Glazing Surface Layer with Zirconium Oxide for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazing systems with anti-solar and low-emissive properties face challenges in maintaining optical and mechanical integrity during thermal treatments, such as tempering or bending, due to sensitivity of surface layers like titanium oxide and tin oxide, which can alter light transmission and mechanical resistance.
Innovation Solution
A surface layer composed of titanium oxide and high-hardness zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is used, with ZrO2 representing at least 5% by weight, combined with additional oxides like yttrium or hafnium oxide, to enhance chemical and mechanical resistance while maintaining transparency and optical neutrality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If titanium oxide or tin oxide coatings are used for mechanical resistance, then mechanical properties are improved, but sensitivity to heat treatment increases causing light transmission variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining titanium oxide (providing mechanical resistance) with zirconium oxide (providing heat treatment stability). This composite coating system maintains both mechanical properties and optical stability during heat treatment, resolving the contradiction between mechanical resistance and optical reliability.
2Reliability
If zirconium oxide is used to improve heat treatment resistance, then optical stability is improved, but mechanical scratch resistance may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The composite coating combines zirconium oxide (providing heat treatment stability and optical reliability) with titanium oxide (providing mechanical scratch resistance). This composite system achieves both optical stability during heat treatment and adequate mechanical resistance, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
3Strength
If thicker protective layers are applied to improve mechanical resistance, then mechanical strength is improved, but transparency and optical neutrality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by using a composite of titanium oxide and zirconium oxide with optimized proportions. This allows achieving adequate mechanical resistance with thinner layer thickness, thereby maintaining transparency and optical neutrality while still providing necessary mechanical protection.
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 proposed surface layer system exhibits improved resistance to thermal treatments, maintaining light transmission and mechanical integrity, with scratch resistance and humidity tests showing significant improvements over previous systems, and is suitable for use as an interference filter.
Implementation Method 1
Glazing with these anti-solar and/or low-emissivity properties systematically includes a set of so-called functional layers that reflect infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
dielectric layers that protect the former and minimize the reflection of visible wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The glazing is also subjected to transformations such as tempering or bending, which involve heat treatments at temperatures between 550 and 700°C
Implementation Method 4
The most common coatings for the glazing in question are produced by magnetron-assisted vacuum deposition techniques, known as 'magnetron sputtering'
Implementation Method 5
magnetron-assisted vacuum deposition techniques
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to essentially transparent glazing comprising a system of thin films deposited under vacuum with a magnetron, and exhibiting solar control and/or low-emissivity properties, having as a protective surface layer a layer based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (ZrO2). The glazing according to the invention is capable of withstanding heat treatment at 550°C for 5 minutes without causing optical defects, particularly discoloration or iridescence. This glazing is described as temperable.