Laminate having an optical layer or material

Abstract

Provided are laminates, films, and / or composites made from thermoplastic polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The laminates have one or more optical layers made from materials that allow visible light transmission and reflect or absorb UV and / or IR light. The laminates of the present invention are less susceptible to moisture seeping into the TPU layer, providing a more durable laminate and improving the quality of visible light passing therethrough. Also provided are glass composites, such as window glass, containing TPU and optical materials therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 054,092, filed on July 20, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure relates to thermoplastic polymers, and composites, films and / or laminates comprising one or more optical materials or layers that are substantially transparent to visible light while blocking UV and / or IR radiation.

Background Art

[0003] Films and laminates having high optical transparency to visible light are desirable in many applications. For example, films having high optical transparency 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. Solar radiation provides light and heat to the earth and energy for photosynthesis. This radiant energy is necessary for the environment and the metabolism of its living organisms. The solar radiation spectrum is divided into different radiation regions defined by wavelength ranges. Generally, the human eye can perceive visible light having wavelengths in the range of about 400 nm to 700 nm. Invisible light includes infrared light having wavelengths of about 700 nm to 1 m and ultraviolet light having wavelengths of about 10 nm to 400 nm. The various radiation regions of the solar spectrum can have different effects on the environment and humans. While small amounts of UV light may be beneficial to humans, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage human skin and lead to acute and chronic health problems. Similarly, prolonged exposure to UV light can also damage or discolor goods such as interior decorations and furniture. Radiation in the visible region provides natural light, but prolonged exposure to IR radiation can raise the temperature of objects. Infrared radiation further includes rays whose wavelengths are close to those of visible light and is called near-infrared radiation (i.e., wavelengths of approximately 700 nm to 1200 nm). Near-infrared radiation is also called heat radiation and is a cause of temperature increases inside vehicles and buildings. Infrared radiation does not affect human color vision, but it does affect photographic devices such as video cameras, cameras, and mobile phone cameras. Therefore, while solar radiation brings natural daylighting to the interior of buildings or vehicles through windows, it also brings undesirable effects from UV and IR radiation. UV radiation causes direct damage and harm to objects inside the space; IR radiation, on the other hand, raises the internal temperature, requiring a large amount of electricity from air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable internal temperature during hot seasons. Therefore, to reduce the electrical load and protect all objects and users inside, functional windows that allow visible light to pass through but block UV and near-IR light are essential for buildings and vehicles.

[0004] Laminated glass windows with polymer interlayers are commonly used due to safety concerns and improved energy efficiency, with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin sheets being the most common glass laminates. Conventional automotive or architectural glazing or window structures typically include laminates made of two rigid glass or plastic sheets and a plasticized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. PVB sheets are commonly used because, in the event of glass breakage, they can retain sharp glass fragments. Therefore, PVB laminated safety glass is widely applied to windows in buildings and automobiles, showcases, and other locations where human interaction is significant. An optical filter is a device that selectively transmits and / or blocks light of different wavelengths. The optical properties of a filter are fully described by its frequency response, which determines how the amplitude and phase of each frequency component of the input signal are modified by the filter. Optical layers or filters can be placed in or between PVB sheets and can block UV and / or IR light passing through a laminated window. PVB layers, however, have weaknesses in laminates such as glass windows. For example, high levels of moisture can seep into the PVB layer during use. This moisture can eventually cause the laminate to break or degrade the quality of visible light passing through the window. In addition, PVB generally has a high modulus of elasticity and low tensile strength, which can negatively affect glazing performance in applications such as windows and automotive windshields. Furthermore, the PVB interlayer can bleed between film layers at the edges, and due to insufficient separation, it can cause a phenomenon called "edge brightening," which produces a strongly colored iridescence. Edge brightening is not a desirable characteristic in this type of glass laminate. [Overview of the project]

[0005] Therefore, what is needed is an improved laminate for vehicle and building windows that is more durable and less susceptible to the effects of moisture penetration and / or seepage, while still providing protection from the harmful effects of UV and IR radiation. To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter, a simplified overview of the claimed subject matter is provided below. This overview is not a comprehensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to identify the main or significant elements of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to outline the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present the concept of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be presented later. This disclosure relates to laminates, films, and / or composites made from thermoplastic polymers, preferably thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). The laminates have one or more optical materials and / or layers made from materials that allow transmission of visible light and reflect or absorb UV and / or IR light. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to laminates comprising multiple layers of TPU and optical materials. In other embodiments, this disclosure relates to glass composites such as window glass, comprising TPU and optical materials therein.

[0006] The laminate of the present invention is less susceptible to the effects of moisture seeping into the TPU layer, providing a more durable laminate and improving the quality of visible light passing through it. TPU also has desirable properties that allow it to be etched into plastic. In addition, the TPU laminate of this disclosure is less susceptible to seepage between film layers at the edges, thus reducing edge brightening. The TPU layer is preferably selected from materials that provide sufficient transparency to visible light and exhibit suitable adhesion to glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, cellulose acetate butyrate, or other surfaces that the layer may come into contact with. In certain embodiments, the TPU layer may have a storage modulus sufficient to substantially absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of airborne particles in contact with its surface, such as rain, hail, wind, soil, and other pollutants. At the same time, the TPU material preferably has substantial tear and abrasion resistance, thus protecting the laminate from harmful environmental conditions.

[0007] The TPU layer preferably has a thickness of about 100 to 800 μm, more preferably about 300 to 500 μm. In certain embodiments, the TPU layer comprises an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane. In one aspect of the present invention, the laminate includes a first thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer, a second TPU layer, and an optical layer disposed between and in contact with the first and second TPU layers. The optical layer substantially allows the transmission of visible light through it and reflects or absorbs IR light. The IR-blocking optical layer is configured to reflect or absorb light having wavelengths between approximately 700 nanometers and 1 mm, preferably between approximately 700 nm and 1400 nm (i.e., near-infrared wavelengths), and more preferably between approximately 750 nm and 1200 nm. In one embodiment, the optical layer includes an IR-reflective coating. Suitable materials for reflecting light having wavelengths in the IR range include metallic or metal-based coatings such as two or three layers of silver coating, and liquid crystal materials that selectively act to transmit or scatter IR light. In another embodiment, the optical layer includes an IR absorbing material such as an IR absorbing dye, a copper salt composition such as copper phosphonate, nanoparticles (such as zinc oxide, antimony tin oxide (ATO), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB), etc.), an infrared filter such as blue glass, and an intermediate layer film containing infrared shielding fine particles.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the IR-absorbing material includes IR-absorbing particles, such as nanoparticles dispersed in one of the TPU layers. In this embodiment, for example, the first TPU layer may include a UV-blocking material, while the second TPU layer includes IR-blocking particles. In certain embodiments, the first TPU layer may include an optical material capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. The UV-blocking optical material preferably reflects or absorbs light having wavelengths between about 10 and 410 nanometers, more preferably above about 380 nanometers, and even more preferably between about 380 and 410 nanometers. The optical material may include any suitable material configured to reflect or absorb UV light, such as UV radiation absorption, blocking, or screening additives. Suitable UV radiation absorption, blocking, or screening additives for this disclosure include terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid, pentamethylpiperidine derivatives, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cyanoacrylates, benzylidene, malonates, and oxalanilides in combination with nickel chelates and hindered amines.

[0009] Alternatively, the UV-blocking optical material may include a light filtering layer within the TPU layer. Suitable optical layers for use in the present invention include sheet polarizers, dichroic and reflective filter materials, which provide reduction of broad-spectrum UV reflection, etc. For example, glass lightly tinted blue or green to greatly reduce transmittance in the UV region, or a polymer intermediate layer lightly tinted blue or green, a coating or layer of UV radiation-reducing paint or lacquer, or a polymer film may be suitable as a UV-blocking material. In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic polyurethane layer comprises a resin containing a UV-blocking optical material. In exemplary embodiments, the optical material comprises a first UV absorber and a light stabilizer, both benzotriazoles. In some embodiments, the optical material may comprise a second UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazoles or benzophenones. In certain embodiments, the optical layer includes an IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and a separate UV blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. The IR blocking layer is preferably positioned between the UV blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers and in contact with them. The IR blocking layer can reflect or absorb light having wavelengths between about 700 nanometers and about 1 mm, preferably between about 700 and about 1400 nanometers, and more preferably between about 750 and about 1200 nanometers. The UV blocking layer can preferably reflect or absorb light having wavelengths between about 10 and 410 nanometers, preferably between about 380 and 410 nanometers.

[0010] Alternatively, the optical layer may comprise a single material that blocks both UV and IR light. Suitable materials for the optical layer in this embodiment may include a metallic coating, such as a double or triple layer of silver. In another aspect of the present invention, the laminate includes first and second TPU layers, and an optical layer disposed between and in contact with the first and second TPU layers. The optical layer is configured to block IR light and UV light. In one embodiment, the optical layer includes an IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and a separate UV blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. The IR blocking layer is preferably positioned between the UV blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers and in contact with them. The IR blocking layer can reflect or absorb light having wavelengths between about 700 nanometers and about 1 mm, preferably between about 700 and about 1400 nanometers, and more preferably between about 750 and about 1200 nanometers. The UV blocking layer can preferably reflect or absorb light having wavelengths between about 10 and 410 nanometers, preferably between about 380 and 410 nanometers.

[0011] In another embodiment, the optical layer comprises a single material that blocks both UV and IR light. Suitable materials for the optical layer in this embodiment may include a metallic coating, such as a double or triple layer of silver. In another aspect of the present invention, the laminate includes first and second TPU layers, and an optical layer disposed between and in contact with the first and second TPU layers. The optical layer can reflect or absorb UV light. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first and second TPU layers preferably comprises an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin. The optical layer preferably reflects or absorbs light having wavelengths between about 380 and 410 nanometers. The optical layer may comprise a multilayer of UV absorbers. The optical layer may further comprise a light stabilizer. In exemplary embodiments, the optical layer comprises a first UV absorber of the benzotriazole class, a light stabilizer, and a second UV absorber selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole or benzophenone. In another aspect of the present invention, the composite comprises first and second glass layers, and a film or laminate between the first and second glass layers. The film comprises first and second TPU layers, and at least one optical material within or between the TPU layers. The optical material can reflect or absorb UV light. In a particular embodiment, a window comprising the composite is provided.

[0012] In one embodiment, the optical material is disposed within a first TPU layer and includes a material that blocks UV light. The film further includes an optical layer that is disposed between and in contact with the first TPU layer and the second TPU layer and is capable of blocking IR light. In another embodiment, the film includes first and second TPU layers, and an optical layer disposed between and in contact with the first and second TPU layers. The optical layer includes an IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and a UV blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. The UV blocking layer is preferably disposed between and in contact with the IR blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers. In another embodiment, the film includes first and second TPU layers, and an optical layer positioned between and in contact with the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer. The optical layer can reflect or absorb UV light. The details herein relating to desired objectives that can be satisfied by various embodiments of the present invention do not imply or suggest that any or all of these objectives exist individually or collectively as essential features in any of the most general embodiments or more specific embodiments thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an optical film or laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical film or laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical film or laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a composite glass including one type of optical laminate in this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] This description and accompanying figures illustrate exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting; the claims define the scope of this disclosure, including equivalents. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, and operational modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this description and claims, including equivalents. Where appropriate, well-known structures and technologies are not described or elaborated upon to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Similar figures in two or more figures represent identical or similar elements. Furthermore, elements and their associated aspects described in detail with respect to one embodiment may, whenever appropriate, be included in other embodiments that are not specifically shown or described. For example, if an element is described in detail with respect to one embodiment but not with respect to a second embodiment, that element may nevertheless be claimed to be included in the second embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size, or dimensions of the system or the exemplary components.

[0015] Where used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and any singular use of any word, should be noted as encompassing multiple referents unless expressly and implicitly limited to a single referent. Where used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-restrictive so as not to exclude other similar items that may be substituted for or added to the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, all quantitative values ​​are approximations, whether or not they are indicated with the words "about" or "approximately." The materials, methods, and examples described herein are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the material. All molecular weight or molecular mass values ​​are approximations and are provided for illustrative purposes only. The following disclosure is presented with respect to laminates and composites for vehicle and building glass, but it should be understood that the apparatus and methods of the present invention can be readily adapted for use in a variety of other applications such as image sensors, computer and mobile device electronic display screens, food packaging, optical disk devices, appliances, and the like.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, laminate 10 according to the present disclosure includes first and second polymer layers 12, 14. A “laminate,” as used herein, refers to a structure having one or more substrates with an intermediate layer disposed therebetween and adhered to the substrates. Polymer layers 12, 14 include thermoplastic polymers such as polyurethane. Thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU may also be referred to as a bridge between rubber and plastic. The material looks rubber-like, which means it can be extremely flexible, durable, and have a smooth feel. Due to all of these properties and the versatility of the compound, TPU is widely used in many industries for coatings, components, and laminates. TPU can be shaped and sized to conform to the surface to be protected before being applied to the surface. [[ID=�]]

[0017] The thermoplastic polyurethane of the present invention preferably includes a material that provides sufficient transparency to visible light and exhibits suitable adhesion to other surfaces that glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, cellulose acetate butyrate, or film may contact. In a preferred embodiment, the TPU material exhibits abrasion resistance, heat resistance, and hardness against harmful weather elements over a long period of time. Additionally, the material may have a storage modulus sufficient to substantially absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of particles in the air contacting its surface. The TPU layer preferably has a thickness of about 100 - ͟800 μm, more preferably about 300 - 500 μm. In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic polyurethane is a material having high energy storage modulus characteristics and a relatively low durometer in the range of preferably about 60 - 80 A, more preferably about 70 - 75 A. The TPU of the present invention preferably includes an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that other polymer materials can be used in the present invention. For example, the polyurethane material may be a suitable aliphatic polyester or polycaprolactone. Alternatively, a thermosetting polymer that becomes irreversibly hard by curing from a soft solid or viscous liquid prepolymer may be used in combination with the thermoplastic polymer.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the first thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer 12 may include an optical material disposed within the layer 12 that can reflect or absorb UV light. The optical material preferably reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength between about 10 nanometers and 410 nanometers, preferably greater than about 380 nanometers, and even more preferably between about 380 and 410 nanometers. In certain embodiments, the optical material may include two or more different materials disposed within the TPU layer 12 that reflect or absorb UV light within different wavelength ranges within the UV spectrum. For example, the optical material may include one material that reflects or absorbs UV light having a wavelength in the range of about 300 - 380 nanometers and another material that substantially reflects or absorbs UV light having a wavelength in the range of about 380 - 410 nanometers. Other similar configurations may be envisioned by those skilled in the art. The optical material may include any suitable material configured to block UV light, such as UV radiation absorption, blocking or screening additives, stabilizers, etc. Suitable UV radiation absorption, blocking or screening additives for the present disclosure include benzophenone, cinnamic acid derivatives, esters of benzoic acid, arylsalicylic acid, resorcinol and phenol together with terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid, pentamethylpiperidine derivatives, salicylates, benzotriazoles, cyanoacrylates, benzylidene, malonates and oxalanilides. These additives may be combined with each other or with other materials such as nickel chelates and hindered amines.

[0019] Alternatively, the optical material may include a light filtering layer separate from the TPU layer 12. Suitable optical layers for use in the present invention include sheet polarizers, dichroic and reflective filter materials, which provide reduction of broad-spectrum UV reflection, etc. For example, a glass lightly tinted blue or green to greatly reduce transmittance in the UV region, or a polymer intermediate layer lightly tinted blue or green, a coating or layer of UV radiation reducing paint or lacquer, or a polymer film may be suitable as the optical material. The optical material is preferably capable of blocking about 95% of light having wavelengths in the range of about 380 nm to about 410 nm. The yellowness index (YI) value of the optical material is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less. In certain embodiments, one or more of the TPU layers 12, 14 may comprise a resin composition containing an optical material. The TPU resin compositions according to this disclosure may comprise any aliphatic polyether-based TPU that provides sufficient transparency and exhibits suitable adhesion to glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, cellulose acetate butyrate, or other surfaces that the film may come into contact with. In certain embodiments, preferred TPU resins are polyether-based and may be made from methylene diphenyl diisocayanate (MDI), polyether polyols, and butanediols. In exemplary 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 mass; preferably about 98 to about 99.99% by mass, and more preferably about 99.5% to about 99.99% by mass.

[0020] The TPU resin composition according to this disclosure may comprise a first UV absorber. In exemplary embodiments, the first UV absorber may be any suitable UV absorber made from benzotriazole compounds. The TPU resin compositions according to this disclosure also include light stabilizers. Preferred light stabilizers primarily protect the polymer of the optical film from the harmful effects of photo-oxidation caused by exposure to UV radiation. In embodiments, the light stabilizer may serve a secondary function as a heat stabilizer against low to moderate levels of heat. In embodiments, preferred light stabilizers may be derivatives of tetramethylpiperidine. In embodiments, the light stabilizer may be any preferred hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS). In certain embodiments, the TPU resin composition comprises a first UV absorber, a light stabilizer, and a second UV absorber. Films made from such TPU resin compositions have desirable optical properties resulting from the combination of UV absorbers. A more complete description of resin compositions suitable for the TPU layer 12 can be found in concurrently pending U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 62 / 876,171, jointly assigned, filed July 19, 2019, the full disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0021] The resin composition may be prepared by preparing a base composition comprising one or more TPU resins, a first UV absorber, and a light stabilizer. The base composition is combined with a concentrate containing a second UV absorber and the same or a different TPU resin. In embodiments, the base resin and concentrate are dry-blended. In embodiments, the ratio of the base composition to the concentrate is about 20:1 to about 3:1, and in embodiments, about 10:1 to about 7:1. The laminate 10 further includes an IR-blocking optical layer 16 positioned between and in contact with the first TPU layer 12 and the second TPU layer 14. The optical layer 16 can reflect or absorb IR light having wavelengths between about 700 nanometers and 1 mm, preferably between about 700 nm and about 1400 nm, and more preferably between about 750 nm and about 1200 nm (i.e., near-infrared wavelengths). In one embodiment, the optical layer includes an IR-reflective coating. Suitable materials for reflecting light having wavelengths in the IR range include metallic or metal-based coatings such as two or three layers of silver coating, and liquid crystal materials that selectively act to transmit or scatter IR light.

[0022] The optical layer 16 may comprise two or more different layers, coatings, films, or other materials, each configured to reflect or absorb IR light of different wavelengths in the IR spectrum. For example, the optical layer 16 may comprise a first IR blocking layer or material that substantially blocks IR light having wavelengths in the range of about 700 to about 900 nanometers, a second IR blocking layer or material that substantially blocks wavelengths in the range of about 900 to about 1000 nanometers, and a third IR blocking layer or material that substantially blocks wavelengths in the range of about 1000 to 1400 nanometers. Other similar configurations can be foreseen by those skilled in the art. The preferred IR-blocking optical layer of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, infrared-reflective films, polarizing films, non-polarizing films, multilayer films, colored or lightly colored films, and decorative films. The optical layer 16 may include known IR-reflective or IR-absorbing films, such as those described in publications from Minnesota Manufacturing and Mining Company (3M) or Southwall Technologies, Inc.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the optical layer 16 may be a metal or metal-based coating of a type that transmits visible light while reflecting IR wavelength light. The coating may be sputtered or otherwise applied to either the main surface of the TPU layer 12 or 14. In certain embodiments, the IR reflective coating includes a two-layer silver coating. In other embodiments, the IR reflective coating includes a three-layer silver coating. In yet another embodiment, the IR reflective coating is a three-layer silver coating that also reflects light in the UV spectrum. Such two-layer silver coatings, three-layer silver coatings, and three-layer silver coatings with enhanced IR and UV reflection are commercially available from PGW. Other reflective infrared filters include transparent media such as glass, acrylic (PMMA), and quartz, stainless steel, or films of tin oxide, metal oxides, nitrides, halides, or sulfides. In another embodiment, the optical layer 16 includes an IR absorbing material such as an IR absorbing dye, a copper salt composition such as copper phosphonate, nanoparticles (zinc oxide, antimony tin oxide (ATO), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB), copper sulfide, etc.), copper-deficient chalcogenide nanocrystals, indium-doped zinc oxide (IZO) nanocrystals, etc. Alternatively, the optical layer 16 may include an absorption-type infrared filter. Suitable IR absorption filters for the present invention include blue glass, an intermediate layer film containing infrared shielding fine particles, fluorophosphate-based infrared filter glass, or phosphate-based infrared filter glass.

[0024] The optical layer 16 may include other light-absorbing components in combination with any of the above materials. In certain embodiments, the optical layer 16 includes other light-absorbing components in combination with copper chalcogenide nanoparticles, such as oxide nanoparticles. Oxide nanoparticles such as ITO (tin-doped indium oxide), ATO, or mixtures thereof are dispersed in the optical layer together with the copper chalcogenide nanoparticles. Furthermore, these additional components may also be dispersed in separate polymer sheets in a multilayer laminate. Additional light-reflective layers, such as multilayer silver / anti-reflective coatings and multilayer polymer films, can also be combined with copper chalcogenides by coating or adhering the reflective layer to any one surface of a glass substrate or a TPU layer. In other embodiments, the optical layer 16 may include an intermediate layer film in which infrared shielding fine particles such as ITO and ATO are dispersed and mixed, or an infrared reflective film formed from a multilayer film (dielectric multilayer film) in which high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers are alternately laminated therein. In other embodiments, the optical layer 16 may include a functional laminated intermediate layer film (particle film) formed by uniformly dispersing electrically conductive ultrafine particles capable of shielding infrared radiation, such as antimond-doped tin oxide.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the optical layer 16 may contain IR-blocking particles dispersed within one of the TPU layers 12, 14. For example, certain nanoparticles (such as those described above) may be dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer matrix by first dissolving the TPU in a suitable solvent and then adding the suspension containing the dispersed nanoparticles to the solvent. In this embodiment, the IR-blocking particles may be dispersed together with the UV-blocking material within the TPU layer 12, separately in the TPU layer 14, or both. The nanoparticles typically have a diameter of less than about 400 nm, preferably between about 5 nm and about 30 nm. Referring here to Figure 2, the laminate 20 according to the present invention includes first and second TPU layers 22 and 24, and an optical layer 26 disposed between the first TPU layer 22 and the second TPU layer 24 and in contact with them. The optical layer 26 is configured to block both IR and UV light. In one embodiment, the optical layer 26 includes an IR blocking layer 28 capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and a UV blocking layer 30 capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. The UV blocking layer 30 is preferably positioned between the IR blocking layer 28 and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers 22, 24 and in contact with them. The IR blocking layer 38 is preferably capable of reflecting or absorbing light having wavelengths between about 700 nanometers and about 1 mm, more preferably between about 750 and about 1200 nanometers. The UV blocking layer 30 is preferably capable of reflecting or absorbing light having wavelengths between about 380 and 410 nanometers. The IR blocking layer 28 may include any of the above materials or layers with respect to Figure 1. Similarly, the UV blocking layer 30 may include any of the above materials or layers.

[0026] In another embodiment, the optical layer 26 includes a single material or layer that blocks both IR and UV light. For example, the optical layer 26 may include two or three layers of silver coating configured to block both UV and IR wavelengths. Alternatively, the optical layer 26 may include a multilayer film structure including an IR-reflective multilayer film and a UV-reflective multilayer film. With respect to the multilayer film structure, the optical properties of each layer in the film may have different refractive indices and / or thicknesses, for example, by alternately laminating materials having high refractive indices and low refractive indices. Referring here to Figure 3, the laminate 40 according to this disclosure includes first and second TPU layers 42, 44, and an optical layer 46 disposed between and in contact with the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer 42 and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer 44. The optical layer 46 can reflect or absorb UV light. The optical material preferably reflects or absorbs light having wavelengths between about 10 nanometers and 410 nanometers, preferably above about 380 nanometers, and more preferably between about 380 and 410 nanometers. In certain embodiments, the optical material may include two or more different materials placed between the TPU layers 42, 44 and reflecting or absorbing UV light in different wavelength ranges within the UV spectrum. For example, the optical material may include one material that reflects or absorbs UV light having wavelengths in the range of about 300 to 380 nanometers, and another material that substantially reflects or absorbs UV light having wavelengths in the range of about 380 to 410 nanometers.

[0027] The optical layer 46 may include any suitable material configured to reflect or absorb UV light, such as UV radiation absorption, blocking, or screening additives, stabilizers, or optical filters. The optical layer is preferably capable of blocking about 95% of light having wavelengths in the range of about 380 nm to about 410 nm. The yellowness index (YI) value of the optical material is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less. The optical films and laminates of the present invention can be prepared by a uniaxial cast film extrusion process or any other suitable extrusion process within the scope of the art. Referring here to Figure 4, the composite 50 according to this disclosure includes first and second glass layers 52, 54, and a film 56 between the first and second glass layers. The film 56 includes first and second TPU layers 58, 60, and at least one optical material within the TPU layers 58, 60. The optical material can reflect or absorb UV light. In certain embodiments, a window including the composite is provided. The film 56 may be laminated between at least two glass substrates facing each other to reflect light rays having specific wavelengths in the infrared region.

[0028] In one embodiment, the optical material is disposed within the first TPU layer 58 and includes a material that blocks UV light. The film 56 further includes an optical layer (not shown) that blocks IR light, which is disposed between and in contact with the first TPU layer and the second TPU layer. In another embodiment, the film includes first and second TPU layers, and an optical layer disposed between and in contact with the first and second TPU layers. The optical layer includes an IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and a UV blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. The UV blocking layer is preferably disposed between and in contact with the IR blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers. In another embodiment, the film includes first and second TPU layers, and an optical layer positioned between and in contact with the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer. The optical layer is configured to block UV light. The glass layers 52 and 54 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 disc drives, and other equipment. Examples include PPG clear glass, Solarphire.RTM glass, or PPG Starphire.RTM glass. Clear glass is preferred because, when the window is illuminated by sunlight, less energy from IR light is absorbed by the glass layer 52, and more energy is reflected by the outer layer of the glass and away from the window. Ultra-clear glass is more preferred because it absorbs less energy from IR light than clear glass, and its higher transmittance allows it to reflect more light.

[0029] Naturally, there are other substantially clear materials that can be used as layers 52 and 54 and provide rigidity and strength to the optical sheet. These alternative materials include, for example, polymer materials such as acrylics, polyethylene teraphthalate (PET), or polycarbonate. The glazing components may be substantially planar or somewhat curved. The glazing components may be provided in a variety of shapes, such as dome-shaped, conical, or other three-dimensional shapes, and cross-sections with diverse surface topography. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the use of any particular glazing component material or structure. The present invention has been described in detail herein by certain preferred embodiments, but many modifications and changes therein can be made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing disclosure should not be construed as being limited thereto, but rather as being limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims, including such obvious modifications described above. Another aspect of the present invention may be as follows: [1] First thermoplastic polyurethane layer, Second thermoplastic polyurethane layer, Optical layer disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer and in contact with them. A laminate comprising the optical layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light. [2] The laminate according to [1], wherein the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers contain an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin. [3] The laminate according to [1], wherein the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer includes an optical material capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. [4] The laminate according to [3], wherein the optical material reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength between approximately 10 and 410 nanometers. [5] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical material reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength greater than approximately 380 nanometers. [6] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical material reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength between approximately 380 nanometers and 410 nanometers. [7] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of approximately 700 nanometers to 1 mm. [8] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of about 700 to about 1400 nm. [9] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer is capable of reflecting or absorbing light having a wavelength of approximately 750 to approximately 1200 nm.

[10] The laminate according to [3], wherein the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane resin containing an optical material.

[11] The laminate according to

[10] , wherein the resin comprises a UV absorber and a light stabilizer.

[12] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer includes an IR reflective coating.

[13] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer contains an IR absorbing material.

[14] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer contains an IR absorbing dye.

[15] The laminate according to [1], wherein the optical layer is capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light.

[16] The optical layer is An IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and A UV-blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light, wherein the UV-blocking layer is disposed between and in contact with an IR-blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers. The lamina described in [1] above, including the lamina described above.

[17] First and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers, Optical layer disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer and in contact with them. A laminate containing, The optical layer can reflect or absorb IR light. The optical layer is capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. Laminated structure.

[18] The laminate according to

[17] , wherein the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers contain an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin.

[19] The optical layer is An IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and A UV-blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light, wherein the UV-blocking layer is disposed between and in contact with an IR-blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers. The laminate according to

[17] , including the above.

[20] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the UV-blocking layer reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength between approximately 10 and 410 nanometers.

[21] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the UV-blocking layer reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength between approximately 380 and 410 nanometers.

[22] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the IR blocking layer can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of approximately 700 nanometers to 1 mm.

[23] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the IR blocking layer can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of about 750 to about 1200 nm.

[24] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the UV blocking layer comprises a UV absorber and a light stabilizer.

[25] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the IR blocking layer includes an IR reflective coating.

[26] The laminate according to

[19] , wherein the IR blocking layer includes an IR absorbing material.

[27] First and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers, Optical layer disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer and in contact with them. A laminate comprising the optical layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light.

[28] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers contain an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin.

[29] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the optical layer reflects or absorbs light having wavelengths between approximately 10 nanometers and approximately 410 nanometers.

[30] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the optical layer reflects or absorbs light having a wavelength between approximately 380 nanometers and approximately 410 nanometers.

[31] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the YI value of the optical layer is 2.5 or less.

[32] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the optical layer contains a UV absorber.

[33] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the optical layer contains a UV stabilizer.

[34] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the optical layer includes a UV reflector.

[35] The laminate according to

[27] , wherein the optical layer can reflect or absorb IR light.

[36] The optical layer is An IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light, and A UV-blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light, wherein the UV-blocking layer is disposed between and in contact with an IR-blocking layer and one of the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers. The thin plate described in

[27] above, including the above.

[37] The first glass layer, The second glass layer, and The film between the first glass layer and the second glass layer A composite comprising, the film, First and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers, and An optical layer disposed within or between thermoplastic polyurethane layers, comprising an optical material capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light. A complex that includes this.

[38] The composite according to

[37] , wherein the optical layer is disposed within the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer.

[39] The composite according to

[37] , further comprising a second optical layer disposed between and in contact with a first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and a second thermoplastic polyurethane layer, wherein the optical layer is capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light.

[40] The composite according to

[37] , wherein the optical layer is disposed between and in contact with the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer.

[41] The composite according to

[37] , wherein the optical layer includes an IR blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing IR light and a UV blocking layer capable of reflecting or absorbing UV light.

[42] A window containing the composite described in

[37] above.

Claims

1. First thermoplastic polyurethane layer, A second thermoplastic polyurethane layer, and IR-blocking particles dispersed in one of the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer and the second thermoplastic polyurethane layer. A laminate comprising the IR-blocking particles, wherein the IR-blocking particles can reflect or absorb IR light.

2. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the first and second thermoplastic polyurethane layers contain an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane resin.

3. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the IR blocking particles can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of 700 nanometers to 1 mm.

4. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the IR blocking particles can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of 700 to 1400 nm.

5. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the IR blocking particles can reflect or absorb light having a wavelength of 750 to 1200 nm.

6. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the first thermoplastic polyurethane layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane resin containing IR-blocking particles.

7. The laminate according to claim 6, wherein the resin comprises a UV absorber and a light stabilizer.

8. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the IR blocking particles include an IR absorbing material.

9. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the IR blocking particles include an IR absorbing dye.

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