Curable ink stacks for automotive interior applications and glass articles comprising same

Abstract

A curable ink stack includes an insulated ink layer, a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer. The insulated ink layer includes a first surface resistivity and the conductive ink layer includes a second surface resistivity. The second surface resistivity is less than the first surface resistivity. The covered ink layer includes an epoxy-based ink. When the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form a cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 ×108 Ω.

Description

Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCTCURABLE INK STACKS FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR APPLICATIONS AND GLASS ARTICLES COMPRISING SAMECross-Reference To Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 202411440004.1, filed on October 15, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field

[0002] The present specification generally relates to automotive interior glass articles and, in particular, curable ink stacks that may be used to form cured ink stacks on a display cover glass having a conductive ink layer to dispense electrostatic discharge while achieving a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q).Technical Background

[0003] Automotive interiors may include displays that include a display cover glass. A display module (e.g., a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) module, an organic light emitting diode (“OLED”) display module, or other suitable type of display module) may be laminated to or otherwise integrated with the cover glass such that the cover glass protects the display module and / or provides one or more performance enhancing attributes (e.g., anti-glare or anti -reflective properties) to the display module. A decorative ink may be applied to areas of the cover glass to conceal various components (e.g., electrical and mechanical connections) of the display and / or provide the display with a uniform appearance when the display is powered down. Certain existing inks used for decorating display cover glass may suffer from various deficiencies, such as an inability to dispense electrostatic discharge and low surface resistivity, rendering these inks unsuitable for automotive interior applications.

[0004] Accordingly, an alternative ink stack that includes a conductive ink layer and achieves a desired surface resistivity is needed.SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect Al, a curable ink stack comprises: an insulated ink layer comprising a first surface resistivity; a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer comprising a second surface resistivity, the second surface resistivity being less than the first surface resistivity; and a covered ink layerAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT disposed on the conductive ink layer, the covered ink layer comprising an epoxy-based ink, wherein when the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form a cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 X 108Q.

[0006] A second aspect A2 includes the curable ink stack of the first aspect Al, wherein the second surface resistivity of the conductive ink layer is less than 1.00 * 108Q.

[0007] A third aspect A3 includes the curable ink stack of the first aspect Al or the second aspect A2, wherein the first surface resistivity of the insulated ink layer is greater than or equal to 1.00 x io8Q.

[0008] A fourth aspect A4 includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through third aspects A1-A3, wherein the epoxy-based ink comprises an epoxy polymer resin, a colorant, one or more fillers, and one or more additives.

[0009] A fifth aspect A5 includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through fourth aspects A1-A4, wherein the covered ink layer comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm.

[0010] A sixth aspect A6 includes the curable ink stack of any one of first through fifth aspects A1-A5, wherein the covered ink layer comprises a plurality of sub-layers.

[0011] A seventh aspect A7 includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through sixth aspects A1-A6, wherein the conductive ink layer comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm.

[0012] An eight aspect A8 includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through seventh aspects A1-A7, wherein the conductive ink layer comprises a continuous matrix and electrically conductive nanoobjects dispersed and extending through the continuous matrix.

[0013] A ninth aspect A9 includes the curable ink stack of the eighth aspect A8, wherein the electrically conductive nanoobjects comprise gold, silver, aluminum, nickel, copper, platinum, palladium, carbon, or combinations thereof.

[0014] A tenth aspect A10 includes the curable ink stack of the eighth aspect A8 or the ninth aspect A9, wherein the electrically conductive nanoobjects have an average width greater thanAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT or equal to 1 run and less than or equal to 10,000 nm and an average length greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm.

[0015] An eleventh aspect Al l includes the curable ink stack of any one of the eighth through tenth aspects A8-A10, wherein the nanoobjects comprise nanowires, nanotubes, nanoplates or combinations thereof.

[0016] A twelfth aspect A12 includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through eleventh aspects Al -Al 1, wherein the insulated ink layer comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm.

[0017] The thirteenth aspect Al 3 includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through twelfth aspects A1-A12, wherein the insulated ink layer comprises an acrylic-based ink, an epoxy-based ink, a polyester-based ink, a polyurethane-based ink, or combinations thereof.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect A14, a method of depositing includes the curable ink stack of any one of the first through thirteenth aspects Al -Al 3, the method comprising: depositing the insulated ink layer on the glass substrate; at least partially curing the insulated ink layer; depositing the conductive ink layer on the insulated ink layer; at least partially curing the conductive ink layer; depositing the covered ink layer on the conductive ink layer; and curing the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer together to form the cured ink stack.

[0019] A fifteenth aspect Al 5 includes the method of the fourteenth aspect A14, wherein the conductive ink layer comprises a binder and a solvent.

[0020] A sixteenth aspect Al 6 includes the method of the fifteenth aspect Al 5, wherein the binder comprises hydropropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, styrene(meth)acrylic copolymers, crystalline cellulose, poly(meth)acrylates, copolymers of acrylates and methacrylates, copolymers of styrene and (meth)acrylates, carboxymethyl cellulose, poly acrylamide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polystyrenesulfonic acid, dextran, or combinations thereof.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0021] A seventeenth aspect Al 7 includes the method of the fifteenth aspect Al 5 or the sixteenth aspect Al 6, wherein the solvent comprises alcohol, ketone, ether, hydrocarbon, aromatic solvent, or combinations thereof.

[0022] An eighteenth aspect Al 8 includes the method of any one of the fourteenth through seventeenth aspects A14-A17, wherein the insulated ink layer is curable via thermal initiation, free radical photoinitiation, or cationic photoinitiation.

[0023] A nineteenth aspect Al 9 includes the method of any one of the fourteenth through eighteenth aspects A14-A18, wherein the insulated ink layer comprises greater than or equal to 10 wt% of a pigment.

[0024] A twentieth aspect A20 includes the method of the nineteenth aspect Al 9, wherein the pigment comprise carbon black.

[0025] A twenty-first aspect A21 includes the method of any one of fourteenth through twentieth aspects A14-A20, wherein the depositing of each of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer occurs via screen printing, spray printing, pad printing, transfer printing, or combinations thereof.

[0026] A twenty-second aspect A22 includes the method of any one of the fourteenth through twenty-first aspects A14-A21, wherein the curing of each of the insulated ink layer and the covered ink layer occurs via exposure to heat, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, or combinations thereof.

[0027] A twenty -third aspect A23 includes the method of any one of the fourteenth through twenty-second aspects A14-A22, wherein the curing of the conductive ink layer occurs via exposure to heat.

[0028] A twenty-fourth aspect A24 includes the method of the twenty-second aspect A22 or the twenty-third aspect A23, wherein the exposure to heat comprises exposing at least one of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer to a temperature greater than or equal to 120 °C and less than or equal to 180 °C for a time period greater than or equal to 180 seconds and less than or equal to 1 hour.

[0029] Accordingly to a twenty-fifth aspect A25, a glass article comprises: a glass substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface beingAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT opposite the first major surface; and a cured ink stack disposed on the second major surface, the cured ink stack comprising: an insulated ink layer comprising a first surface resistivity; a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer comprising a second surface resistivity, the second surface resistivity being less than the first surface resistivity; and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer, the covered ink layer comprising an epoxy-based ink, wherein when the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form the cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q.

[0030] A twenty-sixth A26 includes the glass article of the twenty-fifth aspect A25, wherein the second surface resistivity of the conductive ink layer is less than 1.00 * 108Q.

[0031] A twenty-seventh aspect A27 includes the glass article of the twenty -fifth aspect A25 or the twenty-sixth aspect A26, wherein the first surface resistivity of the insulated ink layer is greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q.

[0032] A twenty-eighth aspect A28 includes the glass article of any one of the twenty-fifth through twenty-seventh aspects A25-A27, wherein the cured ink stack comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 2 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm.

[0033] A twenty-ninth aspect A29 includes the glass article of any of the twenty-fifth through twenty-eighth aspects A25-A28, wherein the glass substrate comprises at least one of soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali- containing aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-containing borosilicate glass.

[0034] A thirtieth aspect A30 includes the glass article of any one of the twenty-fifth through twenty-ninth aspects A25-A29, wherein the glass article further comprises a functional layer disposed on the first major surface, the functional layer being configured to provide easy-to- clean performance, anti-glare properties, antireflection properties, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Additional features and advantages of the curable ink stacks and glass articles comprising same described herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1 schematically depicts cross-sectional view of a curable ink stack, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a conductive ink layer, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of a vehicle interior with vehicle interior systems having displays, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a display of a vehicle interior system through the line 2-2 depicted in FIG. 3, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a method of forming a glass article with a cured ink stack, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a top view an exemplary curable ink stack disposed and cured on a glass substrate, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0043] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a side view of the exemplary curable ink stack of FIG.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of curable ink stacks used to form cured ink stacks on display cover glass having a conductive ink layer to dispense electrostatic discharge while achieving a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q).

[0045] In some embodiments, a curable ink stack includes an insulated ink layer, a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer. The insulated ink layer includes a first surface resistivity and the conductive ink layer includes a second surface resistivity. The second surface resistivity is less than the first surface resistivity. The covered ink layer includes an epoxy -based ink. When the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form a cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 x io8Q.

[0046] In other embodiments, a glass article includes a glass substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface being opposite the first major surface, and a cured ink stack disposed on the second major surface. The cured ink stack includes an insulated ink layer, a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer. The insulated ink layer includes a first surface resistivity and the conductive ink layer includes a second surface resistivity. The second surface resistivity is less than the first surface resistivity. The covered ink layer includes an epoxy-based ink. When the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form a cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q.

[0047] Various embodiments of curable ink stacks and glass articles comprising same will be described herein with specific reference to the appended drawings.

[0048] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that theAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0049] Directional terms as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0050] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0051] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] As used herein, the term “surface resistivity” refers to the resistance to leakage current along the surface of a material, as measured according to ASTM D257 under a 100 V condition at ambient temperature.

[0053] As used herein, the “optical density” refers to how well a material reduces the power of light that passes through the material, as measured with a densitometer.

[0054] As used herein, the “adhesion” refers to adhesion of a material after being subjected to the given conditions, when tested according to ASTM 3359.

[0055] As used herein, the “viscosity” is measured at the given temperature according to ASTM D445.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0056] As used herein, the term “free” when used to describe the amount, concentration, or absence of a particular component in a composition or article, means that the component is not present in the composition or article.

[0057] As used herein, the term "dispose" includes coating, depositing and / or forming a material onto a surface using any known method in the art. The disposed material may constitute a layer, as defined herein. As used herein, the phrase "disposed on" includes the instance of forming a material onto a surface such that the material is in direct contact with the surface and also includes the instance where the material is formed on a surface, with one or more intervening material(s) is between the disposed material and the surface. The intervening material(s) may constitute a layer, as defined herein. The term "layer" may include a single layer or may include one or more sub-layers. Such sub-layers may be in direct contact with one another. The sub-layers may be formed from the same material or two or more different materials. In one or more alternative embodiments, such sub-layers may have intervening layers of different materials disposed therebetween. In one or more embodiments, a layer may include one or more contiguous and uninterrupted layers and / or one or more discontinuous and interrupted layers (i.e., a layer having different materials formed adjacent to one another). A layer or sub-layers may be formed by any known method in the art, including discrete deposition or continuous deposition processes. In one or more embodiments, the layer may be formed using only continuous deposition processes, or, alternatively, only discrete deposition processes.

[0058] Automotive interiors may include displays that include a display cover glass. A display module (e.g., a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) module, an organic light emitting diode (“OLED”) display module, or other suitable type of display module) may be laminated to or otherwise integrated with the cover glass such that the cover glass protects the display module and / or provides one or more performance enhancing attributes (e.g., anti-glare or anti -reflective properties) to the display module. As part of the display module, the cover glass should have a relatively high resistivity to ensure electromagnetic compatibility of the cover glass and the display module as a whole.

[0059] To ensure high resistivity, the cover glass may be printed with an ink layer having a relatively high resistivity. This ink layer may also be applied to areas of the cover glass to conceal various components (e.g., electrical and mechanical connections) of the display and / or provide the display with a uniform appearance when the display is powered down. In additionAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT to high resistivity and appearance, there may be a desire to dispense an electrostatic discharge accumulated during function of the display module. Such electrostatic discharge dispensing may be achieved by including a conductive ink layer. However, simply including both a high resistivity ink layer and a conductive ink layer may not result in the desired overall surface resistivity.

[0060] Disclosed herein are curable ink stacks which mitigate the aforementioned problems. Specifically, the curable ink stacks described herein include a covered ink layer comprising an epoxy-based ink. The epoxy-based ink, as a covered ink layer, allows for the inclusion of a conductive ink layer to dispense electrostatic discharge while achieving a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q).

[0061] Curable Ink Stacks

[0062] The curable ink stacks described herein may be used to form a cured ink stack on a display cover glass including a conductive ink layer to dispense electrostatic discharge while achieving a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q). As used herein, the term “overall surface resistivity” refers to the surface resistivity of the cured ink stack.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 1, the curable ink stack 50 may generally be described as comprising an insulated ink layer 52, a conductive ink layer 54 disposed on the insulated ink layer 52, and a covered ink layer 56 disposed on the conductive ink layer 54.

[0064] Insulated Ink Laver

[0065] In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm. In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm, or even greater than or equal to 5 pm. In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise a thickness less than or equal to 10 pm, less than or equal to 8 pm, less than or equal to 6 pm, or even less than or equal to 4 pm. In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm, greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 8 pm, greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 6 pm, greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 4 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 8Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 6 qm, greater than or equal to 3 qm and less than or equal to 4 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 10 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 8 qm, or even greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 6 qm, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints.

[0066] The insulated ink layer 52 comprises a first surface resistivity. The insulated ink layer 52, in combination with the covered ink layer 56, helps to achieve a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q). Accordingly, in embodiments, the first surface resistivity of the insulated ink layer 52 may be greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q, such as greater than or equal to 5.00 * 108Q, greater than or equal to 1.00 * 109Q, greater than or equal to 5.00 * 109Q, greater than or equal to 1.00 x lO10Q, greater than or equal to 5.00 x 1010Q, greater than or equal to 1.00 x 1011Q, greater than or equal to 5.00 x 1011□, or even greater than or equal to 1.00 x io12Q

[0067] In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise an acrylic-based ink, an epoxy -based ink, a polyester-based ink, a polyurethane-based ink, or combinations thereof.

[0068] The insulated ink layer 52 may be curable via thermal initiation, free radical photoinitiation, or cationic photoinitiation. For example, in embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may be an ultraviolet curable ink composition as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 601,925, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For example, in embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise greater than or equal to 1 wt% and less than or equal to 20 wt% of a pigment dispersion, wherein the first pigment dispersion comprises, based on a total weight of the pigment dispersion, at least 15 wt% of the pigment and a reactive monomer; greater than 0 wt% and less than or equal to 10 wt% of a photoinitiator package, the photoinitiator package comprising a type I photoinitiator, a type II photoinitiator, and a amine synergist; greater than or equal to 10 wt% and less than or equal to 45 wt% of a reactive diluent, the first reactive diluent comprising a viscosity less than 5 cPs at 25 °C; and greater than or equal to 5 wt% and less than or equal to 65 wt% of a difunctional monomer.

[0069] In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise greater than or equal to 10 wt% of a pigment to achieve a desired color and desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 x lO8Q). In embodiments, the amount of pigment in the insulated inkAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT layer 52 may be limited (e.g., less than or equal to 40 wt%) to ensure that the insulated ink layer 52 is curable. Accordingly, in embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52 may comprise greater than or equal to 10 wt% and less than or equal to 40 wt% of a pigment. In embodiments, the amount of pigment in the insulated ink layer 52 may be greater than or equal to 10 wt%, greater than or equal to 15 wt%, or even greater than or equal to 20 wt%. In embodiments, the amount of pigment in the insulated ink layer 52 may be less than or equal to 40 wt%, less than or equal to 35 wt%, less than or equal to 30 wt%, or even less than or equal to 25 wt%. In embodiments, the amount of pigment in the insulated ink layer 52 may be greater than or equal to 10 wt% and less than or equal to 40 wt%, greater than or equal to 10 wt% and less than or equal to 35 wt%, greater than or equal to 10 wt% and less than or equal to 30 wt%, greater than or equal to 10 wt% and less than or equal to 25 wt%, greater than or equal to 15 wt% and less than or equal to 40 wt%, greater than or equal to 15 wt% and less than or equal to 35 wt%, greater than or equal to 15 wt% and less than or equal to 30 wt%, greater than or equal to 15 wt% and less than or equal to 25 wt%, greater than or equal to 20 wt% and less than or equal to 40 wt%, greater than or equal to 20 wt% and less than or equal to 35 wt%, greater than or equal to 20 wt% and less than or equal to 30 wt%, or even greater than or equal to 20 wt% and less than or equal to 25 wt%, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints.

[0070] In embodiments, the pigment may comprise carbon black, iron oxide, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon fibers, titanium oxide (black), or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the pigment may comprise C.I. Pigment Black 6, 7, 12, 20, 31, and 32; PO71; PO38; carbon black, titanium black; aniline black; anthraquinone black pigment; or combinations thereof.

[0071] Conductive Ink Laver

[0072] In embodiments, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm. In embodiments, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm, greater than or equal to 10 pm, or even greater than or equal to 20 pm. In embodiments, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a thickness less than or equal to 30 pm, less than or equal to 20 pm, less than or equal to 10 pm, or even less than or equal to 5 pm. In embodiments, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm, greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm, greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm, greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 5Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm and less than or equal to 30 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 20 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 10 qm, greater than or equal to 10 qm and less than or equal to 30 qm, greater than or equal to 10 qm and less than or equal to 20 qm, or even greater than or equal to 20 qm and less than or equal to 30 qm, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints.

[0073] The conductive ink layer 54 helps to dispense electrostatic discharge. Referring again to FIG. 1, the conductive ink layer 54 is disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer 52. That is, the conductive ink layer 54 may be disposed on any portion of the insulated ink layer 52 that achieves sufficient dispensing of electrostatic discharge. For example, in embodiments, the conductive ink layer 54 may be deposed on only a portion of the insulated ink layer 52, as shown in FIG. 1, or on the entirety of the insulated ink layer 52 (not shown). The conductive ink layer 54 may also be disposed in any pattern on the insulated ink layer 52 that achieves sufficient dispensing of electrostatic discharge. For example, in embodiments, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a single section, as shown in FIG. 1, or may comprise multiple spaced apart sections, such as rows (not shown). Examples of patterns of the conductive ink layer 54 may include a vertical serpentine pattern, an orthogonal serpentine pattern with a border, or a clockwise spiral centering pattern.

[0074] The conductive ink layer 54 comprises a second surface resistivity. The conductive ink layer helps to dispense electrostatic discharge. Accordingly, the second surface resistivity of the conductive ink layer 54 may be less than the first surface resistivity of the insulated ink layer 52. In embodiments, the second surface resistivity of the conductive ink layer 54 may be less than 1.00 * 108Q, such as less than or equal to 1.00 * 107Q, less than or equal to 5.00 * 106□, less than or equal to 1.00 * 106Q, less than or equal to 5.00 * 105Q, less than or equal to 1.00 x io5Q, less than or equal to 5.00 * 104Q, less than or equal to 1.00 * 104Q, less than or equal to 5.00 * 103Q, or even less than or equal to 1.00 * 103Q.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 2, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a continuous matrix 54a and electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b dispersed and extending through the continuous matrix 54a.

[0076] To form the matrix 54a, the conductive ink layer 54 may comprise a binder and a solvent. During curing, the solvent may be removed to form the matrix 54a. In embodiments, the binder may comprise hydropropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, styrene(meth)acrylicAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT copolymers, crystalline cellulose, poly(meth)acrylates, copolymers of acrylates and methacrylates, copolymers of styrene and (meth)acrylates, carboxymethyl cellulose, poly acrylamide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polystyrenesulfonic acid, dextran, or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the solvent may comprise alcohol, ketone, ether, hydrocarbon, aromatic solvent, or combinations thereof.

[0077] To provide a sufficient electrical conductivity, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may comprise metal or carbon. For example, in embodiments, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may comprise gold, silver, aluminum, nickel, copper, platinum, palladium, carbon, or combinations thereof.

[0078] In embodiments, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may have an average width greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm and an average length greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm. In embodiments, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may have an average width greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 100 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1,000 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1,000 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, or even greater than or equal to 5,000 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints. In embodiments, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may have an average length greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 100 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and lessAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1,000 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1,000 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, or even greater than or equal to 5,000 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints.

[0079] In embodiments, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may comprise nanowires, nanotubes, nanoplates or combinations thereof. When the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b are nanoplates, they can have an average thickness that is less than the average length and the average width. In embodiments, when the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b are nanoplates, the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 100 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 50 nm, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm, greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 100 nm, greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 50 nm, greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 100 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm and less than or equal to 1,000 nm, or even greater than or equal to 1,000 nm and less than or equal to 5,000 nm, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints. In embodiments in which the electrically conductive nanoobjects 54b has a generally circular cross section, the width of the nanoobject may be defined by the diameter of the generally circular cross section.

[0080] Covered Ink Laver

[0081] In embodiments, the covered ink layer 56 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm. In embodiments, the covered ink layer 56 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm, greater thanAttomey Docket No. SP24-257PCT or equal to 10 pm, or even greater than or equal to 20 pm. In embodiments, the covered ink layer 56 may comprise a thickness less than or equal to 30 qm, less than or equal to 20 qm, less than or equal to 10 qm, or even less than or equal to 5 qm. In embodiments, the covered ink layer 56 may comprise a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm, greater than or equal to 1 qm and less than or equal to 20 qm, greater than or equal to 1 qm and less than or equal to 10 qm, greater than or equal to 1 qm and less than or equal to 5 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 30 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 20 qm, greater than or equal to 5 qm and less than or equal to 10 qm, greater than or equal to 10 qm and less than or equal to 30 qm, greater than or equal to 10 qm and less than or equal to 20 qm, or even greater than or equal to 20 qm and less than or equal to 30 qm, or any and all sub-ranges formed from any of these endpoints.

[0082] In embodiments, the covered ink layer 56 may comprise a single layer or a plurality of sub-layers. For example, the covered ink layer 56 may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or even 10 sub-layers.

[0083] The covered ink layer 56, in combination with the insulated ink layer 52, helps to achieve a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q). Accordingly, in embodiments, the covered ink layer comprises an epoxy-based ink. In embodiments in which the covered ink layer 56 includes a plurality of sub-layers, at least one of the sub-layers comprises an epoxy-based ink. The remaining layers may be made of an epoxy-based ink or of another material, such as an acrylic-based ink. In embodiments, the epoxy -based ink may comprise an epoxy polymer resin, a colorant, one or more fillers, and one or more additives.

[0084] Curable Ink Stack Lavers

[0085] In embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52, the conductive ink layer 54, and / or the covered ink layer 56 may be formed from inks that, in a pre-cured condition, have viscosities suitable for the application method being used (e.g., screen printing or inkjet printing). When applied with screen printing, for example, the insulated ink layer 52, the conductive ink layer 54, and / or the covered ink layer 56 may be formed from inks having viscosities that are greater than or equal to 1000 cPs and less than or equal to 50000 cPs over a temperature range from 30 °C to 50 °C. When applied with inkjet printing insulated ink layer 52, the conductive ink layer 54, and / or the covered ink layer 56 described herein may formed from inks having an un-Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT cured viscosity of less than 25 cPs at temperatures less than or equal to 60 °C, or from 30 °C to 50 °C) to facilitate relatively low-cost, high throughout production processes. In such embodiments, the insulated ink layer 52, the conductive ink layer 54, and / or the covered ink layer 56 may exhibit a viscosity greater than or equal to 8 cPs and less than or equal to 13 cPs over a temperature range from 30 °C to 50 °C.

[0086] Glass Articles

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 3, a vehicle interior 2000 including three different vehicle interior systems 100, 200, 300 is shown. Vehicle interior system 105 includes a center console base 110 with a curved surface 120 including a display 230. Vehicle interior system 200 includes a dashboard base 210 with a curved surface 220 including a display 230. The dashboard base 210 typically includes an instrument panel 215 which may also include a curved display. Vehicle interior system 300 includes a dashboard steering wheelbase 310 with a curved surface 320 and a display 330. In embodiments, the vehicle interior system may include a base that is an arm rest, a pillar, a seat back, a floorboard, a headrest, a door panel, or any portion of the interior of a vehicle that includes a curved surface. In embodiments, the displays 130, 230, 330 are flat and comprise a transparent substrate (e.g., cover glass) with planar major surfaces. In embodiments, one or more of the displays 130, 230, 330 are curved, and the curved display may include curved transparent substrates that may be hot-formed or cold-formed to possess such curvature. For example, such embodiments may incorporate ink stacks described herein disposed on cold-formed transparent substrates. Such cold-forming may involve any of the techniques described in U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0329531 Al, entitled “Laminating thin strengthened glass to curved molded plastic surface for decorative and display cover application,” U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0315648 Al, entitled “Cold-formed glass article and assembly process thereof,” U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0012033 Al, entitled “Vehicle interior systems having a curved cover glass and a display or touch panel and methods for forming the same,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 214,124, entitled “Curved glass constructions and methods for forming same,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0088] The embodiments of the glass articles described herein may be used in any or all of vehicle interior systems 100, 200 and 300. While FIG. 1 shows an automobile interior, the various embodiments of the vehicle interior system may be incorporated into any type of vehicle such as trains, automobiles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses and the like), seacraft (boats, ships,Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT submarines, and the like), and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters and the like), including both human-piloted vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles and fully autonomous vehicles. Further, while the description herein relates primarily to the use of the glass articles in vehicle displays, it should be understood that various embodiments discussed herein may be used in any type of display application.

[0089] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the display 230 through the line 2-2 of FIG. 3, according to an example embodiment where the display 230 is flat. While FIG. 4 depicts an example of the display 230, it should be understood that the displays 130, 330 described herein with respect to FIG. 3 may have similar cross-sectional structures and incorporate the photocurable inks described herein in a similar manner. While the display 230 is flat in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, embodiments are also envisioned where the display 230 is curved and the glass article 400 comprises one or more curved surfaces (e.g., as a result of being cold-formed or hot-formed to have a suitable curved shape).

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, the glass article 400 comprises at least a substrate 450 and a cured ink stack 500, and optionally includes a light management layer 460. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may be an opaque layer. The substrate 450 has a first major surface 470 facing a viewer and a second major surface 480 upon which the cured ink stack 500 is, at least in part, disposed.

[0091] In embodiments, the substrate 450 is a glass substrate. In embodiments, the substrate 450 is a glass substrate that is optionally chemically strengthened and comprises a thickness of from 0.05 to 2.0 mm. In one or more embodiments, the substrate 450 may be a transparent plastic, such as PMMA, polycarbonate and the like, or may be a glass material (which may be optionally strengthened).

[0092] In embodiments, the various transparent substrate(s) of the articles discussed herein, such as the substrate 450, may be formed from any suitable glass composition comprising soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali- containing aluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali-containing boroaluminosilicate glass.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate herein may be formed from a strengthened glass sheet or article. In one or more embodiments, the glass substrates used to form the glass articles discussed herein may be strengthened to comprise compressive stressAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT that extends from a surface to a depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress regions are balanced by a central portion exhibiting a tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress crosses from a positive (compressive) stress to a negative (tensile) stress.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrates used to form the glass articles discussed herein may be strengthened mechanically by utilizing a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between portions of the glass to create a compressive stress region and a central region exhibiting a tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass substrate may be strengthened thermally by heating the glass to a temperature above the glass transition point and then rapidly quenching. In embodiments, the glass article 400 comprises a functional surface layer 490. The functional surface layer 490 can be configured to provide one or more of a variety of functions. For example, the functional surface layer 490 may be optical coating configured to provide easy-to-clean performance, anti-glare properties, antireflection properties, and / or half-mirror coating. Such optical coatings can be created using single layers or multiple layers. In the case of anti -reflection functional surface layers, such layers may be formed using multiple layers having alternating high refractive index and low refractive index. In embodiments, the total thickness of such an optical coating (which may be disposed over an anti-glare surface or a smooth substrate surface) is from 5 nm to 750 nm. Additionally, in embodiments, the functional surface layer 490 that provides easy-to-clean performance also provides enhanced feel for touch screens and / or coating / treatments to reduce fingerprints. In some embodiments, functional surface layer 490 is integral to the first surface of the substrate. For example, such functional surface layers can include an etched surface in the first surface of the substrate 450 providing an anti-glare surface (or haze of from, e.g., 2% to 20%).

[0095] The cured ink stack 500 is printed onto the light management layer 460, when included. Certain existing curable inks have been shown to be incompatible (e.g., lack the requisite adhesion) with the light management layer 460. For example, existing curable inks, when used for the ink stack, may chemically react with the ink of the light management layer 460 (either upon deposition or after environmental testing) to change the characteristics (e.g., color, size) of the ink layers. Existing curable inks may also diffuse into the light management layer 460 and degrade performance thereof. The curable inks stacks described herein, when used to form the cured ink stack 500 and printed on the light management layer 460, do not suffer from such deficiencies and still provide adequate adhesion to the substrate 450 even when the light management layer 460 is present.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0096] The light management layer 460, when included, may be printed on the substrate 450. In embodiments, the light management layer 460 is formed from a suitable thermal or UV cured ink. The light management layer 460 may generally reduce the optical transmission of the glass article 400 such that the glass article 400 exhibits a similar appearance to users irrespective of whether the display 540 is powered on or off. For example, the light management layer 460 may obscure edges of the display region 520, rendering the boundaries of the display region 520 inconspicuous to viewers when the display is powered off. The light management layer 460 may generally be constructed as described in any of International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 2019 / 055458 Al, entitled “Black Deadfront for Display Device and Methods,” WO 2020 / 205519 Al, entitled “Decorated Glass Having a Printed Ink Layer,” or WO 2021 / 118835 Al, entitled, “Display Devices and Articles with Color-Matched Display and Non-Display Areas,” each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0097] Cured Ink Stack

[0098] Referring still to FIG. 4, in embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may be constructed of at least one of the curable ink stacks described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may be comprise an insulated ink layer comprising a first surface resistivity; a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer comprising a second surface resistivity, the second surface resistivity being less than the first surface resistivity; and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer, the covered ink layer comprising an epoxy-based ink. In such embodiments, the insulated ink layer is bonded to the substrate 450 or light management layer 460. The cured ink stack 500 dispenses electrostatic discharge, due to the inclusion of a conductive ink layer, while achieving a desired overall surface resistivity (e.g., greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q), as measured from a rear surface of the cured ink stack 500 opposite to that which is bonded to the substrate 450 or light management layer 460. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may have an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q, such as greater than or equal to 5.00 * 108Q, greater than or equal to 1.00 * 109Q, greater than or equal to 5.00 * 109□, greater than or equal to 1.00 * 1010Q, greater than or equal to 5.00 * 1010Q, greater than or equal to 1.00 HO11Q, greater than or equal to 5.00 HO11Q, or even greater than or equal to 1.00 X 1012Q.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0099] The cured ink stack 500 may comprise a relatively high optical density (e.g., greater than or equal to 4.0) in order to block light transmittance. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 is used to block light from transmitting through certain regions of the glass article 400. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 obscures functional or non-decorative elements provided for the operation of the glass article 400. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may be provided to outline backlit icons and / or other graphics (not depicted) so as to increase the contrast at the edges of such icons and / or graphics. In embodiments, the cured inks stack 500 may exhibit an optical density that is greater than or equal to 4.0, greater than or equal to 4.3, greater than or equal to 4.5, greater than or equal to 4.7, or even greater than or equal to 5.0.

[0100] In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the glass article 400 is placed over or in front of a display 540. In one or more embodiments, the display 540 may include a touch-enabled displays which include a display and touch panel. Exemplary displays include LED display, a DLP MEMS chip, LCDs, OLEDs, transmissive displays, and the like. The glass article 400 may generally have an average transmittance from 380 nm to 750 nm that is greater than or equal to 10% (e.g., greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal to 30%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, or even greater than or equal to 90%) and less than or equal to 99%. The high optical density of the cured ink stack 500, however, causes the areas of the article 400 incorporating the cured ink stack 500 to have relatively low optical transmission (e.g., an average transmittance of less than or equal to 0.1% in the visible spectrum). Accordingly, the boundaries of the cured ink stack 500 may define a display region 520 where the glass article 400 exhibits a relatively high optical transmission to facilitate visibility of images generated by the display 540.

[0101] In the depicted embodiment, the cured ink stack 500 covers the edges 550 of the display 540 to hide the edges 550 from view through the first surface 470. The cured ink stack 500 may also be used to obscure various other components from view (e.g., electrical connections, mechanical housings, and the like). The cured ink stack 500 generally facilitates a desired portion of the display 540 being viewable by users viewing the first surface 470.

[0102] In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 is applied via screen printing, spray printing, pad printing, transfer printing, or combinations thereof over the light management layer 460 and / or over the second surface 480 of the substrate 450. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may be directly deposited onto the second surface 480 of the substrate 450. InAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT embodiments, prior to deposition of the cured ink stack 500, the second surface 480 may be primed using a suitable primer (e.g., an acryloxy silane primer) to facilitate adhesion of the cured ink stack 500 to the substrate 450. Any suitable treatment to the second surface 480 may be used to facilitate adhesion of the cured ink stack 500 to the substrate 450.

[0103] The cured ink stack 500 may have a relatively high adhesion to the glass substrate. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 exhibits an adhesion to the transparent substrate greater than or equal to 4B, after being subjected to a temperature of 85 °C at 95% relative humidity for a period of at least 500 hours, when tested according to ASTM 3359.

[0104] The cured ink stack 500 may have a desired thickness greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm. In embodiments, the cured ink stack 500 may have a thickness greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 40 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm, greater than or equal to 3 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm and less than or equal to 40 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm, greater than or equal to 5 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm, greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm, greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 40 pm, greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm, greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm, greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm, greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 40 pm, greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm, greater than or equal to 30 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm, or even greater than or equal to 30 pm and less than or equal to 40 pm, or any and all subranges formed from any of these endpoints.

[0105] In embodiments, the curable ink stacks described herein may be tailored to meet particular appearance requirements associated with design needs. The cured ink stack 500 can be any color; in particular embodiments, though, the cured ink stack 500 is black or gray.

[0106] As another example, a cover glass comprising a cured ink stack constructed of the curable ink stacks described herein may meet any of the black mask color targets in Table 1.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0107] Table !

[0108] In embodiments, cured ink stacks constructed using the curable ink stacks described herein may meet any of the combinations of values contained in the Table 1 within the tolerances outlined in the Table 2 below.

[0109] Table 2

[0110] As demonstrated by Tables 1 and 2, glass articles incorporating the curable ink stacks described herein, when viewed from the surface of the cover glass not coated by the ink stack (e.g., from a side of the glass opposite to that on which a display disposed) may generally have CIELAB L* values that are less than or equal to 30 (less than or equal to 29, less than or equal to 28, less than or equal to 27, less than or equal to 25, less than or equal to 25), CIELAB a* values (specular component included) that are greater than or equal to -0.05 and less than or equal to 0.15, and CIELAB b* values (specular component included) that are less than or equal to -0.1 and greater than or equal to -0.3, when illuminated with a CIE D65 illuminant at a 10° angle of incidence. When the specular component is excluded, the article may exhibit CIE L* values that are less than or equal to 1, and CIELAB a* and b* values with magnitudes that are less than or equal to 0.1. Areas of the cover glass coated with the curable ink stacks describedAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT herein may exhibit dark, neutral appearances to facilitate concealing various components from view.

[0111] Methods of Fabricating Article

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 5, a method of fabricating a glass article is shown at 600. The method 600 may be performed to fabricate the glass article 400 described herein with respect to FIG. 4. Accordingly, reference will be made to various components described with respect to FIG. 4 to aid in the description of the method. It should be understood that other articles may be formed via performance of the method 600 and that the method 600 is not limited to a particular number or order of process steps.

[0113] At block 602, the substrate 450 is fabricated. Any suitable production process, like glass production processes such as a fusion down draw process, a float process, or the like may be used. At block 604, the substrate 450 is treated. For example, in embodiments, the substrate 450 is subjected to a strengthening treatment (e.g., ion exchange strengthening, thermal strengthening).

[0114] In embodiments, the treatments applied to the substrate 450 during the block 604 may be used to form the functional surface layer 490. For example, in embodiments, substrate 450 is chemically etched such that at least the first surface 470 exhibits anti-glare properties. A suitable anti -reflective coating and / or ETC coating may also be deposited onto the first surface 470 via a suitable deposition process. In embodiments, the second surface 480 may be primed (e.g., using a suitable chemical primer or ink) to facilitate adhesion of the cured ink stack 500 thereto. In embodiments, the light management layer 460 may be deposited and cured onto the second surface 480 (e.g., a suitable ink may be cured thermally or via exposure to electromagnetic radiation).

[0115] At block 606, an insulated ink layer as described herein is deposited onto the second surface 480 to initiate forming the cured ink stack 500. At block 608, the insulated ink layer is at least partially cured to reduce or avoid contamination and wet ink interaction. At block 610, a conductive ink layer as described herein is deposited onto the insulated ink layer. At block 612, the conductive ink layer is at least partially cured to reduce or avoid contamination and wet ink interaction. At block 614, a covered ink layer as described herein is deposited onto the conductive ink layer. At block 616, the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer are cured together to form the cured ink stack 500.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0116] The deposition of each of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer may occur via screen printing, spray printing, pad printing, transfer printing, or combinations thereof.

[0117] The curing of each of the insulated ink layer and the covered ink layer may occur via exposure to heat, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, or combinations thereof. The curing of the conductive ink layer may occur via exposure to heat. The exposure to heat may comprise exposing at least one of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer to a temperature greater than or equal to 120 °C and less than or equal to 180 °C for a time period greater than or equal to 180 seconds and less than or equal to 1 hour.

[0118] In embodiments, the blocks 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, and 616 may be performed while the substrate 450 comprises a planar shape. In embodiments, the blocks 606, 608, 610. 612, 614, and 616 may be performed while the substrate is in a curved shape. For example, after application of at least some of the treatments described with respect to the block 604, the substrate 450 may be cold-formed via the methods described herein, and the cured ink stack 500 may be formed on a cold-formed glass substrate. In embodiments, a suitable display panel is laminated to the article such that the cured ink stack 500 at least partially covers the display panel.Examples

[0119] In order that various embodiments be more readily understood, reference is made to the following examples, which are intended to illustrate various embodiments of curable ink stacks described herein.

[0120] Comparative curable ink stacks C1-C3 and example curable ink stacks E1-E5 were formulated using the layers shown in Table 3. As indicated, comparative curable ink stacks Cl and C3 and example curable ink stacks El and E4 had one covered ink layer. Comparative curable ink stack C2 and example curable ink stacks E2, E3, and E5 had two covered ink sublayers.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0121] Table 3

[0122] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the insulated ink layer A, the conductive ink layer B, and the covered ink layer D of the comparative and example curable ink stacks were disposed and cured on a glass substrate E.

[0123] Referring now to Table 4, the overall surface resistivities as measured at location 1 and location 2 (FIG. 1) of samples of cured ink stacks formed from comparative curable ink stacks C1-C3 and example curable ink stacks E1-E5 are shown. The surface resistivities were measured using a Trek® 152-1 resistance meter under a 100 V condition at ambient temperature according to ASTM D257.

[0124] Table 4Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT

[0125] As shown in Table 4, the cured ink stacks formed from comparative curable ink stacks Cl and C3, including an acrylic-based covered ink layer, exhibited surface resistivities less than 1.00 * 103£2. Some of the samples of comparative curable ink stack C3 had surfaceAttorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT resistivities greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q. However, comparative curable ink stack C3 was considered not to achieve a desired surface resistivity with sufficient reliability.

[0126] Increasing the thickness of the covered ink layer as in the cured ink stack formed from comparative curable ink stack C2, including two acrylic covered ink sub-layers, still resulted in surface resistivities less than 1.00 / I O3£1.

[0127] Referring again to Table 4, the cured ink stacks formed from example curable ink stacks El and E4, including an epoxy-based covered ink layer, had surface resistivities greater than or equal to 1.00 * 1010Q. Increasing the thickness of the covered ink layer as in the cured ink stacks formed from example curable ink stacks E2 and E5, including two epoxy-based covered ink sub-layers, still resulted in surface greater than or equal to 1.00 x lO10Q. When only one single acrylic-based covered ink was used in comparative curable ink stack C3, the samples exhibited surface resistivities less than 1.00 / I O3£1. However, when an epoxy-based covered ink sub-layer was applied on an acrylic-based covered ink sub-layer in example curable ink stack E3, those samples exhibited surface resistivities greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q. In comparative curable ink stack C2, samples including multiple acrylic-based ink layers exhibited relatively low resistivities. As such, it was found that only samples including at least one epoxy -based cover ink layer exhibited resistivities of at least 1.00 x io10Q

[0128] As indicated by the cured ink stacks formed from comparative curable ink stacks Cl- C3 and example curable ink stacks E1-E5, cured ink stacks formed from the curable ink stacks described herein exhibit an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 x io8Q. Specifically, the thickness of the covered ink layer may not impact the surface resistivity of the ink stack. Rather, the composition of the covered ink layer, specifically, an epoxy-based material, helps to achieve the desired overall surface resistivity.

[0129] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subj ect matter. Thus, it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCTCLAIMS1. A curable ink stack comprising: an insulated ink layer comprising a first surface resistivity; a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer comprising a second surface resistivity, the second surface resistivity being less than the first surface resistivity; and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer, the covered ink layer comprising an epoxy-based ink, wherein when the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form a cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 x io8Q.

2. The curable ink stack of claim 1, wherein the second surface resistivity of the conductive ink layer is less than 1.00 * 108Q.

3. The curable ink stack of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first surface resistivity of the insulated ink layer is greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q.

4. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the epoxy-based ink comprises an epoxy polymer resin, a colorant, one or more fillers, and one or more additives.

5. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the covered ink layer comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm.

6. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the covered ink layer comprises a plurality of sub-layers.

7. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the conductive ink layer comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm.

8. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the conductive ink layer comprises a continuous matrix and electrically conductive nanoobjects dispersed and extending through the continuous matrix.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT9. The curable ink stack of claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive nanoobjects comprise gold, silver, aluminum, nickel, copper, platinum, palladium, carbon, or combinations thereof.

10. The curable ink stack of claims 8 or claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive nanoobjects have an average width greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm and an average length greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 10,000 nm.

11. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the nanoobjects comprise nanowires, nanotubes, nanoplates or combinations thereof.

12. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the insulated ink layer comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 1 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm.

13. The curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the insulated ink layer comprises an acrylic-based ink, an epoxy-based ink, a polyester-based ink, a polyurethane- based ink, or combinations thereof.

14. A method of depositing the curable ink stack of any one of claims 1-13, the method comprising: depositing the insulated ink layer on the glass substrate; at least partially curing the insulated ink layer; depositing the conductive ink layer on the insulated ink layer; at least partially curing the conductive ink layer; depositing the covered ink layer on the conductive ink layer; and curing the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer together to form the cured ink stack.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the conductive ink layer comprises a binder and a solvent.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT16. The method of claim 15, wherein the binder comprises hydropropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, styrene(meth)acrylic copolymers, crystalline cellulose, poly(meth)acrylates, copolymers of acrylates and methacrylates, copolyers of styrene and (meth)acrylates, carboxymethyl cellulose, poly acrylamide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polystyrenesulfonic acid, dextran, or combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the solvent comprises alcohol, ketone, ether, hydrocarbon, aromatic solvent, or combinations thereof.

18. The method of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the insulated ink layer is curable via thermal initiation, free radical photoinitiation, or cationic photoinitiation.

19. The method of any one of claims 14-18, wherein the insulated ink layer comprises greater than or equal to 10 wt% of a pigment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pigment comprise carbon black.

21. The method of any one of claims 14-20, wherein the depositing of each of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer occurs via screen printing, spray printing, pad printing, transfer printing, or combinations thereof.

22. The method of any one claims 14-21, wherein the curing of each of the insulated ink layer and the covered ink layer occurs via exposure to heat, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, or combinations thereof.

23. The method of any one of claims 14-22, wherein the curing of the conductive ink layer occurs via exposure to heat.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the exposure to heat comprises exposing at least one of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer, and the covered ink layer to a temperature greater than or equal to 120 °C and less than or equal to 180 °C for a time period greater than or equal to 180 seconds and less than or equal to 1 hour.Attorney Docket No. SP24-257PCT25. A glass article comprising: a glass substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface being opposite the first major surface; and a cured ink stack disposed on the second major surface, the cured ink stack comprising: an insulated ink layer comprising a first surface resistivity; a conductive ink layer disposed on at least a portion of the insulated ink layer, the conductive ink layer comprising a second surface resistivity, the second surface resistivity being less than the first surface resistivity; and a covered ink layer disposed on the conductive ink layer, the covered ink layer comprising an epoxy-based ink, wherein when the curable ink stack is disposed and cured on a glass substrate to form the cured ink stack, the cured ink stack exhibits an overall surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q.

26. The glass article of claim 25, wherein the second surface resistivity of the conductive ink layer is less than 1.00 * 108Q.

27. The glass article of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the first surface resistivity of the insulated ink layer is greater than or equal to 1.00 * 108Q.

28. The glass article of any one of claims 25-27, wherein the cured ink stack comprises a thickness greater than or equal to 2 pm and less than or equal to 50 pm.

29. The glass article of any of claims 25-28, wherein the glass substrate comprises at least one of soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing aluminosilicate glass, and alkali-containing borosilicate glass.

30. The glass article of any one of claims 25-29, wherein the glass article further comprises a functional layer disposed on the first major surface, the functional layer being configured to provide easy-to-clean performance, anti-glare properties, antireflection properties, or combinations thereof.

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