated glass. As used herein, the term "heat treated" means tempered or at least partially tempered. The glass can be of any type, such as conventional float glass, and can be of any composition having any optical properties, e.g., any value of visible transmission, ultraviolet transmission, infrared transmission, and / or total solar energy transmission. Further, as used herein, the term "float glass" refers to glass formed by a conventional float process in which molten glass is deposited onto a molten metal bath and controllably cooled to form a float glass ribbon. Examples of float glass processes are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,466,562 and 4,671,155.

[0025] The coated articles 10 are described by Figures 1-5 (including sub-figures). The coating of the present invention that is deposited over at least a portion of the substrate 12 includes: a first dielectric layer 14 formed over at least a portion of the substrate 12; a first metallic layer 16 formed over at least a portion of the first dielectric layer 14; a second dielectric layer 20 formed over at least a portion of the first metallic layer 16; and an overcoat 80 formed over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer.

[0026] The first dielectric layer 14 can be a single layer or can comprise more than one film of antireflective materials and / or dielectric materials, such as, but not limited to, metal or metal alloy oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides, or mixtures thereof. The first dielectric layer 14 can also be transparent to visible light. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals for the first dielectric layer include titanium, hafnium, zirconium, niobium, zinc, bismuth, lead, indium, tin, silicon or mixtures thereof. These metals can be an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride. They can also have small amounts of other materials, such as manganese, indium, etc. In a non-limiting example, the first dielectric layer 14 can comprise oxides of metal alloys or metal mixtures, such as oxides containing zinc and tin (e.g., zinc stannate), oxides of indium-tin alloys, silicon nitrides, silicon aluminum nitrides, or aluminum nitrides.

[0027] Further, the first dielectric layer 14 (whether a single film or multiple film layer) can have a thickness in the range of 20.0 nm (200 Å) to 60.0 nm (600 Å), preferably 25.0 nm (250 Å) to 55.0 nm (550 Å), more preferably 30.0 nm (300 Å) to 50.0 nm (500 Å), most preferably 37.5 nm (375 Å) to 42.5 nm (425 Å).

[0028] As previously noted, the first dielectric layer 14 can comprise a multi-film structure. For example, the first dielectric layer can comprise a multi-film structure having a first film 114 deposited over at least a portion of the substrate and a second film 116 deposited over the first metal alloy oxide film. For example, the first film 114 may be zinc stannate, and the second film may be zinc oxide (e.g. zinc 90 wt. % and tin 10 wt. % oxide). A non-limiting example of a first dielectric layer 14 comprising a multi-film structure is described in U.S. Application Publication No. 2011 / 0236715 at paragraphs

[0036] to

[0039] .

[0029] As indicated, the coating of the present invention comprises a first metallic layer 16 deposited over the first dielectric layer 14. The first metallic layer 16 can include a reflective or non-reflective metal, such as, but not limited to, metallic gold, copper, palladium, aluminum, silver, or mixtures, alloys, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the first metallic layer 16 is a continuous layer. Alternatively, the first metallic layer 16 is a discontinuous layer. The first metallic layer 16 can have a thickness in the range of 5.0 nm (50 Å) to 15.0 nm (150 Å), preferably 7.0 nm (70 Å) to 13.0 nm (130 Å), more preferably 8.0 nm (80 Å) to 12.0 nm (120 Å), most preferably 9.5 nm (95 Å) to 11.5 nm (115 Å).

[0030] As used herein, a "continuous layer" refers to a coating layer that forms a continuous film of the material and which does not have isolated coating regions. In contrast, a "discontinuous layer" refers to a coating layer that forms a discontinuous film of the material and which does include isolated coating regions. It is appreciated that the metallic layers can be deposited below a critical thickness (also referred to as "subcritical layers") to form discontinuous regions or islands of the discontinuous layer rather than a continuous layer. These discontinuous layers absorb electromagnetic radiation through an effect known as surface Plasmon resonance. These subcritical layers typically have higher absorbance in the visible region than a continuous layer of the same material and also have lower solar energy reflectance.

[0031] A second dielectric layer 20 is deposited over the first metallic layer 16. The second dielectric layer 20 can comprise one or more metal or metal alloy containing films, such as those described above with respect to the first dielectric layer 14, with the first film of the second dielectric layer 120, the second film of the second dielectric layer 122, and the third film of the second dielectric layer 124. The second dielectric layer 20 can have a total thickness (e.g., the combined thicknesses of the layers) in the range of 60.0 nm (600 Å) to 110.0 nm (1100 Å), preferably 70.0 nm (700 Å) to 100.0 (1000 Å), more preferably 75.0 nm (750 Å) to 95.0 nm (950 Å), most preferably 82.0 nm (820 Å) to 86.0 nm (860 Å).

[0032] An overcoat 80 is located over the second dielectric layer 20. The overcoat can help protect the underlying coating layers from mechanical and chemical attack. The overcoat 80 can be, for example, a metal oxide or metal nitride layer. For example, overcoat 80 can include silica, alumina, a mixture of silica and alumina, silicon nitride, silicon aluminum nitride, silicon aluminum oxynitride, titania, titanium aluminum oxide, zirconia, or mixture thereof. The overcoat 80 may have a total thickness in the range of 40.0 nm (400 Å) to 75.0 nm (750 Å), preferably 45.0 nm (450 Å) to 70.0 nm (700 Å), more preferably 50.0 nm (500 Å) to 67.5 nm (675 Å), most preferably 52.0 nm (520 Å) to 65.0 nm (650 Å). The overcoat may be contain into two or three protective films, and may additionally contain the light absorbing layer (80a and 80b).

[0033] In accordance with the present invention, a light absorbing layer 100 is between the uppermost dielectric layer 20 and the overcoat 80, or part of the overcoat 80. For instance, a light absorbing layer 100 can be deposited over the second dielectric layer 20 prior to depositing the overcoat 80. As used herein, a "light absorbing layer" refers to a layer that absorbs certain ranges of electromagnetic radiation to produce certain colors. For instance, the light absorbing layer 100 can have a lower absorption in the blue wavelength regions or neutral wavelength regions to produce blue and neutral colors.

[0034] The light absorbing layer 100 used with the present invention includes a metal alloy or suboxide selected from Si a Al b , Si a Al b O x , Si a Co b , Si a Co b O x , Si a Co b Cu c , Si a Co b Cu c O x , Si a Cr b , Si a Cr b O x , Si a Ni b , SiNiO x , or any combination thereof.

[0035] As used herein, the term "suboxide" refers to a class of oxides in which the electropositive element (e.g., a metal element) is in excess as compared to normal oxides. An oxide or suboxide is formed by sputtering the metal or metal alloy in an oxygen (O 2 ) atmosphere that has a specific flow rate to form an atmosphere of greater than 0% O 2 to less than or equal to 80% O 2 . The flow rate is an approximation to the amount of O 2 in the atmosphere, but that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that additional O 2 may leak into the coating chamber as the coating chamber is not hermetically sealed from the outside environment. For example, the O 2 flow rate (i.e. concentration of O 2 in the atmosphere for the chamber where the material is being deposited) can be in the range of 0% to 50%, such as 10% to 50%, such as 20% to 30%, such as 20% to 40%, such as 20% to 50%, such as 30% to 40%, such as 30% to 50%. Alternatively, the flow rate for O 2 can be 5% to 30%, such as 10% to 20%. The term "subnitride" refers to a class of nitrides in which the electropositive element (e.g., a metal element) is in excess as compared to normal nitrides. A nitride or subnitride is formed by sputtering the metal or metal alloy in a nitrogen (N 2 ) atmosphere that has a specific flow rate as to form an atmosphere of greater than 0% N 2 to less than or equal to 80% N 2 . For example, the N 2 flow rate can be 0% to 50%, preferably 1% to 40%, more preferably 3% to 35%, most preferably 5% to 30%. Alternatively, the N 2 flow rate can be 5% to 80%. The flow rate is an approximation to the amount of N 2 in the atmosphere, but that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that additional N 2 may leak into the coating chamber as the coating chamber is not hermetically sealed from the outside environment. The remainder of the atmosphere in either case (oxygen or nitrogen atmosphere) can be an inert gas, such as argon.

[0036] Further, a "metal alloy" refers to a combination of a metal with a second material such as a second, different metal for example. The chemical structure of the light absorbing layer 100 is designated by weight percent of an element, a, b, and c. In some embodiments, b is equal to 1-a. In other embodiments, b may be less than 1-a. In some embodiments, c may be equal to 1-a-b. In other embodiments, c may be less than 1-a-b. The weight percentages of a, b and c indicated herein disregard the weight of oxygen or nitride. Instead, the resulting weight percent of oxide and / or nitride of the light absorbing compound is designated by x and / or y within the chemical structure, wherein x and y can have a weight percentage in the range of 0 wt. % to any number being a full oxide and / or nitride. Light absorbing layer 100 compositions can be found in Table 1.

[0037] The light absorbing layer 100 used with the present invention is selected from a metal alloy or suboxide, comprising silicon and one or more metals as set out above.

[0038] The metal alloy, or suboxide comprising silicon and one or more metals is selected from Si a Al b , Si a Al b O x , Si a Co b , Si a Co b O x , Si a Co b Cu c , Si a Co b Cu c O x , Si a Cr b , Si a Cr b O x , Si a Ni b , SiNiO x , or any combination thereof. For instance, the light absorbing layer 100 can comprise Si a Co b in b is within a range of 12.5 wt. % to 79 wt. %. Other non-limiting examples include Si a Ni b O x in which a is 39 wt. % to 46 wt. %, Si a Co b O x in which a is 43 wt. %, Si a Co b Cu c O x in which a is 19 wt. % or 14 wt. %, Si a Cr b O x in which a is 48 wt. %, and Si a Al b in which the wt. % of Si is 85 wt. %.

[0039] The light absorbing layer can comprise a metal alloy, as described in Table 1, below. The metal alloys may be a metal alloy, or a suboxide. Table 1: Ratios of Metals for Metal Alloys Used as Light Absorbers MaterialRange (wt. %)Preferred Range (wt. %)More Preferred Range (wt. %)Most Preferred Range (wt. %)Si a Al b ,a = 72 to 98 wt. %a = 75 to 95 wt. %a = 78 to 92 wt. %a = 80 to 90 wt. %b =2 to 28 wt. %b = 5 to 25 wt. %b = 8 to 22 wt. %b = 10 to 20 wt. %Si a Co b a = 20 to 60 wt. %a = 25 to 55 wt. %a = 28 to 52 wt. %a = 30 to 50 wt. %b = 40 to 80 wt. %b = 45 to 75 wt. %b = 48 to 72 wt. %b = 50 to 70 wt. %Si a Cr b a = 30 to 65 wt. %a = 35 to 60 wt. %a = 40 to 55 wt. %a = 45 to 50 wt. %b = 35 to 70 wt. %b = 40 to 65 wt. %b = 45 to 60 wt. %b = 50 to 55 wt. %Si a Co b Cu c a = 5 to 40 wt. %a = 5 to 35 wt. %a = 5 to 30 wt. %a = 12 to 22 wt. %b = 5 to 45 wt. %b = 10 to 40 wt. %b = 15 to 40 wt. %b = 18 to 38 wt. %c = 15 to 90 wt. %c = 25 to 85 wt. %c = 30 to 80 wt. %c = 40 to 70 wt. %Si a Ni b a = 25 to 60 wt. %a = 30 to 55 wt. %a = 35 to 50 wt.%a = 38 to 50 wt.%b = 40 to 75 wt. %b = 45 to 70 wt. %b = 50 to 65 wt. %b = 50 to 62 wt. %

[0040] It is appreciated that any of the previously described light absorbers can be deposited separately as a single light absorbing film or together in combination as multiple light absorbing films.

[0041] Further, the amount of oxygen of the suboxide light absorbing layers 100 can be selected to adjust the color absorption. For instance, the amount of oxygen can be adjusted to produce a more neutral color.

[0042] The coatings of the present invention can further comprise additional coating layers. For instance, the coatings can comprise one or more additional metallic layers (subcritical or non-subcritical metallic layers) and one or more additional dielectric layers. For example, the coating can further include a second metallic layer 22 over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer 20. The second metallic layer 22 can have a thickness in the range of 5.0 nm (50 Å) to 12.0 nm (120 Å), preferably 6.0 nm (60 Å) to 11.0 nm (110 Å), more preferably 7.0 nm (70 Å) to 10.0 nm (100 Å), most preferably 7.5 nm (75 Å) to 9.5 nm (95 Å). A third dielectric layer 30 can be over at least a portion of the second metallic layer 22. The third dielectric layer 30 can comprise one or more metal oxide or metal alloy oxide-containing films, such as those described above with respect to the first dielectric layer 14, with a first film of the third dielectric layer 130 (e.g., a metal oxide or metal oxide mixture), a second film of the third dielectric layer 132 (e.g., a metal alloy oxide), and optionally a third film of the third dielectric layer 134 (e.g., a metal oxide or metal oxide mixture). The third dielectric layer 30 can have a total thickness (e.g., the combined thicknesses of the layers) in the range of 15.0 nm (150 Å) to 40.0 nm (400 Å), preferably 20.0 nm (200 Å) to 35.0 nm (350 Å), more preferably 23.0 nm (230 Å) to 30.0 nm (300 Å), more preferably 26.0 nm (260 Å) to 28.0 nm (280 Å). In such examples, the overcoat 80 is over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer 30 and the light absorbing layer 100 is over the third dielectric layer 30, between the third dielectric layer 30 and the overcoat 80, beneath the overcoat 80, or within the overcoat 80.

[0043] It is appreciated that the coating of the present invention can have multiple metallic and dielectric layers such as, for example, a third metallic layer 26 over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer 30 and a fourth dielectric layer 40 over at least a portion of the third metallic layer. The fourth dielectric layer 40 can comprise one or more metal oxide or metal alloy containing films, such as those described above with respect to the first dielectric layer 14, with a first film of the fourth dielectric layer 140 (e.g., a metal oxide or metal oxide mixture), a second film of the fourth dielectric layer 142 (e.g., a metal alloy oxide), and optionally a third film of the fourth dielectric layer 144 (e.g., a metal oxide or metal oxide mixture). The fourth dielectric layer can have a total thickness (e.g., the combined thicknesses of the layers) in the range of 45.0 nm (450 Å) to 80.0 nm (800 Å), preferably 50.0 nm (500 Å) to 75.0 nm (750 Å), most preferably 55.0 nm (550 Å) to 70.0 nm (700 Å), more preferably 60.0 nm (600 Å) to 65.0 nm (650 Å). The overcoat 80 will then be over at least a portion of the fourth dielectric layer 40 and the light absorbing layer 100 is over the fourth dielectric layer 40, between the fourth dielectric layer 40 and the overcoat 80, beneath the overcoat 80, or within the overcoat 80.

[0044] The coatings of the present invention can further comprise additional coating layers. For example, the coating can further include a fourth metallic layer 32 over at least a portion of the fourth dielectric layer 40. The fourth metallic layer 32 can have a total thickness in the range of 2.0 nm (20 Å) to 20.0 nm (200 Å), preferably 4.0 nm (40 Å) to 15.0 nm (150 Å), more preferably 6.0 nm (60 Å) to 11.0 nm (110 Å), most preferably 7.0 nm (70 Å) to 10.0 nm (100 Å). A fifth dielectric layer 50 can be over at least a portion of the fourth metallic layer 32. The fifth dielectric layer 50 can comprise one or more metal oxide or metal alloy containing films, such as those described with respect to the first dielectric layer 14, with a first film of the fifth dielectric layer 152 (e.g., a metal oxide or metal oxide mixture), a second film of the fifth dielectric layer 154, and optionally a third film of the fifth dielectric layer (e.g. a metal oxide or metal oxide mixture). The fifth dielectric layer 50 can have a total thickness in the range of 10.0 nm (100 Å) to 45.0 nm (450 Å), preferably 15.0 nm (150 Å) to 40.0 nm (400 Å), more preferably 20.0 nm (200 Å) to 35.0 nm (350 Å), most preferably 23.0 nm (230 Å) to 28.0 nm (280 Å). The overcoat 80 will then be over at least a portion of the fifth dielectric layer 50 and the light absorbing layer 100 is over the fifth dielectric layer 50, between the fifth dielectric layer 50 and the overcoat 80, beneath the overcoat 80, or within the overcoat 80.

[0045] As such, each additional metallic layer is over at least a portion of a previously formed dielectric layer and an additional dielectric layer is formed over each additional metallic layer. Further, when additional metallic and dielectric layers are used, the overcoat 80 is over at least a portion of the uppermost dielectric layer and the light absorbing layer 100 is formed between the uppermost dielectric layer and the overcoat 80, or within the overcoat 80.

[0046] The additional metallic and dielectric layers can be formed from any of the previously described materials used to form metallic and dielectric layers. For example, the additional dielectric layers can include one or more metal oxide or metal alloy oxide-containing films, such as discussed above with respect to the first and second dielectric layers 14, 20, and the additional metallic layers can include a reflective or non-reflective metal including metallic gold, copper, palladium, aluminum, silver, or mixtures, alloys, or combinations thereof, such as discussed above with respect to the first metallic layer 16. The additional layers can also include any of the previously described thicknesses.

[0047] It is to be understood that any of the metallic layers can be a continuous layer or a discontinuous layer in a coating stack when used. For example, for coating stacks having a plurality of metallic coating layers, more than one of the metallic layers could be a discontinuous subcritical metallic layer or a continuous metallic layer.

[0048] Other additional coating layers can be used with the present invention. For example, a primer layer 18, 24, 28, 34 can be over one or more, such as all, of the metallic layers. The primer layer 18, 24, 28, 34 can be a single film or a multiple film layer. The primer layer 18, 24, 28, 34 can include an oxygen-capturing material that can be sacrificial during the deposition process to prevent degradation or oxidation of the first reflective layer during the sputtering process or subsequent heating processes. The primer layer 18, 24, 28, 34 can also absorb at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, passing through the coating. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the primer layer 18, 24, 28, 34 include titanium, silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, nickel-chrome alloys (such as Inconel), zirconium, aluminum, alloys of silicon and aluminum, alloys containing cobalt and chromium (e.g., Stellite ®< ), and / or mixtures thereof. For example, the primer layer 18, 24, 28, 34 can be titanium and can have a total thickness in the range of 0.1 nm (1 Å) to 6.0 nm (60 Å), preferably 0.5 nm (5 Å) to 5.0 nm (50 Å), more preferably 0.7 nm (7 Å) to 4.0 nm (40 Å), most preferably 1.0 nm (10 Å) to 3.5 nm (35 Å).

[0049] When a primer layer(s) is used with the present invention, a dielectric layer is formed over at least a portion of the primer layer. For example, a first primer layer 18 can be over the first metallic layer 16 and the second dielectric layer 20 can be formed over the first primer layer 18. A second primer layer 24 can be over the second metallic layer 22. A third primer layer can be over the third metallic layer 30. A fourth primer layer can be over the fourth metallic layer 32.

[0050] The coatings of the present invention can be deposited by any conventional method, such as, but not limited to, 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 (such as magnetron sputter vapor deposition (MSVD)). Other coating methods could also be used, such as, but not limited to, sol-gel deposition.

[0051] MSVD processes are typically performed in coaters having one or more coating zones. Each zone includes one or more targets for depositing a specific type of material on a substrate. Each target is placed in a bay which has its own gas feeds by which gas comes into the zone. Although gas comes into a zone in different places, all of the gas that comes into the zone leaves at a certain place in the zone. The gases used during the deposition process include reactive and / or non-reactive gasses. Non-limiting examples of reactive gases that are commonly used include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and combinations thereof. Moreover, non-limiting examples of non-reactive gases that are commonly used include one or more noble gases such as argon.

[0052] Each zone in a coater is run, i.e. operated to deposit a coating layer, in one of three modes-metal mode, transition mode, or oxide mode. It is appreciated that the amount of reactive gas that is capable of reacting with a target in the zone determines the mode. For instance, the transition mode can occur by increasing the reactive gas, such as oxygen, to a particular percentage range which can deposit substantially metal oxides and / or sub-oxides.

[0053] Further, MSVD methods can use one or more zones that are each independently run in one or more modes. For example, a MSVD method can comprise multiple zones that are each independently run in a single mode such as metal mode. Alternatively, the MSVD method can comprise one or more zones in which at least one of zones is run using multiple modes such as metal mode and transition or oxide mode. Examples of MSVD methods that use multiple modes in at least one zone are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,500,965.

[0054] It was found that the coatings of the present invention, which include the light absorbing layers 100 previously described herein, reduce the amount of solar energy entering vehicles or buildings through transparent substrate while also exhibiting blue and neutral colors (i.e., absorbing only low amounts of radiation in the blue and neutral color range). The coatings are also heat stable without sacrificing their thermal properties. Further, the coatings of the present invention exhibit little or no haze and can be applied at room temperature without having to apply heat.EXAMPLES

[0055] It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limited to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims.Example 1 (not according to the invention)

[0056] Coated articles 10 were made by incorporating a light absorbing layer 100 into different locations in the stack. The light absorbing layer was deposited under 100% Argon for metal alloy light absorbing layers and deposited under 20% to 40% oxygen to form a suboxide. In one embodiment, the light absorbing layer 100 was positioned between the ZnSn film 114 of the first dielectric layer 14 and substrate 12 (Figure 1A, Figure 1B, Figure 1C, and Figure 1D), between the primer layer 18 and zinc oxide film 120 of the second dielectric layer 20 (Figure 2A, Figure 2B, Figure 2C, and Figure 2D), and between the zinc oxide film 120 and ZnSn film 122 of the second dielectric layer 20 (Figure 3A, Figure 3B, Figure 3C, and Figure 3D). The coated articles 10 were analyzed for light transmittance and color and resulted in substrates with a hazy finish.Example 2

[0057] The coated article 10 of Figure 4B was made with Si a Co b O x as the light absorbing layer, where Si was 50 wt. % and Co was 50 wt. % deposited under a 20%-30% O 2 atmosphere (i.e. an atmosphere created when 20%-30% O 2 is pumped into the chamber where the Si a Co b O x is deposited) and had the following structure: Si85Al15 PPO53.0 nm (530 Å)light absorber60.0 nm (600 Å)Si85Al15 PPO2.0 nm (20 Å)zinc stannate18.0 nm (180 Å)zinc oxide9.0 nm (90 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver8.0 nm (80 Å)zinc oxide7.0 nm (70 Å)zinc stannate71.0 nm (710 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver10.5 nm (105 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)zinc stannate34.0 nm (340 Å)clear glass2.1 mm

[0058] The light absorbing layer 100 was positioned within the Si85Al15 PPO overcoat layer 80 (80a and 80b). The resulting coated article 10 was analyzed for light transmittance and color (Table 3). When the light absorbing layer 100 was positioned within the Si85Al15 PPO layer 80, no haze and decreased light transmittance (LTA) was observed.Example 3

[0059] The coated article 10 of Figure 5B was made with Si a Co b as the light absorbing layer, where Si was 50 wt. % and Co was 50 wt. % deposited under a 100% Ar atmosphere and had the following structure: Si85Al15 PPO53.0 nm (530 Å)light absorber2.5 nm (25 Å)zinc stannate18.0 nm (180 Å)zinc oxide9.0 nm (90 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver8.0 nm (80 Å)zinc oxide7.0 nm (70 Å)zinc stannate71.0 nm (710 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver10.5 nm (105 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)zinc stannate34.0 nm (340 Å)clear glass2.1 mm

[0060] The light absorbing layer 100 was inserted between the ZnSn layer 132 of the third dielectric layer 30 and the Si85Al15 PPO overcoat 80. The resulting coated article was analyzed for light transmittance and color (Table 3). When the light absorbing layer 100 was inserted between the third dielectric layer 30 and the Si85Al15 PPO overcoat 80, no haze and decreased LTA was observed. Increasing the thickness of Si a Co b from 2.5 nm (25 Å) to 3.0 nm (30 Å) further reduced the LTA but caused a change in the Rg color, as a result of oxidation within the coated stack. Table 3SiCo Light Absorber Sample L* a* b* DEcmc LTA (%) Baseline 10T89.571-1.2364.378-9975.817Rf39.387-7.450-2.549-99Rg39.364-5.805-1.000-99Si a Co b O x (100 within 80)T87.187-0.9195.453-9971.071Rf40.498-2.675-1.163-99Rg42.116-4.364-3.303-99Si a Co b (100 at 2.5 nm (25 Å) between 132 and 80)T88.769-1.8925.383-9974.088Rf39.368-6.879-3.086-99Rg39.724-9.438-1.828-99Si a Co b (100 at 3.0 nm (30 Å) between 132 and 80)T85.956-1.49596.734-9968.619Rg38.592-6.768-7.950-99 Example 4

[0061] The coated article 10 of Figure 4B was made with a Si a Ni b light absorbing layer 100, where Si was 50 wt. % and Ni was 50 wt. %, deposited under 100% Ar and had the following structure: Si85Al15 PPO53.0 nm (530 Å)light absorber10.0 nm (100 Å)Si85Al15 PPO10.0 nm (100 Å)zinc stannate18.0 nm (180 Å)zinc oxide9.0 nm (90 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver8.0 nm (80 Å)zinc oxide7.0 nm (70 Å)zinc stannate71.0 nm (710 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver10.5 nm (105 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)zinc stannate34.0 nm (340 Å)clear glass2.1 mm

[0062] The light absorbing layer 100 was positioned within the Si85Al15 PPO overcoat 80 (80a and 80b). The resulting coated article 10 was analyzed for light transmittance and color. When the light absorbing layer was positioned within the Si85Al15 PPO overcoat 80, no haze was observed. However, following sample heating in a 0% oxygen environment, the coated article 10 became hazy.Example 5

[0063] The coated article 10 of Figure 5B was made with Si a Ni b O x light absorbing layer, where Si was 50 wt. % and Ni was 50 wt. %, deposited under a 10% O 2 atmosphere and had the following structure: Si85Al15 PPO53.0 nm (530 Å)light absorber10.0 nm (100 Å)zinc stannate18.0 nm (180 Å)zinc oxide9.0 nm (90 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver8.0 nm (80 Å)zinc oxide7.0 nm (70 Å)zinc stannate71.0 nm (710 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)titanium2.0-4.0 nm (20-40 Å)silver10.5 nm (105 Å)zinc oxide6.0 nm (60 Å)zinc stannate34.0 nm (340 Å)clear glass2.1 mm

[0064] The light absorbing layer 100 was positioned within the Si85Al15 PPO overcoat 80. The resulting coated article 10 was analyzed for light transmittance and color. When the light absorbing layer was inserted in the Si85Al15 PPO layer 80, no haze was observed. However, following sample heating in a 0% oxygen environment, the coated article 10 became hazy.Example 6

[0065] The coated article 10 of Figure 5B was made with a Si a Cr b O x light absorbing layer, where Si was 28 wt. % and Cr was 52 wt. %, deposited under a 20% O 2 atmosphere. When the light absorbing layer was inserted between the third dielectric layer 30 and the overcoat 80, no haze was observed.

Claims

1. A coated article comprising: a substrate; and a coating applied over at least a portion of the substrate, the coating comprising: a first dielectric layer over at least a portion of the substrate; a first metallic layer over at least a portion of the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer over at least a portion of the first metallic layer; an overcoat over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer, a light absorbing layer between the uppermost dielectric layer and the overcoat, or wherein the light absorbing layer is positioned within the overcoat, wherein the light absorbing layer comprises a metal alloy or suboxide selected from SiaAlb, SiaAlbOx, SiaCob, SiaCobOx, SiaCobCuc, SiaCobCucOx, SiaCrb, SiaCrbOx, SiaNib, SiNiOx, or any combination thereof.

2. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the light absorbing layer comprises SiaCobOx, wherein a is in the range of 30 wt. % to 50 wt. %.

3. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the light absorbing layer comprises SiaCobOx and wherein x is a resulting oxygen content when the light absorbing material is formed under an atmosphere having 20 % to 40% of oxygen.

4. The coated article of any of the claims 1-3, wherein the light absorbing layer is between the uppermost dielectric layer and the overcoat.

5. The coated article of any of the claims 1-3, wherein the light absorbing layer is positioned within the overcoat.

6. The coated article of any of the claims 1-5, further comprising a second metallic layer over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer and a third dielectric layer over at least a portion of the second metallic layer, and wherein the overcoat is over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer and the light absorbing layer is between the third dielectric layer and the overcoat, or the light absorbing layer is positioned within the overcoat.

7. The coated article of claim 6, further comprising a fourth metallic layer over at least a portion of the third dielectric layer, and a fifth dielectric layer over at least a portion of the fourth metallic layer wherein the overcoat is over at least a portion of the fifth dielectric layer, and the light absorbing layer is between the fifth dielectric layer and the overcoat, or the light absorbing layer is positioned within the overcoat.

8. The coated article of any of the claims 1-7, further comprising at least one primer layer formed over at least one of the metallic layers.

9. A method of making a coated article: providing a substrate; and applying a coating over at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the applying step comprises: forming a first dielectric layer over at least a portion of the substrate; forming a first metallic layer over at least a portion of the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over at least a portion of the first metallic layer forming an overcoat over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer, forming a light absorbing layer between the uppermost dielectric layer and the overcoat, or forming a light absorbing layer within the overcoat, wherein the light absorbing layer comprises a metal alloy or suboxide selected from SiaAlb, SiaAlbOx, SiaCob, SiaCobOx, SiaCobCuc, SiaCobCucOx, SiaCrb, SiaCrbOx, SiaNib, SiNiOx, or any combination thereof.