Glazing Functional Coating Silver Niobium Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glazing materials with silver-based functional layers are sensitive to humidity and not suitable for single glazing due to mechanical and chemical resistance issues, while niobium-based layers offer better resistance but inadequate optical properties and high emissivity, necessitating a compromise between thermal, optical, and mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
A transparent substrate coated with a stack of thin layers comprising a silver-based functional layer and niobium-based layers, separated by blocking layers, where the sum of the niobium layer thicknesses in contact or separated by blocking layers is between 4 and 20 nm, achieving improved thermal insulation and light transmission without degrading after heat treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a silver-based functional layer is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but mechanical and chemical resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite functional coating combining silver-based layers (for thermal insulation) with niobium-based layers (for mechanical and chemical resistance). The silver layer provides low emissivity and high thermal insulation performance, while the niobium layer adds durability and resistance to degradation, creating a synergistic composite structure that resolves the contradiction between thermal performance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional coating is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the silver-based layer provides thermal insulation and low emissivity, while the niobium-based layer provides mechanical strength and chemical resistance. This multi-functional design allows a single coating system to address both thermal performance and reliability requirements without requiring separate systems.
2Reliability
If a niobium-based functional layer is used, then mechanical and chemical resistance is improved, but optical properties and thermal insulation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines niobium-based layers with silver-based layers in a composite functional coating. The niobium layer provides the necessary mechanical and chemical resistance, while the silver layer compensates for the insufficient thermal insulation performance of niobium alone. The composite structure allows both materials to contribute their strengths, resolving the contradiction between reliability and thermal performance.
3Loss of energy
If the thickness of functional layers is increased, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but light transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameters of the functional layers to achieve the desired balance. By carefully controlling the thickness of silver-based and niobium-based layers within specific ranges, the coating achieves sufficient thermal insulation performance while maintaining acceptable light transmission. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal thickness values that satisfy both requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a high light transmission of over 50% with a low emissivity of less than 35%, maintaining stability and optical properties before and after heat treatments, while enhancing mechanical and chemical resistance, making it suitable for single glazing applications.
Implementation Method 1
by reflecting infrared, thermal or solar radiation, they give the material low-emissivity or solar control functions
Implementation Method 2
acts on solar and/or thermal radiation essentially by reflection and/or absorption of near (solar) or far (thermal) infrared radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a material comprising a transparent substrate coated with a stack of thin layers including at least one functional coating comprising: - at least one metal functional layer made from silver, - at least one metal or nitrided functional layer made from niobium.