Vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) window unit with metal alloy spacers, and / or method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract

A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit includes an array of spacers disposed between at least a pair of substrates, such as glass substrates. Certain exemplary embodiments relate to VIG window units including spacers (e.g., pillars) that are or include a metal alloy. The metal alloy of the spacer can be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., a Zr- and / or Cu-based amorphous alloy). Such metal alloy spacers can beneficially reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array and increase the glass center R-value of the VIG window unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 138,587, filed December 30, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to spacers used in vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units. More specifically, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to VIG window units that include a spacer of a metal alloy (e.g., a pillar) or a spacer that includes a metal alloy (e.g., a pillar). Metal alloy spacers (e.g., alloys containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) have been found to have a lower thermal conductivity and an increased compressive strength compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. In certain exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the spacer includes at least 30 wt% (more preferably at least 40 wt%, and most preferably at least 50 wt%) of Ti, Cu, and / or Zr. The metal alloy of the spacer can be, in certain exemplary embodiments, an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., a Zr and / or Cu-based amorphous alloy). Thus, it has been found that using a metal alloy spacer (e.g., an alloy containing Ti, Cu, and / or Zr) can beneficially reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array, increase the glass center R-value of the VIG window unit, and also provide sufficient spacing strength for the substrates of the VIG window unit. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacer in such a manner can allow for an increased spacing between adjacent spacers within the window unit, which can allow for a higher R-value to be achieved.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Vacuum IG units are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,664,395, 5,657,607, and 5,902,652, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] Figures 1 and 2 show a conventional vacuum IG unit (vacuum IG unit or VIG unit). The vacuum IG unit 1 includes two spaced glass substrates 2 and 3, which enclose a vacuum or low-pressure space 6 between them. The glass sheets / substrates 2 and 3 are interconnected by periphery or sealed end sealing of molten solder glass 4 (or other suitable material) and an array of support spacers (e.g., pillars) 5.

[0005] The pump-out tube 8 is hermetically sealed by solder glass 9 to an opening or hole 10 leading from the inner surface of the glass sheet 2 to the bottom of a recess 11 on the outer surface of the sheet 2. The pump-out tube 8 is evacuated so that the internal cavity between the substrates 2 and 3 can be evacuated to create a low-pressure region or space 6 with a pressure below atmospheric pressure. After evacuating, the tube 8 melts to seal the vacuum. The recess 11 holds the sealing tube 8. Optionally, a chemical getter 12 may be included in the recess 13 or in another preferred location.

[0006] A known spacer material for spacer 5 is annealed 316 stainless steel. Unfortunately, 316 stainless steel has a combination of a thermal conductivity of 13.5 W / mK and a compressive yield strength of 42,000 psi. This combination of low compressive yield strength and moderate to high thermal conductivity means that the spacers in the VIG window unit cannot be too far apart from each other (i.e., they must be positioned reasonably close to each other to prevent failure), which in turn contributes to the VIG window unit having an R value of approximately R-12.

[0007] The compressive yield strength of 316 stainless steel can be increased through strain hardening compared to its annealed state. However, strain hardening increases the amount of martensite in the structure, making it ferromagnetic, and highly magnetic spacers cause problems during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, most high-purity metals have high thermal conductivity and low compressive yield strength.

[0008] Therefore, it will be understood that in the art, there is a need to find solutions to the problems considered above, such as (i) finding a solution that can achieve a higher R value without significantly impairing the strength of the VIG window unit, (ii) providing a spacer material that has a higher compressive yield strength compared to annealed 316 stainless steel and is not significantly magnetic, and / or (iii) providing a spacer material that has a lower thermal conductivity compared to 316 stainless steel.

[0009] In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, alloyed metals have been found to increase resistance to compressive plastic deformation and decrease thermal conductivity. Therefore, such alloys have been found to be particularly beneficial for spacers in VIG window units. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to VIG window units comprising spacers (e.g., pillars) of a metal alloy or spacers (e.g., pillars) containing a metal alloy. Metal alloy spacers (e.g., Ti, Cu, and / or Zr-containing alloys) have been found to have lower thermal conductivity and increased compressive strength compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. In certain exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the spacer includes at least 30% by weight (more preferably at least 40% by weight, and most preferably at least 50% by weight) of Ti, Cu, and / or Zr. In certain exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., a Zr and / or Cu-based amorphous alloy). For example, the spacer may be or may contain a Zr-based amorphous metal alloy containing Zr and one or more of Cu, Ni, Al, and / or Ti, with a Zr content of at least about 30 wt%, more preferably at least about 40 wt%, most preferably at least about 50 wt%, and sometimes at least about 60 wt%. Another example is that the spacer may be or may contain a Ti-based metal alloy containing Ti and one or more of Al, and / or V, with a Ti content of at least about 30 wt%, more preferably at least about 40 wt%, most preferably at least about 50 wt%, and sometimes at least about 60 wt% or at least about 80 wt%. Thus, it has been found that using metal alloy spacers (e.g., Ti, Cu, and / or Zr-containing alloys) can beneficially reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array, increase the glass center R value of the VIG window unit, and also provide sufficient spacing strength of the substrates of the VIG window unit. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner may allow for increased spacing between adjacent spacers within the window unit, which may enable the achievement of a higher R value.

[0010] In a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: first and second spaced glass substrates defining a gap between first and second spaced glass substrates; end seals provided close to the periphery of the first and second substrates to form an airtight seal and to help define a gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; and a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates of the VIG window unit to help separate at least the first and second glass substrates, wherein the spacers comprise a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 13.0 W / mK or less and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi. The metal alloy may be optionally nitrided.

[0011] In certain exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy may contain Ti as the most abundant metallic element, and the Ti content of the metal alloy may be at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 50% by weight, and most preferably at least about 80% by weight.

[0012] In certain exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the metal alloy may include at least 50 wt% Ti, about 1 to 20 wt% Al, and about 1 to 20 wt% V.

[0013] Metal alloys can be amorphous, including non-crystalline structures. Zr or Cu may be the highest metallic element content in amorphous metal alloys. The metal content of a metal alloy (e.g., amorphous) may include at least 40 wt% Zr, about 1 to 35 wt% Cu, and at least one of about 1 to 30 wt% Ni, about 1 to 15 wt% Ti, and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Al; or at least 40 wt% Zr, about 1 to 35 wt% Cu, and at least one of about 1 to 15 wt% Nb, and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Al, and / or at least 30 wt% Cu, about 1 to 35 wt% Ti, and at least one of about 1 to 35 wt% Zr, about 1 to 20 wt% Ni, and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Sn.

[0014] In a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: first and second spaced glass substrates defining a gap between first and second spaced glass substrates; end seals provided close to the periphery of the first and second substrates to form an airtight seal and to help define a gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; and a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates of the VIG window unit to help separate at least the first and second glass substrates, wherein the spacers comprise a metal alloy having Ti as the most abundant metallic element in the metal alloy, and the Ti content of the metal alloy is at least about 50% by weight.

[0015] In a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: first and second spaced glass substrates defining a gap between first and second spaced glass substrates; end seals provided close to the periphery of the first and second substrates to form an airtight seal and to help define a gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; and a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates of the VIG window unit to help separate at least the first and second glass substrates, wherein the spacers comprise an amorphous metal alloy, and Zr or Cu is the most abundant metallic element of the amorphous metal alloy.

[0016] The features, aspects, advantages, and exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined to realize further embodiments.

[0017] These and other features and advantages can be better and more fully understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a prior art vacuum IG unit.

[0019] [Figure 2] This is a top plan view of the prior art of the bottom substrate, end seal, and spacer of the vacuum IG unit shown in Figure 1, taken along the cross-sectional line shown in Figure 1.

[0020] [Figure 3] This is a side view of a metal alloy spacer that may be used in the VIG window unit shown in Figures 1-2, or any other VIG window unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Looking at the attached drawings in more detail, similar reference numbers indicate the same parts across several drawings.

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show exemplary vacuum IG units (vacuum IG units or VIG units). The VIG window unit 1 includes two spaced-apart, substantially parallel glass substrates 2 and 3, which enclose a vacuum or low-pressure space 6 between them. The glass sheets / substrates 2 and 3 are interconnected by a perimeter or sealed end seal 4 of molten solder glass or other suitable material, and an array of support spacers (e.g., pillars) 5. A pump-out tube 8 is hermetically sealed with solder glass 9 to an opening or hole 10 leading from the inner surface of the glass sheet 2 to the bottom of a recess 11 on the outer surface of the sheet 2. The pump-out tube 8 is evacuated so that the internal cavity between substrates 2 and 3 can be evacuated to create a low-pressure region or space 6 with a pressure below atmospheric pressure. After evacuating, the tube 8 melts to seal the vacuum, and the spacers 5 separate at least the glass substrates 2 and 3 from each other. The recess 11 holds the sealing tube 8. Optionally, a chemical getter 12 may be included in the recess 13 or in other suitable location.

[0023] Specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to VIG window units comprising metal alloy spacers (e.g., pillars) or spacers containing a metal alloy (e.g., pillars). Metal alloy spacers (e.g., Ti, Cu, and / or Zr-containing alloys) have been found to have lower thermal conductivity and increased compressive strength compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. In specific exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the spacer 5 includes at least 30% by weight (more preferably at least 40% by weight, and most preferably at least 50% by weight) of Ti, Cu, and / or Zr. In specific exemplary embodiments, the metal alloy of the spacer may be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., a Zr and / or Cu-based amorphous alloy). In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the material of the spacer 5 is designed to beneficially provide one or more of the following: (i) increasing the glass center R value without significantly impairing the strength of the VIG window unit (e.g., at least 11.1, more preferably at least 12.0, more preferably at least 13.0, and sometimes at least 14.0 as a function of the spacer spacing); (ii) providing a spacer material having a higher compressive yield strength compared to annealed 316 stainless steel and without significant magnetism; and / or (iii) providing a spacer material having a lower thermal conductivity compared to 316 stainless steel.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the alloyed metal increases the resistance to compressive plastic deformation and decreases the thermal conductivity of the material for the spacer 5. Such metal alloys have been found to be particularly beneficial for spacers in VIG window units.

[0025] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a VIG window unit that includes a spacer (e.g., a pillar) 5 of a metal alloy or a spacer (e.g., a pillar) 5 that includes a metal alloy. The metal alloy spacer 5 is provided at least between glass substrates 2 and 3, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The metal alloy spacer 5 of FIG. 3 can be used in the VIG window units of FIGS. 1-2 or in any other VIG window unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the metal alloy spacer 5 discussed herein and / or shown in FIG. 3 can be used in any of the VIG window units described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,664,395, 5,657,607, 5,902,652, 10,703,667, 10,683,695, 10,590,695, 10,465,433, and / or 10,435,938, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The metal alloy spacer 5 (e.g., a Ti, Cu, and / or Zr-containing alloy) shown in FIG. 3 has been found to have a lower thermal conductivity and an increased compressive strength compared to a conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacer. In certain exemplary embodiments, the metal content of the spacer includes at least 30 wt% (more preferably at least 40 wt%, and most preferably at least 50 wt%) of Ti, Cu, and / or Zr. The metal alloy of the spacer can be, in certain exemplary embodiments, an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., a Zr and / or Cu-based amorphous alloy). Exemplary spacer materials are listed in the following table. Most high purity metals (e.g., see Al, Ni, Zr, and Ti in the following table) have high thermal conductivity values and low compressive yield strengths, which are found to be undesirable for use in the VIG spacer 5. By reducing the thermal conductivity, the amount of heat transferred between the glass panes is reduced.

Table 1

[0026] Alloying with high-purity metals increases resistance to both compressive and plastic deformation and decreases thermal conductivity. By increasing the compressive yield, the ability to increase the space between each individual pillar is given, reducing the number of places where heat conduction can occur between the glass pieces. Titanium alloy Ti-6A1-4V (also known as Titanium 6-4) is an exemplary material for spacer 5 according to embodiments of the present invention, and is composed, for example, of about 6% Al, about 4% V, and about 90% Ti. For example, exemplary spacer 5 material alloys such as Ti-6A1-4V (also known as Titanium 6-4), Timet685, and Hastelloy C276 are all found to have lower thermal conductivity and significantly higher compressive yield strength than annealed 316 stainless steel. Therefore, it will be understood that exemplary spacer 5 material alloys such as Ti-6A1-4V (also known as Titanium 6-4), Timet685, and Hastelloy C276 show a significant improvement over annealed 316 stainless steel with respect to spacer material, enabling higher R values ​​to be achieved for VIG window units and / or allowing spacers 5 to be further spaced apart from each other without compromising durability. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the material for spacer 5 is designed to have (a) a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi, more preferably at least 100,000 psi, more preferably at least 150,000 psi, and most preferably at least 200,000 psi, and / or (b) a thermal conductivity of 13.0 W / mK or less, more preferably 12.0 W / mK or less, even more preferably 11.0 W / mK or less, and most preferably 10.0 W / mK or 9.0 W / mK or less. Ti-based alloys such as Ti-6A1-4V (also known as Titanium 6-4) and Timet685, as well as Ni-Mo-Cr-containing alloys such as Hastelloy C276, may be suitable for the spacer 5 in certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, Ti-6A1-4V under solution aging heat treatment conditions provides improved compressive yield strength (155,000 psi) and thermal conductivity (6.7 W / mK) compared to 316 stainless steel annealed at only 42,000 psi.Other titanium alloys, such as Timet685, may be used. A further advantage of such titanium alloys is that they are neither ferromagnetic nor paramagnetic, which facilitates pillar placement during manufacturing.

[0027] To increase the compressive yield strength, vapor nitriding can be optionally used. Vapor nitriding (for example, of Ti-based alloys) (see table above) is a secondary heat treatment process in which nitrogen atoms diffuse into the lattice of the titanium alloy. The nitrogen atoms are positioned in interstitial atomic locations, leading to increased flow strength and hardness without forming significant titanium nitride on the surface or in the bulk. This is beneficial because the thermal conductivity is significantly higher than that of Ti alloys.

[0028] For example, the spacer 5 of the VIG window unit may be or may contain a Ti-based metal alloy containing Ti, and one or more of Al and / or V, with a Ti content of at least about 30 wt%, more preferably at least about 40 wt%, and most preferably at least about 50 wt%, and sometimes at least about 60 wt% or at least about 80 wt%. For example, the metal content of the spacer 5 may, in addition to Ti, contain about 1 to 20 wt% Al (more preferably about 2 to 10 wt%, and most preferably about 4 to 8 wt%), and about 1 to 20 wt% V (more preferably about 1 to 10 wt%, and most preferably about 2 to 6 wt%). Ti-6A1-4V (also known as Titanium 6-4) is an example of such a Ti-based alloy.

[0029] As another example, spacer 5 may be or may contain a Zr-based amorphous metal alloy containing Zr and one or more of Cu, Ni, Al, and / or Ti, with a Zr content of at least about 30 wt%, more preferably at least about 40 wt%, most preferably at least about 50 wt%, and sometimes at least about 60 wt%. Thus, it has been found that using metal alloy spacers (e.g., Ti, Cu, and / or Zr-containing alloys) can beneficially reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array, increase the glass center R value of the VIG window unit, and also provide sufficient spacing strength of the substrate of the VIG window unit. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner can allow for increased spacing between adjacent spacers in the window unit, which can enable the achievement of higher R values.

[0030] The metal alloy of spacer 5 may, in certain exemplary embodiments, be an amorphous metal alloy (e.g., a Zr and / or Cu amorphous alloy). For example, the spacer may be or may contain a Zr amorphous metal alloy containing Zr and one or more of Cu, Ni, Al, and / or Ti, with a Zr content of at least about 30 wt%, more preferably at least about 40 wt%, most preferably at least about 50 wt%, and sometimes at least about 60 wt%. It has been found that using such spacers can beneficially reduce the thermal conductivity of the spacer array, increase the glass center R value of the VIG window unit, and also provide sufficient spacing strength of the substrate of the VIG window unit. Increasing the compressive yield strength of the spacers in this manner may allow for increased spacing between adjacent spacers in the window unit, which may allow a higher R value to be achieved.

[0031] Amorphous alloys for spacer 5 (e.g., VIT105, VIT106, VIT601, AMZ4, or AMC4) are characterized by their disordered non-crystalline structure compared to metals and other classical alloys. Different metals can be combined with heat and melted together to produce a liquid. If this liquid is cooled rapidly, the metal atoms retain liquid-like random positions from the molten material when forming the amorphous alloy. Alloy systems can be selected so that there is no significant phase transition from liquid to solid, resulting in near-net-shape parts that can be manufactured by casting, 3D printing, or injection molding (therefore, spacer 5 can be manufactured by any of these techniques, including but not limited to 3D printing of VIG units onto glass). Since there are no lattice defects, there are few or no grain boundaries or phase boundaries, and there is little or no compositional variation. Several exemplary Zr and Cu-based amorphous alloys that can be used for spacer 5 herein are compared below with conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers. For example, the VIT105 amorphous alloy is composed of 16% Cu, 12% Ni, 3% Ti, 4% Al, and the remainder (e.g., about 65%) is essentially Zr. Another example is the AMZ4 amorphous alloy, which is composed of 24% Cu, 4% Al, 2% Nb, and the remainder (e.g., about 70%) is essentially Zr. Yet another example is the AMC4 amorphous alloy, which is composed of 26% Ti, 16% Zr, 8% Ni, 4% Sn, and the remainder (e.g., about 46%) is essentially Cu.

[0032] [Table 2]

[0033] VIT105, AMZ4, and AMC4 amorphous alloys are found to be beneficial to annealed 316 stainless steel in that they have lower thermal conductivity and / or higher compressive yield strength.

[0034] In a particular exemplary embodiment of the amorphous alloy of the present invention for spacer 5, the amorphous metal alloy for spacer 5 may be, with respect to the metal content of the alloy, at least 40 wt% Zr, more preferably at least 50 wt% Zr, and most preferably at least 60 wt% Zr; about 1 to 35 wt% Cu, more preferably about 10 to 30 wt% Cu, and most preferably about 15 to 25 wt% Cu; about 1 to 30 wt% Ni, more preferably about 5 to 20 wt% Ni, and most preferably about 10 to 15 wt% Ni; about 1 to 15 wt% Ti, more preferably about 1 to 10 wt% Ti, and most preferably about 1 to 5 wt% Ti; and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Al, more preferably about 1 to 10 wt% Al, and most preferably about 1 to 5 wt% Al, or may contain these.

[0035] In a particular exemplary embodiment of the amorphous alloy of the present invention for spacer 5, the amorphous metal alloy for spacer 5 may be, with respect to the metal content of the alloy, at least 40 wt% Zr, more preferably at least 50 wt% Zr, and most preferably at least 60 wt% Zr; about 1 to 35 wt% Cu, more preferably about 10 to 30 wt% Cu, and most preferably about 15 to 25 wt% Cu; about 1 to 15 wt% Nb, more preferably about 1 to 10 wt% Nb, and most preferably about 1 to 5 wt% Nb; and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Al, more preferably about 1 to 10 wt% Al, and most preferably about 1 to 5 wt% Al, or may contain these.

[0036] In a particular exemplary embodiment of the amorphous alloy of the present invention for spacer 5, the amorphous metal alloy for spacer 5 may be, with respect to the metal content of the alloy, at least 30 wt% Cu, more preferably at least 40 wt% Cu; about 1 to 35 wt% Ti, more preferably about 10 to 35 wt% Ti, and most preferably about 20 to 30 wt% Ti; about 1 to 35 wt% Zr, more preferably about 5 to 30 wt% Zr, and most preferably about 10 to 22 wt% Zr; about 1 to 20 wt% Ni, more preferably about 2 to 15 wt% Ni, and most preferably about 5 to 12 wt% Ni; and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Sn, more preferably about 1 to 10 wt% Sn, and most preferably about 2 to 8 wt% Sn, or may include these.

[0037] Additional heat treatment of zirconia-based bulk metallic glass can create a layer of zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2) on the surface of the pillar. This thin layer of zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2) can create a thermal barrier between the bulk amorphous metallic pillar and the glass while maintaining the mechanical properties of the amorphous alloy. The thermal conductivity of ZrO2 is approximately 1.7 W / m K. For example, a zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2) surface can be created on at least one or all sides of the spacer by heat treatment in an oxygen-rich atmosphere at a temperature of 225°C to 275°C for 30 to 60 minutes.

[0038] Next, the calculated thermal conductivity of various spacers was input into the VIG R-value calculator to determine their effect on the thermal performance of the VIG window unit. Ti-6A1-4V (also known as titanium 6-4 or Ti-6-4) and Heraeus amorphous alloy VIT105 spacers are compared to the following stainless steel pillars. Due to increased compressive strength (e.g., resulting in larger pillar spacing) and decreased thermal conductivity, for example, While not limiting, Ti6-4 and VIT105 can achieve VIG unit R values ​​of 20.3 and 25.7, respectively (which is significantly higher than conventional stainless steel spacers / pillars). The parameters used in the analysis and calculations can be seen below. Note that double Ag and triple Ag refer to different types of low-E coatings on one of the inner surfaces of the glass substrate of the VIG unit. [Table 3]

[0039] Therefore, it will be understood that the spacer according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may enable the VIG window unit to achieve a higher R value compared to conventional annealed 316 stainless steel spacers (e.g., pillars).

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit is provided, comprising: first and second spaced glass substrates defining a gap between first and second spaced glass substrates; end seals provided close to the periphery of the first and second substrates to form an airtight seal and to help define a gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; and a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates of the VIG window unit to help separate at least the first and second glass substrates, wherein the spacers are made of a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 13.0 W / mK or less and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi.

[0041] In the VIG window unit described in the preceding paragraph, the spacer may include a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 12.0 W / mK or less, more preferably 11.0 W / mK or less, more preferably 10.0 W / mK or less, and most preferably 9.0 W / mK or less.

[0042] In the VIG unit described in either of the two preceding paragraphs, the spacer may include a metal alloy having a compressive yield strength of at least 100,000 psi, more preferably at least 150,000 psi, and most preferably at least 200,000 psi.

[0043] In the VIG unit described in any one of the preceding three paragraphs, the metal alloy may be nitrided.

[0044] In the VIG unit described in any one of the preceding four paragraphs, the metal alloy may contain Ti as the largest metal element, and the Ti content of the metal alloy may be at least about 30% by weight, more preferably at least about 50% by weight, and most preferably at least about 80% by weight.

[0045] In the VIG units described in any one of the preceding five paragraphs, the metal content of the metal alloy may include at least 50 wt% Ti, about 1 to 20 wt% Al, and about 1 to 20 wt% V.

[0046] In the VIG unit described in any one of the preceding six paragraphs, the metal alloy may be amorphous, including an crystalline structure. Zr or Cu may be the maximum metallic element content of the amorphous metal alloy.

[0047] In the VIG unit described in any one of the preceding seven paragraphs, the metal content of the metal alloy may include at least 40% by weight of Zr.

[0048] In the VIG units described in any one of the preceding eight paragraphs, the metal content of the metal alloy may include at least 40 wt% Zr, about 1 to 35 wt% Cu, and at least one of about 1 to 30 wt% Ni, about 1 to 15 wt% Ti, and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Al.

[0049] In the VIG units described in any one of the preceding nine paragraphs, the metal content of the metal alloy may include at least 40 wt% Zr, about 1 to 35 wt% Cu, and at least one of about 1 to 15 wt% Nb and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Al.

[0050] In the VIG units described in any one of the preceding 10 paragraphs, the metal content of the metal alloy may include at least 30 wt% Cu, and about 1 to 35 wt% Ti, and at least one of about 1 to 35 wt% Zr, about 1 to 20 wt% Ni, and / or about 1 to 15 wt% Sn.

[0051] In the VIG units described in any one of the preceding 11 paragraphs, at least one of the spacers may have a coating on its surface. The coating may be or may contain a ceramic such as zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2). The coating may be on one, two, three, or all sides of at least one of the spacers. The coating may be formed by heat treatment.

[0052] While the present invention has been described in relation to currently available and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to encompass a variety of modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit, A first and second spaced glass substrate defining a gap between the first and second spaced glass substrates, An end seal provided in close proximity to the periphery of the first and second substrates, which helps to form an hermetically sealed seal and define the gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, The VIG window unit includes a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates, which serve to separate at least the first and second glass substrates, The spacer comprises a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 13.0 W / m-K or less and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi. The aforementioned metal alloy is amorphous and includes an amorphous structure. At least one of the spacers has a coating on its surface, Vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) window unit.

2. The VIG unit according to claim 1, wherein the spacer includes a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 12.0 W / m-K or less.

3. The VIG unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacer includes a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 11.0 W / m-K or less.

4. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacer includes a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 10.0 W / m-K or less.

5. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacer includes a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 9.0 W / m-K or less.

6. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spacer comprises a metal alloy having a compressive yield strength of at least 100,000 psi.

7. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer comprises a metal alloy having a compressive yield strength of at least 150,000 psi.

8. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spacer comprises a metal alloy having a compressive yield strength of at least 200,000 psi.

9. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the metal alloy is nitrided.

10. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the metal alloy contains Ti as the most abundant metallic element, and the Ti content of the metal alloy is at least 30% by weight.

11. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the metal alloy contains Ti as the most abundant metallic element, and the Ti content of the metal alloy is at least 50% by weight.

12. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the metal alloy contains Ti as the most abundant metallic element, and the Ti content of the metal alloy is at least 80% by weight.

13. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 50% by weight of Ti, 1 to 20% by weight of Al, and 1 to 20% by weight of V.

14. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Zr or Cu has the maximum metal content of the metal alloy.

15. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy includes at least 40% by weight of Zr.

16. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 14 to 15, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 40 wt% Zr, 1 to 35 wt% Cu, and at least one of 1 to 30 wt% Ni, 1 to 15 wt% Ti, and / or 1 to 15 wt% Al.

17. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 14 to 15, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 40% by weight of Zr, 1 to 35% by weight of Cu, and 1 to 15% by weight of Nb and / or 1 to 15% by weight of Al.

18. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 14, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 30 wt% Cu, 1 to 35 wt% Ti, and at least one of 1 to 35 wt% Zr, 1 to 20 wt% Ni, and / or 1 to 15 wt% Sn.

19. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the coating comprises a zirconium oxide.

20. The aforementioned coating is ZrO 2 A VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, including the VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the coating is provided on all sides of the at least one spacer.

22. A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit, A first and second spaced glass substrate defining a gap between the first and second spaced glass substrates, An end seal provided in close proximity to the periphery of the first and second substrates, which helps to form an hermetically sealed seal and define the gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, The VIG window unit includes a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates, which serve to separate at least the first and second glass substrates, The spacer comprises a metal alloy having Ti as the most abundant metallic element in the metal alloy, and the Ti content of the metal alloy is at least 50% by weight. The aforementioned metal alloy is amorphous and contains a non-crystalline structure. The metal alloy has a thermal conductivity of 13.0 W / m-K or less, and / or a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi. Vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) window unit.

23. The VIG unit according to claim 22, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 50% by weight of Ti, 1 to 20% by weight of Al, and 1 to 20% by weight of V.

24. A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit, A first and second spaced glass substrate defining a gap between the first and second spaced glass substrates, An end seal provided in close proximity to the periphery of the first and second substrates, which helps to form an hermetically sealed seal and define the gap at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, The VIG window unit includes a plurality of spacers provided between at least the first and second glass substrates, which serve to separate at least the first and second glass substrates, The spacer comprises an amorphous metal alloy, and Zr or Cu is the most abundant metallic element in the amorphous metal alloy. The spacer includes a metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of 13.0 W / m-K or less and a compressive yield strength of at least 80,000 psi. Vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) window unit.

25. The VIG unit according to claim 24, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy includes at least 40% by weight of Zr.

26. The VIG unit according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 40% by weight of Zr, 1 to 35% by weight of Cu, and at least one of 1 to 30% by weight of Ni, 1 to 15% by weight of Ti, and / or 1 to 15% by weight of Al.

27. The VIG unit according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 40% by weight of Zr, 1 to 35% by weight of Cu, and 1 to 15% by weight of Nb and / or 1 to 15% by weight of Al.

28. The VIG unit according to claim 24, wherein the metal content of the metal alloy comprises at least 30 wt% Cu, 1 to 35 wt% Ti, and at least one of 1 to 35 wt% Zr, 1 to 20 wt% Ni, and / or 1 to 15 wt% Sn.

29. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein at least one of the spacers has a coating on its surface.

30. The VIG unit according to claim 29, wherein the coating comprises a zirconium oxide.

31. The aforementioned coating is ZrO 2 The VIG unit according to claim 29 or 30, including the VIG unit according to claim 29 or 30.

32. The VIG unit according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the coating is provided on all sides of the at least one spacer.

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