Coated glazing

Abstract

A coated glazing comprising a transparent glass substrate and a coating disposed on the glass substrate; The coating comprises at least, in order from the glass substrate, a first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, an additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, a third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, and a fourth layer based on titanium oxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coated glazing for reducing or preventing the formation of condensation that can occur on the outermost surface of the glazing, and to the use of such glazing. Such glazing can also provide low emissivity, self-cleaning properties, and antibacterial properties.

Background Art

[0002] The problem of condensation (dew) occurring on the outermost surface of glazing is well known. When the temperature of such a surface drops below the dew point temperature, condensation can form on such a surface. The dew point is the humidity-dependent temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses to form water droplets.

[0003] Condensation becomes a problem because the visibility through the glazing is reduced, and often, when a person tries to look into or out of the structure in which it is installed, nothing can be seen through the glazing. The visibility through such glazing can be effectively hindered. This observation applies to any type of glazing, including monolithic (i.e., a single glass pane), laminated glazing (i.e., having two or more glass panes bonded by a ply of an interlayer material extending therebetween), and multiple glass pane glazing units (i.e., having two or more glass panes separated by a gas layer or a vacuum in a sealed space between each glass pane). The problem of condensation is particularly common in the case of skylights (windows installed on the roof or ceiling and generally installed at the same angle as the roof or ceiling).

[0004] Another interesting property is the photocatalytic activity that occurs when semiconductors are illuminated with ultraviolet light, due to the photo-generation of hole pairs within the semiconductor. These hole pairs are generated by sunlight and react in humid air to form hydroxyl radicals and peroxyl radicals on the semiconductor surface. These radicals oxidize organic contaminants on the surface, causing structural degradation. These organic contaminants are then washed away with water. This property has been applied to self-cleaning substrates, particularly self-cleaning glass for windows. This is also a particularly important consideration for coating layers designed to reduce or eliminate condensation formation on them. This is because the presence of dirt or other organic contaminants typically leads to the nucleation of water droplets (due to a change in the contact angle of the surface in contact with water), thus promoting condensation formation. The cleaner the exposed surface of the coating, the less likely condensation is to occur, and this synergistic effect with the low emissivity and hydrophilicity of the glazing is enhanced.

[0005] International Publication No. 2009106864 describes the application of a photoactive, hydrophilic, low-emissivity coating layer to the outermost surface of a glass plate. However, further improvements to the properties of known products would be useful.

[0006] Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a glazing with the aforementioned properties that also impart antibacterial properties. It is necessary to prevent the transmission of potentially harmful microorganisms between humans and animals. In the context of the present invention, microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One way in which microorganisms are transmitted is "surface transmission." This is when an individual interacts with a surface that has previously been seeded with microorganisms, for example, through interaction with a surface previously used by an infected person.

[0007] Because glazing is common in environments shared by multiple individuals, it can function as a medium for the transmission of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and viruses. This is especially problematic in spaces that are used continuously by many people, such as restrooms, corridors, hospital rooms, shops, and workplaces. Therefore, providing glazing that reduces the spread of microorganisms on its surfaces would be useful. [Overview of the project]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a coated glazing, A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on a glass substrate, Equipped with, The coating process starts with the glass substrate, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic, and A coated glazing is provided, comprising at least the following:

[0009] Surprisingly, the coated glazing of the first embodiment was found to offer improved performance in reducing or preventing the formation of condensation on the glazing. The glazing may also offer low emissivity, self-cleaning, and antimicrobial properties.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, when a layer is said to be "based on" a particular material, this means that the layer is predominantly made of the corresponding one or more materials, which usually means comprising at least about 50 atomic percent of one or more of those materials.

[0011] In the following description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the disclosure of alternative values ​​for the upper or lower limits of the tolerance range of a parameter, combined with an indication that one of the values ​​is more preferable than the other, should be interpreted as an implicit statement that each intermediate value of the parameter between the preferred and less preferred values ​​of the alternative is, in itself, preferable to the less preferred value and also preferable to each value between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

[0012] Throughout this specification, the terms “equipped with” or “equipped with” mean to include the specified components but do not exclude the presence of other components. The terms “substantially consist of” or “substantially comprised” mean to include the specified components but exclude other components, except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of the processes used to provide those components, and components added for purposes other than achieving the technical effects of the present invention. When referring to a composition, a composition consisting substantially of one set of components will typically contain less than 5% by weight, usually less than 3% by weight, and more typically less than 1% by weight of non-specified components.

[0013] The terms "consisting of" or "comprising" mean that a specified component is included but other components are excluded.

[0014] Depending on the context, the use of the terms "to have" or "to be equipped" may be interpreted as including the meaning of "substantially consisting of" or "substantially made up of," or it may also be interpreted as including the meaning of "consisting of" or "being made up of."

[0015] In this specification, references such as "within the range of x to y" include the interpretation "from x to y," and include the values ​​x and y.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, a transparent material or transparent substrate is a material or substrate capable of transmitting visible light, so that an object or image located on the other side or behind the material can be clearly seen through the material or substrate.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the "thickness" of a layer (or coating) is expressed as the distance through the layer from any given location on the surface of the layer to a location on the opposite surface of the layer, in the direction of the minimum dimension of the layer.

[0018] Note that the refractive index values described in this specification are reported as average values over the range of 400 to 780 nm of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the "film side" of the transparent glass substrate means the main surface of the glass substrate on which the coating is disposed. In the context of the present invention, the "glass side" of the transparent glass substrate means the main surface of the glass substrate on the opposite side of the main surface on which the coating is located.

[0020] Preferably, the glazing further comprises an intervening layer based on silicon oxide and located between the third layer and the fourth layer. The presence of this layer is advantageous for improving the self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. Preferably, the intervening layer is based on silicon dioxide, but other stoichiometries may also be possible.

[0021] Preferably, the glazing further comprises a lower layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, and the lower layer is located between the glass substrate and the first layer. Preferably, the lower layer is based on a semi-metal oxide, more preferably based on silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride. More preferably, the lower layer is based on silicon oxide, most preferably based on silicon dioxide, but other stoichiometries may also be possible. The presence of the lower layer can reduce the clouding of the entire glazing and make the appearance more acceptable, which is beneficial.

[0022] Preferably, the lower layer is in direct contact with the glass substrate. Preferably, the lower layer is in direct contact with the first layer. In another embodiment, the first layer may be in direct contact with the glass substrate. Preferably, the first layer is in direct contact with the second layer. Preferably, the second layer is in direct contact with the third layer. Preferably, the third layer is in direct contact with the intervening layer. Preferably, the intervening layer is in direct contact with the fourth layer. Preferably, the coating consists of the lower layer, the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the intervening layer and the fourth layer.

[0023] Preferably, the lower layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm, more preferably at least 9 nm, even more preferably at least 12 nm, most preferably at least 14 nm, but preferably at most 30 nm, more preferably at most 22 nm, even more preferably at most 18 nm, most preferably at most 16 nm.

[0024] When there is no intervening layer, the first layer preferably has a thickness of at least 5 nm, more preferably at least 10 nm, even more preferably at least 14 nm, most preferably at least 18 nm, but preferably at most 40 nm, more preferably at most 30 nm, even more preferably at most 25 nm, most preferably at most 23 nm.

[0025] When there is an intervening layer, the first layer preferably has a thickness of at least 5 nm, more preferably at least 10 nm, even more preferably at least 12 nm, most preferably at least 13 nm, but preferably at most 35 nm, preferably at most 25 nm, even more preferably at most 20 nm, most preferably at most 15 nm.

[0026] When there is no intervening layer, the second layer preferably has a thickness of at least 5 nm, more preferably at least 12 nm, even more preferably at least 15 nm, most preferably at least 18 nm, but preferably at most 40 nm, more preferably at most 30 nm, even more preferably at most 25 nm, most preferably at most 22 nm.

[0027] When there is an intervening layer, the second layer preferably has a thickness of at least 15 nm, more preferably at least 20 nm, even more preferably at least 25 nm, most preferably at least 28 nm, but preferably at most 50 nm, preferably at most 40 nm, even more preferably at most 35 nm, most preferably at most 30 nm.

[0028] When no intervening layer is present, the third layer preferably has a thickness of at least 130 nm, more preferably at least 160 nm, even more preferably at least 175 nm, most preferably at least 185 nm, but preferably up to 365 nm, more preferably up to 315 nm, even more preferably up to 265 nm, and most preferably up to 215 nm.

[0029] When an intervening layer is present, the third layer preferably has a thickness of at least 100 nm, more preferably at least 120 nm, even more preferably at least 130 nm, most preferably at least 135 nm, preferably up to 300 nm, more preferably up to 200 nm, even more preferably up to 160 nm, and most preferably up to 150 nm.

[0030] Preferably, the intervening layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm, more preferably at least 12 nm, even more preferably at least 15 nm, most preferably at least 18 nm, preferably up to 40 nm, more preferably up to 30 nm, even more preferably up to 25 nm, and most preferably up to 22 nm.

[0031] When no intervening layer is present, the fourth layer preferably has a thickness of at least 8 nm, more preferably at least 13 nm, even more preferably at least 15 nm, most preferably at least 16 nm, but preferably up to 40 nm, more preferably up to 30 nm, even more preferably up to 23 nm, and most preferably up to 18 nm.

[0032] When an intervening layer is present, the fourth layer preferably has a thickness of at least 5 nm, more preferably at least 10 nm, even more preferably at least 13 nm, most preferably at least 14 nm, preferably up to 35 nm, preferably up to 25 nm, even more preferably up to 18 nm, and most preferably up to 16 nm.

[0033] Preferably, the first layer has a refractive index of 1.8 or higher. More preferably, the first layer has a refractive index of 1.8 to 2.5. Even more preferably, the first layer has a refractive index of 1.8 to 2.2.

[0034] Preferably, the first layer is based on a metal oxide, and more preferably, the first layer is based on tin dioxide, niobium oxide, titanium dioxide, SiCO, or tantalum oxide. Preferably, when the first layer is based on tin dioxide, niobium oxide, titanium dioxide, or tantalum oxide, a second layer is present. Preferably, when the first layer is based on SiCO, the second layer is absent. Most preferably, the first layer is based on tin dioxide. In certain embodiments, the first layer may consist substantially of tin dioxide. Preferably, the first layer consists of tin dioxide. Preferably, the first layer is undoped.

[0035] Preferably, the second layer has a refractive index of 1.6 or less. More preferably, the second layer has a refractive index of 1.2 to 1.6. Even more preferably, the second layer has a refractive index of 1.2 to 1.5.

[0036] Preferably, a second layer is present. Preferably, the second layer is based on a metalloid oxide, and more preferably, the second layer is based on silicon dioxide or silicon oxynitride. Most preferably, the second layer is based on silicon dioxide. In certain embodiments, the second layer may consist substantially of silicon dioxide. Preferably, the second layer consists of silicon dioxide. Preferably, the second layer is undoped. Preferably, a second layer is present.

[0037] In the case of a third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, the dopant is preferably present in an amount of at least 1.0 atomic%, more preferably at least 1.5 atomic%, even more preferably at least 2.0 atomic%, most preferably at least 2.5 atomic%, preferably up to 10.0 atomic%, more preferably up to 5.0 atomic%, even more preferably up to 3.5 atomic%, and most preferably up to 3.0 atomic%.

[0038] Preferably, the fourth layer is titanium dioxide-based, more preferably titanium dioxide mainly having an anatase crystal structure. More preferably, the fourth layer comprises titanium dioxide having 50% or more anatase. The coated glazing was found to have excellent antibacterial properties, especially when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Furthermore, it was found that the increased antibacterial effect persists even when no light is present after irradiating the coated glazing with UV light.

[0039] Any coating layer may contain other components, such as trace amounts of other elements, including carbon. In this specification, "trace amounts" refers to quantities that are so minute that they cannot necessarily be measured quantitatively.

[0040] Preferably, the coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on a glass substrate, Equipped with, The coating process starts with the glass substrate, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, A silicon oxide-based interlayer, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic, It must have at least the following:

[0041] For added comfort, coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on a glass substrate, Equipped with, The coating process starts with the glass substrate, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide, and An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, and the second layer being silicon oxide based, A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, A silicon oxide-based interlayer, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic, It must have at least the following:

[0042] For added comfort, coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on a glass substrate, Equipped with, Here, the coating is applied sequentially, starting from the glass substrate. A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide and has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm, and An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, the second layer being silicon dioxide-based, and the second layer having a thickness of at least 15 nm and up to 50 nm, and the second layer being... A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, the third layer having a thickness of at least 100 nm and a maximum of 300 nm, An intervening layer based on silicon dioxide, wherein the intervening layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 40 nm, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic, and the fourth layer having a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm, It must have at least the following:

[0043] With respect to the three preceding paragraphs, in some embodiments, the coating preferably consists of a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, an intervening layer, and a fourth layer.

[0044] Generally speaking, coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on a glass substrate, Equipped with, The coating process starts with the glass substrate, A silicon oxide-based lower layer, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide, and An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, and the second layer being silicon oxide based, A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, A silicon oxide-based interlayer, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic, It must have at least the following:

[0045] For added comfort, coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on a glass substrate, Equipped with, Here, the coating is applied sequentially, starting from the glass substrate. A silicon dioxide-based lower layer, the lower layer having a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 30 nm, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide and has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm, and An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, the second layer being silicon dioxide-based, and the second layer having a thickness of at least 15 nm and up to 50 nm, and the second layer being... A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, the third layer having a thickness of at least 100 nm and a maximum of 300 nm, An intervening layer based on silicon dioxide, wherein the intervening layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 40 nm, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, the fourth layer being photocatalytic, and the fourth layer having a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm, It must have at least the following:

[0046] In the two preceding paragraphs, preferably, the coating consists of a base layer, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, an intervening layer, and a fourth layer.

[0047] Preferably, the coating is located on the first main surface of the glass substrate. Preferably, the coating covers most of the first main surface. More preferably, the coating covers substantially all of the first main surface. Most preferably, the coating covers all of the first main surface. Preferably, at least one of the underlayer, first layer, second layer, third layer, interlayer, and fourth layer, more preferably each, is a continuous layer. Preferably, the underlayer directly coats all of the first main surface, i.e., the underlayer is in direct contact with all of the first main surface. Preferably, at least one of the first layer, second layer, third layer, interlayer, and fourth layer, more preferably each, indirectly coats all of the first main surface. In this context, when a layer is described as "indirectly coating all of the first main surface," this means that the layer in question will be in direct contact with all of the first main surface if it is in direct contact with the first main surface rather than having at least one other layer in between.

[0048] Preferably, the coating is 0.4 nmol / cm³ in accordance with ISO / DIS10678:2010. 2 Greater than h, more preferably 0.5 nmol / cm³ 2 Greater than h, and even more preferably 0.6 nmol / cm³ 2 Greater than h, and more preferably 0.7 nmol / cm³ 2 h, most preferably 0.8 nmol / cm³ 2It has a specific photocatalytic activity exceeding h.

[0049] Preferably, the coating has photocatalytic activity in accordance with EN1096-5:2011, which is represented by an average overall change in haze of up to 3%, more preferably up to 2%, even more preferably up to 1.5%, and most preferably up to 1%.

[0050] The transparent glass substrate may be clear or colored. Preferably, the transparent glass substrate is a clear transparent glass substrate. The transparent glass substrate may be a metal oxide-based glass plate. The glass plate may be a clear or colored float glass plate. Preferably, the glass plate is a clear glass plate. The typical composition (by weight) of soda lime silicate glass is SiO2 69-74%, Al2O3 0-3%, Na2O 10-16%, K2O 0-5%, MgO 0-6%, CaO 5-14%, SO3 0-2%, and Fe2O3 0.005-2%. The glass composition may contain other additives, such as refining aids, which are usually present in amounts up to 2%. Clear float glass means glass having the composition defined in BS EN 572-1 and BS EN 572-2 (2004). In the case of clear float glass, the level of Fe2O3 is usually 0.11% by weight. Float glass with an Fe2O3 content of less than approximately 0.05% by weight is commonly called low-iron float glass. Such glass typically has the same basic composition as oxides of other components. In other words, low-iron float glass is also soda lime silicate glass, just like clear float glass. Typically, colored float glass has at least 0.5% by weight of Fe2O3, for example, 1.0% by weight of Fe2O3. Alternatively, glass sheets can be borosilicate-based glass sheets, alkali aluminosilicate-based glass sheets, or aluminum oxide-based crystal glass sheets.

[0051] All transmittance, reflectance, and color (a* and b*) values ​​listed in this specification follow the CIELAB color scale system using a D65 light source and a 10-degree viewing angle.

[0052] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits a visible light transmittance of at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, preferably up to 95%, more preferably up to 90%, and even more preferably up to 85%.

[0053] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits a maximum visible light film-side reflectance of 30%, more preferably 25%, even more preferably 20%, and most preferably 16%, but preferably a minimum visible light glass-side reflectance of 2%, more preferably 5%, more preferably 10%, and most preferably 14%.

[0054] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits a maximum visible light glass-side reflectance of 30%, more preferably 25%, even more preferably 20%, and most preferably 16%, but preferably a minimum visible light glass-side reflectance of 2%, more preferably 5%, more preferably 10%, and most preferably 14%.

[0055] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits an a* coordinate of at least -10, more preferably at least -4, even more preferably at least -2, preferably up to 5, more preferably up to 2, and even more preferably up to 1 in the reflection on the film side.

[0056] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits an ab* coordinate of at least -1, more preferably at least 2, even more preferably at least 3, preferably up to 10, more preferably up to 6, and even more preferably up to 5 in the reflection on the film side.

[0057] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits an a* coordinate of at least -8, more preferably at least -4, even more preferably at least -3, preferably up to 6, more preferably up to 2, and even more preferably up to 1 in the reflection on the glass side.

[0058] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits a b* coordinate of at least -1, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 4, preferably up to 11, more preferably up to 7, and even more preferably up to 6 in the reflection on the glass side.

[0059] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits an a* coordinate of at least -7, more preferably at least -3, even more preferably at least -2, preferably up to 5, more preferably up to 1, and even more preferably up to 0 in terms of transmittance.

[0060] Preferably, the coated glazing exhibits a b* coordinate of at least -6, more preferably at least -2, even more preferably at least -1, preferably up to 5, more preferably up to 1, and even more preferably up to 0 in terms of transmittance.

[0061] Preferably, the coating has a peak wavelength of 351 nm and an intensity of 32 W / m 2After irradiating the glazing with a UV lamp for 2 hours, it has a static water contact angle of up to 40°, more preferably up to 30°, even more preferably up to 25°, and most preferably up to 20°. Newly prepared or cleaned glass has a hydrophilic surface (a static water contact angle of less than about 40° indicates a hydrophilic surface), but organic contaminants adhere rapidly to the surface, increasing the contact angle. A special advantage of the coated glazing of the present invention is that even if the coating is dirty, irradiation with UV light of the appropriate wavelength reduces the contact angle by reducing or destroying those contaminants. A further advantage is that water spreads across the entire surface with a low contact angle, reducing the rolling effect of water droplets on the surface (from rain, etc.) and making it easier to wash away dirt or other contaminants that were not destroyed by the photocatalytic activity of the surface. The static water contact angle is the angle determined by the meniscus of water droplets on the glass surface, measured at 0.73 W / m using a UV lamp (peak wavelength 351 nm). 2 This can be determined by known methods, such as measuring the diameter of a water droplet of a known volume (e.g., a volume in the range of 1 to 5 μl) on a glass surface after glazing at a certain intensity at 45°C for 30 minutes.

[0062] Specific microorganisms that can be denatured by the coated glazing according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

[0063] The coated glazing according to the present invention can reduce the survival of one or more microorganisms, such as bacteria and / or viruses, on the coated surface of a substrate compared to an uncoated substrate which is otherwise the same as a coated substrate. Preferably, bacterial growth on the coated surface of a substrate is reduced by at least 10%, more preferably 20%, and even more preferably 30% compared to an uncoated substrate which is otherwise the same as a coated substrate. Preferably, inactivation of viruses on the coated surface of a substrate is increased by at least 10%, more preferably 20%, and even more preferably 30% compared to an uncoated substrate which is otherwise the same as a coated substrate.

[0064] Specific microorganisms that can be denatured by the coated glazing according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Preferably, the coated glazing according to the present invention provides a 10% reduction against one of Staphylococcus aureus, SARS-CoV-2, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gingivitis, or Streptococcus mutans within 2 hours at 37°C. More preferably, the coated glazing according to the present invention provides a reduction of at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, and most preferably at least 40% against one of Staphylococcus aureus, SARS-CoV-2, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gingivitis, or Streptococcus mutans within 2 hours at 37°C.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments, for example, when it is desirable to reduce external condensation during use, the first main surface of the glass substrate on which the coating is located faces away from the building in which it is installed, i.e., the first main surface of the glass substrate faces the external environment and would generally be referred to as surface #1.

[0066] In other preferred embodiments, particularly when antimicrobial properties are desirable during use, the first main surface of the glass substrate on which the coating is placed faces the building in which it is installed, i.e., the first main surface of the glass substrate faces the internal environment and is generally referred to as surface #2 in the case of monolithic glazing and surface #4 in the case of double glazing.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the coated glazing may further comprise a second coating located on the opposite main surface of the glass substrate. That is, the coating mentioned in the previous paragraph is located on the first main surface of the glass substrate, and the second coating is located on the opposite main surface of the glass substrate. The second coating may comprise an anti-reflective coating, a low-emissivity coating, and / or a sun-control coating.

[0068] In some embodiments, the main surface opposite to the glass substrate may be bonded to a second glass substrate by a ply of plastic interlayer. Preferably, the plastic interlayer comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB). In certain embodiments where antimicrobial properties are desired, the plastic interlayer does not contain a UV absorber. In these embodiments, the plastic interlayer is preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably substantially, and most preferably completely transparent to UV radiation. Either of the opposing main surfaces of the glass substrate and either surface of the second glass substrate may be coated, for example, with an anti-reflective, low-emissivity, and / or sun-controlling coating.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the coated glazing of the first embodiment, for example, the coated glazing of the preceding two paragraphs, can be combined with further glass substrates (e.g., one or two further glass substrates) to form a glazing unit. The coated glazing can be held in a spaced relationship with any adjacent further glass substrates to form an insulating glazing unit. Any further glass substrates can be held in a spaced relationship with any adjacent further glass substrates to form an insulating glazing unit.

[0070] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the use of the coated glazing of the first aspect is provided to provide condensation prevention, self-cleaning, and / or antimicrobial properties. Preferably, such use is carried out in building or automotive applications. Such use may occur in glazing frames, walls, partitions, blinds, doors, electronics, touchscreens, mirrors, containers, furniture, splashbacks, and / or vehicle windows.

[0071] Preferably, the use according to a second aspect of the present invention further comprises the step of irradiating the coated glazing with UV light from an artificial UV light source and / or sunlight. Preferably, the coated substrate is irradiated with UV light for at least 1 minute, more preferably at least 20 minutes, even more preferably at least 1 hour, and most preferably at least 2 hours. With respect to the present invention, UV light is electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 10 nm to 400 nm.

[0072] Preferably, the UV light has a peak wavelength greater than 200 nm, more preferably greater than 220 nm, and even more preferably greater than 250 nm. In relation to the present invention, the peak wavelength of light is the wavelength with the highest intensity in the light spectrum. For example, the peak wavelength of UV light is the wavelength with the highest intensity in the UV spectrum from 10 to 400 nm.

[0073] Preferably, UV light is activated using an automated sensor process or a timer. According to the present invention, the automated sensor process may include a sensor device for sensing parameter information and a communication system for relaying the parameter information to a computing device that determines the response.

[0074] Preferably, the UV light source is a movable UV light source. Preferably, the movable UV light source can operate between a position where light from the UV light source can enter the coated glazing and a position where light from the UV light source does not enter the coated glazing. Preferably, the movable UV light source is mounted on a robotic device. Preferably, the robotic device is a mobile transport vehicle, a mobile arm, a wheeled, legged, or tracked vehicle, or a retractable arm.

[0075] Preferably, the use of the coated glazing according to the present invention further includes a cleaning step, preferably in which the coated glazing is cleaned with a cleaning product, preferably a detergent and / or a bactericidal cleaning product. Preferably, the cleaning step is an automated cleaning step, in which the coated glazing is cleaned using a sprayer, an air knife and / or a wiper. Alternatively, the cleaning step may be a manual cleaning step.

[0076] Any feature described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention may also be utilized in relation to other aspects of the present invention.

[0077] Any invention described herein may be combined with any feature of any other invention described herein, with necessary modifications.

[0078] It should be understood that additional features applicable to one aspect of the present invention may be used in any combination and in any number. Furthermore, they may be used in any combination and in any number with any other aspect of the present invention. This includes, but is not limited to, dependent claims of any claim used as a dependent claim of another claim in the claims of this application.

[0079] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents filed concurrently with or prior to this specification in connection with this application and made available to the public together with this specification, the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] All features disclosed herein (including the attached claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein, may be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which at least part of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0081] Each feature disclosed herein (including the attached claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose unless otherwise specified. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, each disclosed feature is merely a general example of a set of equivalent or similar features.

[0082] The present invention will now be further described by the following specific embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, which are given as examples and are not limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0083] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a coated glazing having a four-layer coating according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a coated glazing having a five-layer coating according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a coated glazing having a six-layer coating according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0084] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a coated glazing 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. The coated glazing 1 comprises a transparent float glass substrate 2 coated sequentially using CVD with a first layer 3 based on tin dioxide, a second layer 4 based on silicon dioxide, a third layer 5 based on fluorine-doped tin oxide, and a fourth layer 6 based on titanium dioxide. CVD may be carried out in conjunction with the manufacture of the glass substrate in a float glass process.

[0085] Figure 2 similarly shows coated glazing 7, identical to coated glazing 1 shown in Figure 1, except that the silicon dioxide-based intercalation layer 8 is located between the fluorine-doped tin oxide-based third layer 5 and the titanium dioxide-based fourth layer 6.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a coated glazing 9 identical to the coated glazing 7 shown in Figure 2, except that the silicon dioxide-based lower layer 10 is located between the transparent float glass substrate 2 and the tin dioxide-based first layer 3. [Examples]

[0087] Examples 1 to 6 of the present invention were prepared using atmospheric pressure CVD as part of the float glass process. The transparent glass substrate used in each example was 4 mm thick clear soda-lime silica glass. Comparative Example 7 was a 4 mm thick commercially available Pilkington anti-condensation glass. Comparative Example 8 was a 4 mm thick commercially available Pilkington Activ®.

[0088] The SnO2 layer was deposited on the glass surface using the following components. • N2 carrier gas, O2, dimethyltin dichloride, and H2O. An SiO2 layer was deposited on the glass surface using the following components. • N2 carrier gas, He carrier gas, O2, C2H4, and SiH4. The SnO2:Sb layer was deposited on the glass surface using the following components. • N2 and He carrier gas, O2, dimethyltin dichloride, 30-50% by weight of triphenylantimony and H2O in ethyl acetate solution. A TiO2 layer was deposited on the glass surface using the following components. Comparative Example 8: Titanium tetrachloride in ethyl acetate solution (Â:TiCl4 ratio 1.8~2.2). Examples 1-6 involve titanium tetraisopropoxide and O2. The SnO2:F layer was deposited on the glass surface using the following components. • N2 carrier gas, O2, dimethyltin dichloride, HF, and H2O.

[0089] The thickness of each layer in the sample is as follows: Examples 1-6: Glass / SiO2 (20 nm) / SnO2 (25 nm) / SiO2 (25 nm) / SnO2:F (230 nm) / TiO2 (Examples 1-2, ≥1 nm, <5 nm; Examples 3-4, ≥5 nm, <10 nm; Example 5, 15 nm; Example 6, 18 nm) Comparative Example 7: Glass / SiO2 (20 nm) / SnO2 (25 nm) / SiO2 (25 nm) / SnO2:F (230 nm) Comparative example 8: SiO2(35nm) / TiO2(17nm)

[0090] The optical properties shown in Table 1 below were measured using a HunterLab® Ultrascan Pro spectrophotometer. The layer thickness in the examples was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using an EDAX Octane plus EDS detector with an FEI Nova NanoSEM® 450 and TEAM software.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092] The static water contact angle of these samples was 0.73 W / m using a UV lamp (peak wavelength 351 nm). 2 The water contact angle was determined by measuring the diameter of a water droplet (5 μl) on the glass surface after irradiating the glazing at 45°C for 30 minutes at an intensity of UV (shown in the column labeled "UV" in Table 2 below). The static water contact angle of these samples was also measured immediately after storing the samples in the dark for 72 hours (shown in the column labeled "Dark" in Table 2 below).

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] The static water contact angle is thought to be due to the photoactivity of the coated surface. This photoactivity can break down organic contaminants on the surface, otherwise the surface contact angle would increase beyond 30°, acting as a potential nucleation region for external condensation. The above results demonstrate that the coated glazing according to the present invention exhibits a very low static water contact angle when irradiated with UV light.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described above. The present invention extends to any novel features or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel methods or steps of any disclosed methods or processes, or any novel combination of any novel methods or steps of any disclosed methods or processes.

Claims

1. Coated glazing, A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on the first main surface of the glass substrate, Equipped with, The coating is applied sequentially from the glass substrate, 1. A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than the refractive index of the first layer, A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, wherein the fourth layer is photocatalytic, It has at least the following features: The fourth layer indirectly coats all of the first main surface. Coated glazing.

2. The coated glazing according to claim 1, further comprising a silicon oxide-based intervening layer located between the third layer and the fourth layer.

3. The intervening layer is a silicon dioxide-based coated glazing according to claim 2.

4. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lower layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, wherein the lower layer is located between the glass substrate and the first layer.

5. The coated glazing according to claim 4, wherein the lower layer is based on a metalloid oxide, preferably silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride.

6. The coated glazing according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the lower layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 30 nm.

7. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, when the intervening layer is present, the thickness of the first layer is at least 5 nm and up to 35 nm.

8. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, when the intervening layer is present, the second layer has a thickness of at least 15 nm and a maximum of 50 nm.

9. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, when the intervening layer is present, the third layer has a thickness of at least 100 nm and a maximum of 300 nm.

10. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the intervening layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 40 nm.

11. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, when the intervening layer is present, the fourth layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm.

12. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first layer is metal oxide based, preferably tin dioxide, niobium oxide, titanium dioxide, SiCO, or tantalum oxide.

13. The first layer is a coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, based on tin dioxide.

14. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second layer is present and is based on a metalloid oxide, preferably the second layer is based on silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride.

15. The aforementioned coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on the aforementioned glass substrate, Equipped with, Here, the coating is applied sequentially from the glass substrate, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide, and the first layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm, An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, wherein the second layer is silicon dioxide-based and has a thickness of at least 15 nm and a maximum of 50 nm, and the second layer is... A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, wherein the third layer has a thickness of at least 100 nm and a maximum of 300 nm, A silicon dioxide-based intervening layer, wherein the intervening layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 40 nm, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, wherein the fourth layer is photocatalytic, and the fourth layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm. It has at least the following features: The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 14.

16. The aforementioned coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on the aforementioned glass substrate, Equipped with, The coating is applied sequentially from the glass substrate, A silicon oxide-based lower layer, 1. A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide, A second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, wherein the second layer is based on silicon oxide, A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, A silicon oxide-based interlayer, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, wherein the fourth layer is photocatalytic, It has at least the following features: The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 15.

17. The aforementioned coated glazing is A transparent glass substrate and A coating located on the aforementioned glass substrate, Equipped with, Here, the coating is applied sequentially from the glass substrate, A silicon dioxide-based lower layer, the lower layer having a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 30 nm, A first layer having a refractive index greater than 1.6, wherein the first layer is based on tin dioxide, and the first layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm, An additional second layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first layer, wherein the second layer is silicon dioxide-based and has a thickness of at least 15 nm and a maximum of 50 nm, and the second layer is... A third layer based on fluorine-doped tin dioxide, wherein the third layer has a thickness of at least 100 nm and a maximum of 300 nm, A silicon dioxide-based intervening layer, wherein the intervening layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 40 nm, A fourth layer based on titanium dioxide, wherein the fourth layer is photocatalytic, and the fourth layer has a thickness of at least 5 nm and a maximum of 35 nm. It has at least the following features: The coated glazing according to any one of claims 2 to 16.

18. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the coating has a static water contact angle of up to 40°, more preferably up to 30°, even more preferably up to 25°, and most preferably up to 20° after irradiating the glazing with a UV lamp with a peak wavelength of 351 nm at an intensity of 0.73 W / m2 at 45°C for 30 minutes.

19. The coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the coated glazing reduces the survival of one or more microorganisms, such as bacteria and / or viruses, on the coated surface of the substrate compared to an uncoated substrate which is otherwise identical to the coated substrate.

20. Use of the coated glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 19 to provide condensation prevention, self-cleaning and / or antimicrobial properties.

21. The use according to claim 20, wherein the use is performed in glass frames, walls, partitions, blinds, doors, electronic devices, touchscreens, mirrors, containers, furniture, splashbacks and / or vehicle windows.

22. The use according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the step of irradiating the coated glazing with an artificial UV light source and / or UV light from sunlight for at least one minute, preferably the UV light having a peak wavelength greater than 200 nm, more preferably greater than 220 nm, and even more preferably greater than 250 nm.

23. The use according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the UV light is activated using an automated sensor process or a timer.

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