Plasticizer-Free Laminates with Luminophore Interlayers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laminated glazing units (LGUs) often rely on plasticized thermoplastic materials for their interlayers, which, while providing good glass adhesion and optical clarity, raise concerns about the use of plasticizers.
Innovation Solution
A laminate comprising a first and second optically transparent sheet with an interlayer that includes structural support layers and polymeric layers, where at least one polymeric layer contains a luminophore and is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, and the interlayer is substantially free of plasticizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasticized thermoplastic materials are used in the interlayer, then glass adhesion and optical clarity are improved, but harmful factors associated with plasticizers are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes plasticizers from the interlayer composition entirely, extracting the harmful component while retaining the essential adhesive and optical properties through alternative polymer formulations such as polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, or ionomeric polymers without plasticizer additives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the interlayer by selecting polymers with inherently suitable adhesive properties and optical clarity without requiring plasticizers, thereby altering the material parameters to eliminate harmful effects while maintaining performance
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional thermoplastic interlayers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mechanical strength and impact resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite interlayer structures combining multiple polymer types or layers (e.g., polyvinyl butyral with ionomeric polymer, or multi-layer configurations) that synergistically provide both ease of manufacture through conventional lamination processes and enhanced mechanical strength and impact resistance through the composite architecture
3Illumination intensity
If plasticized thermoplastic materials are used, then optical clarity is achieved, but durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts plasticizers from the interlayer formulation, eliminating the source of durability degradation while maintaining optical clarity through alternative polymer selections that inherently provide both optical transparency and long-term durability without plasticizer-induced degradation
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 laminate achieves improved mechanical strength, impact resistance, and optical properties such as high light transmission and quantum yield, while eliminating the potential drawbacks associated with plasticizers.
Implementation Method 1
A first polymeric layer of the one or more polymeric layers may include a luminophore
Implementation Method 2
the luminophore may include one or more of an organic phosphorescent molecule, a quantum dot, an organic dye, a fluorophore
Data Source
AI summary
Laminates and interlayers thereof are provided. The laminates may include a first optically transparent sheet, a second optically transparent sheet, and an interlayer. The interlayer may be interposed between the first and second optically transparent sheets, and may couple the first and second optically transparent sheets with one another. The interlayer may include one or more structural support layers and one or more polymeric layers. A first polymeric layer of the one or more polymeric layers may include a luminophore. The interlayer may be substantially free of plasticizers.