Multifunctional Laminates

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to compositions, laminates, films, and / or composites made from polymers such as thermoplastic polyurethanes ("TPU"). The films have one or more optical layers made from materials that allow for the transmission of visible light and the reflection or absorption of UV light. Composites having an infrared ("IR") blocking layer, and preferably a polymer layer having an ultraviolet ("UV") absorber, are placed between layers of glass or synthetic glass in combination with a polycarbonate ("PC") or polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") layer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 300,591, filed January 18, 2022, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] The field of the disclosure relates to compositions, composites, laminates, and / or films having one or more optical materials or layers that are substantially transmissive to visible light while blocking UV radiation. Films and laminates that have high optical transmission to visible light are desirable in many applications, for example, films with high optical transmission are used in vehicle windshields and sunroofs, food packaging, optical disk devices, residential and commercial windows, etc. Solar radiation is the radiant (electromagnetic) energy from the Sun that provides light and heat to the Earth and energy for photosynthesis. This radiant energy is necessary for the environment and the metabolism of the organisms that live there. The solar radiation spectrum is divided into different radiation regions according to the wavelength range. In general, the human eye can detect visible light with wavelengths between about 400 and 700 nm. Invisible light includes infrared light, with wavelengths between about 700 nm and 1 m, and ultraviolet light ("UV"), with wavelengths between about 10 and 400 nm. The various radiation regions of the solar spectrum can have different effects on the environment and on humans. Although small amounts of UV light can be beneficial to humans, prolonged UV exposure can damage human skin and cause acute and chronic health problems. Similarly, prolonged exposure to UV light can also damage or discolor objects such as upholstery and furniture. Thus, while solar radiation provides natural light to the interior of buildings and automobiles through windows, it also brings undesirable effects through UV radiation, which can cause direct damage and injury to objects inside the space. Therefore, functional windows are essential for buildings and automobiles to reduce power loads and protect all objects and occupants inside by blocking UV light while still allowing visible light to pass through. For example, blocking UV and infrared radiation can reduce the need for air conditioning in vehicles such as automobiles.

[0003] For safety considerations and energy efficiency, laminated glass windows with polymer interlayers are commonly used, with polyvinyl butyral ("PVB") resin sheets being the most common glass laminate. Conventional automotive and architectural glazing or window structures are often laminates made of two sheets of rigid glass or plastic sheets and an interlayer of plasticized polyvinyl butyral ("PVB"). PVB sheets are commonly used because they can hold sharp pieces of glass in place when the glass breaks. Therefore, PVB laminated safety glass is widely applied in building and automobile windows, display cases, and other places where people have a lot of contact. In addition to layered glass composites, engineered glass also has certain advantages. For example, engineered glass can be easily formed into any three-dimensional form, making these composites suitable for vehicle windshields and skylights. Polymers such as polycarbonate can be used to form these composites. Optical filters are devices that selectively transmit and / or block different wavelengths of light. The optical properties of filtering are completely described by a frequency response that specifies how the amplitude and phase of each frequency component of an incident signal is modified by the filter. Optical layers or filters can be placed within or between the PVB sheets to block UV light from passing through a laminated window. However, PVB layers have certain drawbacks in laminates such as glass windows. For example, high humidity can build up within the PVB layer during use. High humidity can eventually cause the laminate to fail or reduce the quality of visible light passing through the window. In addition, PVB typically has a high modulus and low tensile strength, which can adversely affect the performance of the glazing in applications such as windows and automotive windshields. Furthermore, the PVB interlayer can bleed and delaminate at the edges between the film layers, resulting in a strong iridescence known as "edge brightening." Edge brightening is not a desirable attribute in this type of glass laminate. Thus, what is needed are improved compositions and structures having optical layers, such as vehicle and building window films, composites, or laminates that are durable and less susceptible to moisture penetration and / or bleeding, while providing protection from the harmful effects of UV radiation and being thin enough to keep the materials low-cost in a competitive market. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The following presents a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter, nor to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to films, compositions, laminates, and / or composites made from thermoplastic polymers, preferably thermoplastic polyurethanes ("TPUs"). The films have one or more optical materials and / or layers made from materials that allow the transmission of visible light and reflect or absorb UV light. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to compositions made from one or more resins, at least one of which is an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin. In other embodiments, the present disclosure relates to glass composites, such as window panes, that include TPUs and optical materials therein. In one embodiment, a composite is disclosed that includes a first glass layer, a second glass layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") layer between the first and second glass layers, and a polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") film between the first and second glass layers. In the composite, the TPU layer can be a resin composite. The TPU layer can have an ultraviolet ("UV") absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles or triazines. In an embodiment, the composite further comprises an infrared ("IR") blocking layer between the TPU layer and the PET film. The TPU layer may have a UV absorber. The composite may have a low emissivity ("Low-E") layer between the PET film and the second glass layer. In an embodiment, the TPU layer is a first TPU layer and the composite further comprises a second TPU layer between the PET film and the Low-E layer, hi an embodiment, a third TPU layer is between the Low-E layer and the second glass layer. In an embodiment, at least one of the first TPU layer, the second TPU layer, or the third TPU layer is a resin composite having a UV absorber and a light stabilizer. In an embodiment, at least one of the first TPU layer, the second TPU layer, or the third TPU layer has two or more UV absorbers. The composite may further include a transparent electromagnetic interference ("EMI") shield within or on the IR blocking layer. The composite may further include a transparent antenna within or on the IR blocking layer.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the composite has a first polycarbonate ("PC") film, a second PC film, at least one TPU layer between the first and second PC films, and a PC sheet between the first and second PC films. In an embodiment, at least one TPU layer is a resin composite. At least one TPU layer may have a UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles or triazines. In an embodiment, the at least one TPU layer is a first TPU layer, and the composite further comprises an infrared ("IR") blocking layer between the first PC film and the first TPU layer. The PC sheet can be between the first TPU layer and the second PC film. The PC sheet can be a first PC sheet, and the composite further comprises a second TPU layer between the first PC sheet and the second PC film. The second TPU layer can be between the first PC sheet and the second PC film. In an embodiment, the second PC sheet is between the second TPU layer and the second PC film. A third TPU layer can be between the second PC sheet and the second PC film. In an embodiment, the composite further comprises a Low-E layer between the third TPU layer and the second PC film. In an embodiment, at least one of the first TPU layer, the second TPU layer, or the third TPU layer is a resin composite having a UV absorber and a light stabilizer. In an embodiment, at least one of the first TPU layer, the second TPU layer, or the third TPU layer has two or more UV stabilizers. In an embodiment, the composite further comprises a transparent EMI shield in or on the IR blocking layer, hi an embodiment, a transparent antenna in or on the IR blocking layer.

[0007] In another aspect, a composite is disclosed having a first polycarbonate ("PC") film, a transparent infrared ("IR") blocking layer, a first polymer film selected from thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ("EVA"), a first PC sheet, a second polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, a second PC sheet, a third polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, and a second PC film. In an embodiment, the composite further comprises a Low-E layer between the third polymer film selected from TPU or EVA and the second PC film. A topcoat may be on at least one of the first PC film and the second PC film. At least one of the first polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, the second polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, or the third polymer film selected from TPU or EVA can be a resin composite having a UV absorber and a light stabilizer. In an embodiment, the IR blocking layer has a transparent EMI shield in or on the IR blocking layer. The IR blocking layer may have a transparent antenna in or on the IR blocking layer.

[0008] In another embodiment, the composite has a first glass layer, a first polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, an IR blocking layer, a PET film, a second polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, and a second glass layer. In an embodiment, the composite may further comprise a Low-E layer between the second polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA and the second glass layer, and may further comprise a third polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA between the Low-E layer and the second glass layer. At least one of the first polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, the second polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, or the third polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA can be a resin composite having a UV absorber and a light stabilizer. In an embodiment, the IR blocking layer has a transparent EMI shield in or on the IR blocking layer, In an embodiment, the IR blocking layer has an invisible antenna in or on the IR blocking layer. The TPU composition disclosed herein is less susceptible to moisture penetrating the TPU layer, enhancing the durability of the optical composition and improving the quality of visible light passing therethrough. TPU has desirable properties that allow etching of plastics. In addition, the TPU composition disclosed herein is less susceptible to bleeding between film layers at the edges, thereby reducing edge brightening. The TPU layer disclosed herein is preferably selected from a material that is sufficiently transparent to visible light and exhibits suitable adhesion to glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, cellulose acetate butyrate, or other surfaces that the layer may contact.In certain embodiments, the TPU layer preferably has a storage modulus sufficient to substantially absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of air particles that contact its surface, such as rain, hail, wind, dirt, and other pollutants.At the same time, the TPU material preferably has substantial tear and abrasion resistance, thereby protecting the film from adverse environmental conditions.

[0009] In one embodiment, an optical film made from an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin composition is provided. The resin composition includes an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin, a first UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles or triazines, a light stabilizer, and a second UV absorber. The second UV absorber is preferably selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles, benzophenones, triazines, or benzylidene malonates. In certain embodiments, the TPU resin is present in an amount of about 95 to about 99.99% by weight. The first UV absorber is present in the TPU resin in an amount of about 0.1 to about 1.0% by weight. The second UV absorber is present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 2.0% by weight. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second UV absorbers are present in a combined amount of about 0.1 to about 3% by weight. In certain embodiments, the second UV absorber is selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole-based absorbers or benzophenone-based absorbers. In certain embodiments, the light stabilizer comprises an amine light stabilizer (HALS or NOR-HALS). In an exemplary embodiment, the light stabilizer may be prepared by mixing bis(1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate. In an embodiment, bis(1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate are mixed in a ratio of 3:1.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the second UV absorber is combined with one or more TPU resins as a concentrate in a base resin, with the ratio of TPU resin to base resin ranging from about 20:1 to about 3:1. The loading rate of the concentrate in the base resin ranges from about 0.5 to about 10%. In one exemplary embodiment, the loading rate of the second UV absorber as a concentrate is about 0.5% by weight in the base resin, and the film thickness is 0.76 mm (30 mils) or less. In another exemplary embodiment, the loading concentration of the second UV absorber is about 8.5 PPH, and the film thickness is 0.38 mm (15 mils) or less. The optical films of the present invention are preferably capable of blocking at least about 95% of light having a wavelength in the range of about 100 to about 410 nm, preferably about 380 to 410 nm. In exemplary embodiments, the optical films are capable of blocking greater than about 99.9% of light having a wavelength in the range of about 380 to 400 nm, or at least 99% of light having a wavelength of about 400 nm. In certain embodiments, the optical film has a Yellowness Index (YI value) of about 3.0 or less, preferably about 2.5 or less, hi certain embodiments, the YI value is less than 2.0. In certain embodiments, the film thickness and concentration of the second UV absorber are optimized. In one embodiment, the loading rate of the second UV absorber as a concentrate is about 0.5% by weight in the base resin, and the film thickness is 0.76 mm (30 mils) or less. In another embodiment, the loading concentration of the second UV absorber is about 8.5 PPH, and the film thickness is 0.38 mm (15 mils) or less.

[0011] In another embodiment, the composition comprises an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin comprising a first UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles or triazines and a light stabilizer. The composition further comprises a base resin comprising a second UV absorber. The second UV absorber is preferably selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles, benzophenones, triazines, or benzylidene malonates. In a particular embodiment, the base resin comprises a second TPU resin. The ratio of the TPU resin to the base resin comprising the second UV absorber ranges from about 20:1 to about 3:1, preferably from about 10:1 to about 7:1. The loading rate of the concentrate in the base resin ranges from about 0.5 to about 10%. In one exemplary embodiment, the loading rate of the second UV absorber as a concentrate is about 0.5% by weight in the base resin, and the film thickness is 0.76 mm (30 mils) or less. In another exemplary embodiment, the loading concentration of the second UV absorber is about 8.5 PPH, and the film thickness is 0.38 mm (15 mils) or less.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composite including a first glass layer, a second glass layer, and a film between the first glass layer and the second layer, the film being made from a TPU resin composition, a benzotriazole or triazine based first UV absorber, a light stabilizer, and a second UV absorber. In a particular embodiment, the second UV absorber is combined with the TPU resin as a concentrate in the base resin, and the ratio of the TPU resin to the base resin containing the second UV absorber concentrate ranges from about 20:1 to about 3:1. The loading rate of the concentrate in the base resin ranges from about 0.5 to about 10%. In one exemplary embodiment, the loading rate of the second UV absorber as a concentrate is about 0.5% by weight in the base resin, and the film thickness is 0.76 mm (30 mils) or less. In another exemplary embodiment, the loading concentration of the second UV absorber is about 8.5 PPH, and the film thickness is 0.38 mm (15 mils) or less. The conjugates disclosed herein are preferably capable of blocking at least about 95% of light having a wavelength in the range of about 100 to about 410 nm, preferably about 380 to 410 nm. In exemplary embodiments, the conjugates are capable of blocking greater than about 99.9% of light having a wavelength in the range of about 380 to 400 nm, or at least 99% of light having a wavelength of about 400 nm.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for making an optical film, the method includes: preparing a mixture by combining a) a first resin composition having a TPU, a benzotriazole-based or triazine-based first UV absorber, and a light stabilizer, and b) a concentrate containing the second UV absorber combined with a second resin; melting and extruding the mixture of the first and second resins; and passing the mixture containing the first and second resins through a die to make an optical film. In a particular embodiment, the loading concentration of the second UV absorber in the second resin is about 10 PPH. In an exemplary embodiment, the concentrate includes Tinuvin 326. In certain embodiments, the combining comprises dry blending at least 7 parts by weight of the second resin into the first resin. In a further aspect, the composite comprises a TPU layer having UV absorbing properties and an infrared ("IR") cut layer, which is combined with a layer of glass or synthetic glass to form a window for a vehicle, building, or other structure. In one embodiment, the composite comprises a first glass layer, a second glass layer, a first TPU layer between the first and second glass layers, and a polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") layer between the first and second glass layers. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. Additional features of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a composite glass including one of the optical films of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to an embodiment including a glass layer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to another embodiment including a glass layer. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to a further embodiment including a glass layer. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to another embodiment including a glass layer. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to an embodiment including a polymer layer. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to another embodiment including a polymer layer. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to a further embodiment including a polymer layer. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a composite material according to another embodiment including a polymer layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] This specification and the accompanying drawings show exemplary embodiments and should not be taken as limiting, with the claims defining the scope of the present disclosure, including equivalents. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, and operational changes can be made without departing from the scope of the specification and the claims, including equivalents. In some cases, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure. Like numbers in the figures represent the same or similar elements. Furthermore, elements and their associated aspects described in detail with reference to one embodiment may, whenever practical, be included in other embodiments where they are not specifically shown or described. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to one embodiment and not with reference to a second embodiment, it may nevertheless be claimed that the element is included in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the depictions herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size, or dimensions of the system or illustrated components. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as well as the use of the singular form of any word, include plural references unless expressly and clearly limited to one reference. As used herein, the term "include" and grammatical variations thereof are intended to be open-ended, and the recitation of items in a list does not exclude other similar items that may be substituted for or added to the listed items.

[0016] The laminates and composites of the present invention include optical films made from polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ("EVA"), thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") resin compositions. For example, TPU resin compositions can include one or more ultraviolet ("UV") absorbers, and light stabilizers. Films made from such TPU resin compositions have desirable optical properties that are achieved through a combination of UV absorbers. The composite material disclosed herein comprises a layer of glass or synthetic glass, which may comprise an IR blocking layer, and a polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA. The polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA desirably comprises a UV absorber, and / or a UV absorber and a light stabilizer, and may comprise two or more UV absorbers. Specific examples of TPU compositions are disclosed.

[0017] The UV-absorbing TPU layer may be incorporated into the composite and may be combined with other layers, such as glass or synthetic glass. Referring now to FIG. 1, a composite 10 according to the present disclosure includes a first glass layer 12, a second glass layer 14, and a film 16 between the first and second glass layers. The film 16 may include any of the optical film compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, a window is provided that includes the composite. The optical film 16 may be laminated between at least two glass substrates facing each other to reflect light having a particular wavelength in the infrared range. Glass layers 12, 14 may include any clear or ultra-clear glass of a type suitable for use in image sensors, electronic display screens for computers and mobile devices, food packaging, optical disk drives, appliances, and the like. Examples include PPG Clear glass, Solarphire.RTM glass, or PPG Starphire.RTM glass. Clear glass is preferred because when the window is illuminated with sunlight, less of the IR light energy is absorbed by glass layer 12 and more of the energy is reflected off the outer glass layers and away from the window. Ultra-clear glass is more preferred because it absorbs less of the IR light energy than clear glass and reflects more light due to its higher transmittance. Of course, there are other substantially transparent materials that can be used as layers 12, 14 to provide stiffness and strength to the light sheet. These alternative materials include polymeric materials such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), or polycarbonate ("PC"). The glazing components can be substantially planar or slightly curved. They can also be provided in a variety of shapes and cross-sections, such as domed, conical, or other profiles. It is not intended that the present invention be necessarily limited to the use of any particular glazing construction material(s) or structure.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a composite material 100 having a first glass layer 102, a second glass layer 104, at least one thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") resin film 106 between the first and second glass layers, and a polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") film 108 between the first and second glass layers. In an embodiment, the TPU resin includes one or more TPU resins, an ultraviolet ("UV") absorber, and a light stabilizer. The TPU layer 106, and any of the TPU layers in the examples described below, may have a UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles and triazines, and may be a TPU layer described below. The TPU layer 106 may have one or more UV absorbers. In another example, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ("EVA") is used instead of TPU as the film 106. In one example, the composite 100 has a first glass layer 102, a first TPU resin film 106 comprising a TPU resin, a transparent IR blocking layer 107 that may be formed by sputter deposition, a polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") film 108, another TPU resin film 110, and a final glass layer 104 (see FIG. 2). The TPU resin film 110 may be a TPU layer, as described below, or another TPU layer that may include a UV absorber. The glass layers 102 and 104 have a thickness between about 1 and about 2 mm, more preferably about 2.1 mm, and the TPU layers are each between about 350 and about 400 μm, more preferably about 380 μm. The PET layer 108 is between about 20 and about 30 μm, more preferably about 25 microns, and the overall thickness of the composite is between about 2 and about 6 mm. In one example, the one or more TPU resin films include one or more TPU resins, one or more ultraviolet ("UV") absorbers, and light stabilizers. In one example of forming a glass composite, a PET film is provided with a transparent IR blocking coating, which is applied by sputter deposition, plasma deposition, or other methods. The TPU film is preferably formed by extrusion.

[0019] In another example shown in FIG. 3, a composite 200 has a first glass layer 202, a first TPU layer 206, a transparent IR blocking layer 210 that may be formed by sputter deposition, a PET film 208, a second TPU layer 212, a low emissivity ("Low-E") layer 214 that may be formed by sputter deposition, a third TPU layer 216, and a second glass layer 204. The composites 100 and 200 may be used as windows, windshields, roofs, or skylights for vehicles such as automobiles, boats, etc. The IR blocking layer and the Low-E layer are applied by sputter deposition, plasma deposition, or other methods. Examples of TPU resin layers may include one or more TPU resins, one or more ultraviolet ("UV") absorbers, and light stabilizers. The TPU layers may be those described below or other TPU layers that may include UV absorbers. In a further example, EVA is used instead of TPU. The entire disclosures of EP 2651639 and EP 3387050 disclose energy shielding films and low emissivity coatings and are hereby incorporated by reference. In one example of forming a glass composite, a PET film is provided with a transparent IR blocking coating, which is applied by sputter deposition, plasma deposition, or other methods. The TPU or EVA film is preferably formed by extrusion. A low emissivity ("Low-E") layer 214 is preferably sputter deposited on the TPU layer 212, although other deposition methods may be used. The above example with three TPU layers preferably includes a UV absorber. This example has the advantage that the additional UV blocking layer further shields the vehicle from unwanted heat and radiation. The thickness of these layers is about 300 μm, without significantly increasing the thickness of the composite. Vehicles are incorporating an increasing number of technological features, such as autonomous driving, navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity to devices such as phones, safety systems, etc. These systems are subject to electromagnetic interference ("EMI") and in some cases communicate wirelessly. It is therefore desirable to incorporate EMI shielding into composite materials to protect the vehicle from unwanted and even harmful interference, even as natural light passes through the composite.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 4, composite 300 comprises a first glass layer 302, a first TPU resin film 306 comprising a TPU resin, a transparent infrared ("IR") blocking layer 307, which may be formed by sputter deposition, a PET film 308, a second TPU resin film 310, and a final glass layer 304. The IR blocking layer 307 comprises a transparent EMI shield. The glass layers 302 and 304 are between about 1 and about 2 mm thick, more preferably about 2.1 mm thick, and the TPU layers are each between about 350 and about 400 μm thick, more preferably about 380 μm thick. The PET layer 308 is between about 20 and about 30 μm thick, more preferably about 25 microns thick, and the overall thickness of the composite is between about 2 and about 6 mm thick. In an embodiment, the TPU resin layer comprises one or more TPU resins, one or more ultraviolet ("UV") absorbers, and light stabilizers. The TPU layer may be one described below or other TPU layer that may include a UV absorber.

[0021] In another example shown in Figure 5, composite 400 has a first glass layer 402, a first TPU layer 406, an IR blocking and transparent EMI shielding layer 410 that may be sputter deposited, a PET film 408, a second TPU layer 412, a low-E layer 414 that may be sputter deposited, a third TPU layer 416, and a second glass layer 404. The sputtered layers can be formed by sputter deposition, plasma deposition, or other methods. Composite 300 or 400 may be used as a window, windshield, roof, or skylight for a vehicle such as an automobile, boat, etc. The above example with three TPU layers preferably includes a UV absorber. This example has the advantage that the additional UV blocking layer further shields the vehicle from unwanted heat and radiation. The thickness of these layers is about 300 μm, without significantly increasing the thickness of the composite. In a further example, the IR blocking layer 307 and the transparent EMI shielding layer 410 may include a transparent antenna in the form of a wire, such as a nanowire, made from a noble metal such as silver. The antenna may be formed from a semiconductor nanowire. The antenna further protects technical features installed in the vehicle from interference such as crosstalk. The nanowire may be incorporated as a composite into the IR blocking and EMI shielding sputtered materials and deposited by a sputtering method. Alternatively, each of the IR blocking, EMI shielding, and / or antenna may be deposited by a method such as a sputtering method in two or three separate layers.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 6 shows an engineered glass composite using polycarbonate ("PC") sheets with good optical properties. The polymer engineered glass has the advantage that the material is easy to mold in all three directions, making such composites very suitable for installations such as windshields, sunroofs, and windows in vehicles. The following examples utilize PC sheets with high visible light transmission ("VLT"), such as 70%, more preferably 80% or more. The PC sheets desirably have low haze, preferably 3% or less, more preferably less than 1%. The engineered glass desirably includes a topcoat that protects against scratches and chemical and environmental damage. The topcoat is made of a urethane primer, including urethanes, acrylates, and methacrylates, such as 2k fluoro, 1k polyethylene, 2k acrylic, 2k urethane, 1k acrylic, or UV acrylic. The topcoat can be applied by spraying. Engineered glass also has the advantage that the polymer layer can be extruded, avoiding handling of molten glass. In addition, engineered glass is lighter than glass composites, improving the fuel economy of vehicles such as automobiles. The composite material 500 includes a first PC film 502, a second PC film 504, at least one TPU layer 506, and a PC sheet 508. The TPU resin includes one or more TPU resins, and desirably includes at least one ultraviolet ("UV") absorber and light stabilizer. The TPU layer 506 includes a UV absorber, for example, selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles and triazines. The TPU layer may be one of those described below or other TPU layers that may include a UV absorber. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the composite 500 comprises a first PC film 502, a transparent IR blocking layer 510, a first TPU layer 506, a PC sheet 508, a second TPU layer 512, and a second PC film 513. The IR blocking layer is applied by sputter deposition or other methods. The TPU layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane. The TPU layer may be one described below or another TPU layer that may include a UV absorber. The PC sheet has a visible light transmission of 80%, more preferably 90%. The PC sheet has a low haze of 3% or less, more preferably less than 1%. Preferably, a topcoat is applied to each of the PC films (see topcoat 501 and topcoat 514) to protect against scratches, environmental damage, etc. The topcoats described above can be used.

[0023] In another example, a composite 600 shown in FIG. 7 has a first PC film 602, a transparent IR blocking layer 610 that may be applied by sputter deposition or other methods, a first TPU layer 606, a first PC sheet 608, a second TPU layer 612, a second PC sheet 620, a third TPU layer 622, a transparent Low-E layer 624 that may be applied by sputter deposition or other methods, and a second PC film 613. A topcoat may be applied to each of the PC films. The topcoat may be any of the topcoats described above. The first PC layer 602 and the second PC layer 613 may be applied with a topcoat to protect against scratches, environmental damage, etc. The first PC layer 602 is preferably applied with a topcoat 601, and the second PC layer 613 is preferably applied with a topcoat 614. Composite 600 may be used as a window, windshield, roof, or skylight in a vehicle such as an automobile, boat, or the like. The above example with three TPU layers preferably includes a UV absorber. This example has the advantage that the additional UV blocking layer further shields the vehicle from unwanted heat and radiation. The thickness of these layers is about 300 μm, without significantly increasing the thickness of the composite. The TPU layers 606, 612, and 622 may be about 380 μm thick. The PC sheets 608 and 620 may be between about 1-3 mm, more preferably about 2.1 mm, have a visible light transmission ("VLT") of about 70%, more preferably 80%, and a haze of less than about 3%, more preferably less than about 1%. The advantages and features of engineered glass include improved fuel efficiency for vehicles due to the light weight of the material. In addition, the IR blocking layer also reduces power consumption. By utilizing PC sheet with good optical properties, the composite provides a transparent window and at the same time is thermoformable, avoiding the handling and forming of molten glass.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 8 shows an engineered glass using PC sheet with good optical properties. In the following example, the PC sheet has high visible light transmission and low haze as described in the above example. The engineered glass may include a topcoat that protects against scratches and chemical and environmental damage. The topcoat is as described above. Engineered glass also has the advantage that the polymer layer can be extruded, avoiding handling of molten glass. Furthermore, engineered glass is lighter than glass composites, improving the fuel economy of vehicles such as automobiles. The composite material 700 includes a first PC film 702, a second PC film 713, at least one TPU layer 706, and a PC sheet 708. For example, the TPU resin includes one or more TPU resins, one or more UV absorbers, and light stabilizers. The TPU layer may include a UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles and triazines. The TPU layer may be one of those described below or other TPU layers that may include UV absorbers. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the composite 700 includes a first PC film 702, a transparent IR blocking layer 710, a first TPU layer 706, a PC sheet 708, a second TPU layer 712, and a second PC film 713. The transparent IR blocking layer is applied by sputter deposition, plasma deposition, or other methods and includes a transparent EMI shield. The PC sheet has a visible light transmittance of about 70%, more preferably 80%, a low haze of less than about 3%, more preferably less than 1%, and high quality optical requirements. Desirably, a topcoat is applied to each of the PC films to protect them from scratches and chemical and environmental damage. For example, a topcoat 701 is applied to the PC film 702, and a topcoat 714 is applied to the PC film 713. The topcoats can be as described in the above examples.

[0025] 9 includes a first PC film 802, a transparent IR blocking layer 810 applied by sputter deposition or other methods, a first TPU layer 806, a first PC sheet 808, a second TPU layer 812, a second PC sheet 820, a third TPU layer 822, a transparent low-E layer 824 applied by sputter deposition or other methods, and a second PC film 813. For example, the transparent IR blocking layer is applied by sputter deposition and includes a transparent EMI shield. In the above example, the three TPU layers preferably contain UV absorbers. This example has the advantage that the additional UV blocking layers further shield the vehicle from unwanted heat and radiation. The thickness of these layers is about 300 μm, without significantly increasing the thickness of the composite. A topcoat can be applied to the first and second PC layers to protect against scratches and chemical and environmental damage. For example, topcoat 801 is applied to PC film 802, and topcoat 814 is applied to PC film 813. The topcoats can be any of the topcoats listed above. Composite 800 can be used as a window, windshield, roof, or skylight for vehicles such as automobiles, boats, etc. The TPU layers 806, 812, and 822 may be about 380 μm thick. The PC sheet may be between about 1 and about 3 mm, more preferably about 2.1 mm, and may have a visible light transmission ("VLT") of about 70%, more preferably 80%, a haze of less than about 3%, more preferably less than 1%, and high quality optical requirements. The benefits and features of engineered glass include improved fuel efficiency for vehicles due to the light weight of the material. In addition, the IR blocking layer also reduces power consumption. By utilizing PC sheets with good optical properties, the composite provides a transparent window while being thermoformable, avoiding the handling and forming of molten glass. With the recent increase in the use of autonomous driving and other safety features in automobiles, protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI), crosstalk, and other issues is required.

[0026] The examples of Figures 8 and 9 may include an IR blocking layer formed by a sputtering method. The IR blocking layer may include a low emissivity material and an electromagnetic interference ("EMI") shield. The energy shielding plastic film disclosed herein reduces energy consumption. For example, the use of air conditioning may be reduced. In addition, the increased use of features such as autonomous driving features in modern automobiles creates a need for EMI shielding. In a further example, the IR blocking layer 710 and the EMI shielding layer 810 may include invisible antennas in the form of wires, such as nanowires, made from precious metals. The nanowires may be incorporated into the infrared blocking and EMI shielding sputtered materials as a composite and sputter deposited, or deposited in multiple layers. In any of the synthetic glass embodiments described above, the laminate may be formed as follows: A first polycarbonate film is provided with an IR blocking coating, which is applied by sputter deposition, plasma deposition, or other methods; an EVA or TPU film is formed, preferably by extrusion; the various layers are laminated together, and a topcoat is deposited or applied by other methods; in embodiments having a Low-E layer, this layer is preferably formed by sputter deposition on the second polycarbonate film; the topcoat material is preferably transparent to mid and far IR radiation. Transparent antennas can be printed onto polymer films, such as by printing silver nanowires onto a polymer film, such as the polycarbonate films described herein. Nanowire transparent antennas in the above examples can be made from transparent conductive oxides, conductive polymers, and nanocarbons.

[0027] Specific examples of TPU compositions include those disclosed below. The TPU resin composition according to the present disclosure may include any aliphatic polyether-based TPU that provides sufficient permeability and can exhibit suitable adhesion to glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, cellulose acetate butyrate, or other surfaces that the film may contact. In embodiments, suitable TPU resins may be polyether-based and made from methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), polyether polyols, and butanediol. In embodiments, the TPU resin may be Estane AG-8451 resin sold by Lubrizol. In embodiments, the TPU resin may be present in the resin composition in an amount of about 95 to about 99.99% by weight, in certain embodiments about 98 to about 99.99% by weight, and in other embodiments about 99.5 to about 99.99% by weight. The TPU resin composition according to the present disclosure also includes a first UV absorber, in embodiments, the first UV absorber may be present in the TPU resin composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent, in embodiments, from about 0.3 to about 0.5 weight percent.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the first UV absorber may be any suitable UV absorber made from a benzotriazole-based compound. A non-limiting example of a benzotriazole-based UV absorber is a compound of the following formula: [ka] In the above formula, R 9 , R 10 , and R 11 are, respectively, hydrogen, a H b N c O d S ewhere a, b, c, d, and e are 0 to 30, and halogen. Non-limiting examples of benzotriazole-based UV absorbers that may be used as the first UV absorber include 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-phenol; phenol, 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-butyl)); 2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-t-amylphenyl)benzotriazole; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2-[2 -Hydroxy-3,5-di(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)phenyl];2-(5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole;2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole;2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol;2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol;2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-te rt-Butylphenyl)benzotriazole;3-(2H-benzotriazolyl)-5-(1,1-di-methylethyl)-4-hydroxy-benzenepropanoic acid octyl ester;Methyl 3-[3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenyl]propionate;2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol;Methyl 3-( 3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate / PEG300 reaction product; 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-(2-hydroxyethyl))-benzotriazole; 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'methacryloxyethylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole; 2-[4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-5-(octyloxy)phenol; or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the first UV absorber may be benzophenone-based.Non-limiting examples of benzophenone based UV absorbers that may be used as the first UV absorber include 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2-hydroxy-4-n-(octyloxy)benzophenone; 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-,4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone; sulisobenzone; 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone; 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone; and any combination thereof.

[0029] In other embodiments, the first UV absorber may be triazine-based. A non-limiting example of a triazine-based UV absorber that may be used as the first UV absorber is 2-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-[(hexyl)oxy]-phenol. In other embodiments, the first UV absorber may be a benzylidene malonate. A non-limiting example of a benzylidene malonate UV absorber that may be used as the first UV absorber is propanedioic acid [(4-methoxyphenyl)-methylene]-dimethyl ester). Other non-limiting examples of benzophenone based UV absorbers that may be used as the first UV absorber include 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2-hydroxy-4-n-(octyloxy)benzophenone; 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-,4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone; sulisobenzone; 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone; 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone; and any combination thereof.

[0030] The TPU resin composition of the embodiment according to the present disclosure may include a light stabilizer. A suitable light stabilizer primarily protects the polymer of the optical film from the adverse effects of photo-oxidation caused by exposure to UV radiation. In embodiments, the light stabilizer may serve a secondary function of acting as a heat stabilizer against low to moderate heat. In embodiments, the light stabilizer of the resin composition according to the present disclosure may be included in an amount of about 0.1 to about 1% by weight; in embodiments, about 0.1 to about 0.2% by weight. In certain embodiments, the light stabilizer may be a derivative of tetramethylpiperidine.In embodiments, the light stabilizer may be any suitable hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS or NOR-HALS).In certain embodiments, the light stabilizer may be made by combining bis(1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate. Non-limiting examples of light stabilizers useful in the resin compositions of the present disclosure include bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate; bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) malonate; propanedioic acid, [(4-methoxyphenyl)-methylene]-bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) ester; 10% by weight dimethyl succinate polymer with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidineethanol and 90% by weight dimethyl succinate polymer with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidineethanol. % of N,N"'-[1,2-ethanediylbis[[[4,6-bis[butyl(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]imino]-3,1-propanediyl]]bis[N'N"-dibutyl-N'N"-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)]-1; or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the light stabilizer is bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate in combination with methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate, Double Chisorb 292 sold by Bond Chemical Ind.Co.,Ltd., Eversorb 93 sold by Everlight Chemical, RIASORB UV-292 sold by Rianlon Corp, Thasorb UV-292 sold by Rianlon Corp, Sabostab UV65 sold by SABO, Westco UV-292 sold by Western Reserve Chemical, UV-292 / UV-292HP sold by Performance Solutions,Inc., FENTASTAB292 sold by Jiangsu Forpi Chemicals Co.,Ltd, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Further examples of TPU resin compositions for use in embodiments according to the present disclosure may include a second UV absorber that, when combined with the TPU resin, light stabilizer, and first UV absorber, imparts a particular combination of optical properties to a film made from the resin composition. That is, the resulting film can block about 95% of light having a wavelength in the range of about 10 to about 410 nm, preferably about 380 to about 410 nm. In certain embodiments, the film can block more than 99.9% of light having a wavelength in the range of about 380 to 400 nm and has a yellowness index (YI value) of 3.0 or less, preferably 2.5 or less. In other embodiments, the film can block more than 99% of light having a wavelength of about 400 nm.

[0032] In an embodiment, the second UV absorber is present in an amount of about 0.001 to about 2.0 weight percent; in an embodiment, the second UV absorber is present in the resin composition in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1.0 weight percent. In certain embodiments, the second UV absorber may be any suitable benzotriazole-based, benzophenone-based, triazine-based, or benzylidene malonate-based UV absorber that provides the aforementioned combination of optical properties, such as the compounds listed above for the first UV absorber.Non-limiting examples of benzotriazole-based UV absorbers suitable for use as the second UV absorber include compounds of the following formula: [ka] In the above formula, R 9 , R 10 , and R 11 are, respectively, hydrogen, a H b N c O d S e wherein a, b, c, d, and e are 0 to 30; and halogen; 9 , R 10 , or R 11 At least one of is a halogen. In an embodiment, the second UV absorber is phenol, 2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl.

[0033] The resin composition can be made by preparing a composition comprising one or more TPU resins, a first UV absorber, and a light stabilizer. The composition is combined with a concentrate comprising a second UV absorber in a base resin comprising the same or different TPU resin. In an embodiment, the base resin and the concentrate are dry mixed. In an embodiment, the ratio of TPU resin to base resin is about 20:1 to about 3:1, preferably about 10:1 to about 7:1. The second UV absorber can be present in the concentrate in an amount of about 9.5% by weight. In one example, the optical film has a thickness of about 5 to 50 mils. In one embodiment, the concentration of the second UV absorber is about 0.8% by weight and the film thickness is 15 mils or less. In another embodiment, the concentration of the second UV absorber is about 0.5% by weight and the film thickness is 25 mils or less. In exemplary embodiments, optical films according to the present disclosure may have a thickness in the range of from about 0.03 to about 1.27 mm (about 1 to about 50 mils), in embodiments from about 0.38 to about 0.76 mm (about 15 to about 30 mils); a UV cutoff of about 300 to 500 nm, preferably about 350 to 400 nm; an optical transmittance of 0.5 to 10% or less at a wavelength of 400 nm, in embodiments about 1 to 5% or less at a wavelength of 400 nm; and a YI (ASTM E313) value of 2.5 or less, preferably about 2.0 or less.

[0034] The optical film of the present invention may be made by single screw cast film extrusion or any other suitable extrusion method within the scope of the art. In an embodiment, the method begins with dry mixing a concentrate containing a second UV absorber with a base resin as described above to obtain a mixture. The mixture of base resin and concentrate is then melted and mixed in an extruder. The molten resin composition is then filtered and fed to a die apparatus. The resulting homogeneous blend of molten polymers is then passed through a flat die apparatus to form the final flat film shape. The molten web exiting the die enters a cooling apparatus where it is cooled using a water-cooled chill roll or a suitable cooling mechanism known to those skilled in the art. The film is then sent downstream to trim the edges. The film may be wound on a shaft to produce a roll of material.

[0035] In a first example, an optical film is produced in a single screw extruder from the following ingredients: a light stabilizer made from the reaction mass of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate (corresponding to Tinuvin 292 sold by BASF, CAS number: 1065336-91-5), and a TPU resin (AG-8451 sold by Lubrizol) containing 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-phenol (corresponding to Tinuvin 328 sold by BASF, CAS number: 25973-55-1) as a first UV absorber. This film is 0.76 mm (30 mils) thick and is referred to as the control film in Table 1 below. Five additional films (films 1-5) were produced by compression molding a blend of a light stabilizer made from the reaction mass of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate (equivalent to Tinuvin 292 sold by BASF, CAS number: 1065336-91-5), a TPU resin (AG-8451 sold by Lubrizol) containing 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-phenol (equivalent to Tinuvin 328 sold by BASF, CAS number: 25973-55-1) as the first UV absorber, and 0.5% of the second UV absorber, in a heated Brabender high shear mixer. The UV absorbers added to each of Films 1-5 are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1] Table 1 shows that the addition of a concentrate containing Tinuvin 326 can result in optical films with a UV blockage of about 400 nm. UV blockage, as used herein, generally refers to the wavelength at which substantially all of the UV light is blocked by a UV absorber, usually an organic molecule, and converted to heat. The 400 nm light blocking percentage with the addition of Tinuvin 326 is higher than films with alternative additives. The films treated with Tinuvin 360 have a UV blockage closer to 400 than the other films, and although film 2 has a higher UV blockage and light blocking percentage, the YI value is surprisingly higher than that of film 2. The higher YI values ​​of films 1-5 relative to the control film are due to the use of a Brabender high shear mixer in the laboratory preparation of films 1-5. On the other hand, the control films were made by commercial single screw extrusion, which showed less thermal oxidation effects due to the method.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the optical film is made from the following raw materials: a light stabilizer made of the reaction mass of bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate and methyl 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacate (corresponding to Tinuvin 292 sold by BASF, CAS number: 1065336-91-5), and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-phenol (Tinuvin 292 sold by BASF, CAS number: 1065336-91-5) as a first UV absorber. A base TPU resin (AG-8451 sold by Lubrizol) containing 9.5% of a second UV absorber, phenol, 2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl (equivalent to Tinuvin 326 sold by BASF, CAS number: 3896-11-5), sold by Lubrizol, mixed into the AG-8451 TPU resin. Three films (1-3) were made with varying amounts of Tinuvin 326 concentrate added, each 0.38 mm (15 mil) thick. The properties of the three films are shown in Table 2. The addition of Tinuvin 326 concentrate to the resin composition shows that it blocks most of the 400 nm UV light and allows thinner films to be made while still maintaining the desired transmission with a YI value of less than 2.0. [Table 2]

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that the products and methods specifically described herein are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Those skilled in the art may devise various alternatives and modifications without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All issued patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual issued patent, published patent application, or non-patent literature was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein. Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, but that the present disclosure be as broad as the art permits, and that the specification be read in the same manner. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as an exemplification of the presently disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, not by the examples presented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Those skilled in the art may devise various alternatives and modifications without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations. Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A composite comprising a first glass layer, a second glass layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") layer between the first glass layer and the second glass layer, and a polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") film between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

2. 10. The composite of claim 1, wherein the TPU layer is a resin composite comprising an ultraviolet ("UV") absorber selected from benzotriazoles or triazines.

3. 10. The composite of claim 1, further comprising an infrared ("IR") blocking layer between the TPU layer and the PET film.

4. The composite of claim 3 further comprising a low-emissivity ("Low-E") layer between the PET film and the second glass layer.

5. 5. The composite of claim 4, wherein the TPU layer is a first TPU layer and further comprising a second TPU layer between the PET film and the Low-E layer.

6. 6. The composite of claim 5, further comprising a third TPU layer between the Low-E layer and the second glass layer.

7. 7. The composite of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first TPU layer, the second TPU layer, or the third TPU layer is a resin composite having one or more UV absorbers and one or more light stabilizers.

8. 4. The composite of claim 3, further comprising a transparent antenna or a transparent electromagnetic interference ("EMI") shield within or on the IR blocking layer.

9. A composite having a first polycarbonate ("PC") film, a second PC film, at least one TPU layer between the first PC film and the second PC film, and a PC sheet between the first PC film and the second PC film.

10. 10. The composite of claim 9, wherein the at least one TPU layer is a resin composite comprising a UV absorber selected from benzotriazoles or triazines.

11. 11. The composite of claim 10, wherein the at least one TPU layer is a first TPU layer, and the composite further comprises an infrared ("IR") blocking layer between the first PC film and the first TPU layer.

12. 12. The composite of claim 11, wherein the PC sheet is between the first TPU layer and the second PC film.

13. 13. The composite of claim 12, wherein the PC sheet is a first PC sheet, and the composite further comprises a second TPU layer between the first PC sheet and the second PC film.

14. 14. The composite of claim 13, wherein the second TPU layer is between the first PC sheet and the second PC film.

15. 15. The composite of claim 14, further comprising a third TPU layer between the second PC sheet and the second PC film, and / or a Low-E layer between the third TPU layer and the second PC film.

16. 16. The composite of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first TPU layer, the second TPU layer, or the third TPU layer is a resin composite comprising one or more UV absorbers and one or more light stabilizers.

17. 17. The composite of claim 16, further comprising a transparent antenna or a transparent EMI shield within or on the IR blocking layer.

18. A composite having a first polycarbonate ("PC") film, a transparent infrared ("IR") blocking layer, a first polymer film selected from thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer ("EVA"), a first PC sheet, a second polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, a second PC sheet, a third polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, and a second PC film.

19. 20. The composite of claim 18, further comprising a Low-E layer between the third polymer film selected from TPU or EVA and the second PC film.

20. 20. The composite of claim 18, further comprising a topcoat on at least one of the first PC film and the second PC film.

21. 20. The composite of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, the second polymer film selected from TPU or EVA, or the third polymer film selected from TPU or EVA is a resin composite comprising a UV absorber and a light stabilizer.

22. 20. The composite of claim 19, wherein the IR blocking layer comprises a transparent antenna or a transparent EMI shield within or on the IR blocking layer.

23. A composite having a first glass layer, a first polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, an IR blocking layer, a PET film, a second polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, and a second glass layer.

24. 24. The composite of claim 23, further comprising a Low-E layer between the second polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA and the second glass layer, and further comprising a third polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA between the Low-E layer and the second glass layer.

25. 25. The composite of claim 24, wherein at least one of the first polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, the second polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA, or the third polymer layer selected from TPU or EVA is a resin composite comprising a UV absorber and a light stabilizer.

26. 24. The composite of claim 23, wherein the IR blocking layer comprises an invisible antenna or a transparent EMI shield within or on the IR blocking layer.

Images