Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming porous low refractive index coatings on substrates are provided. The method comprises coating a substrate with a sol-formulation comprising silica based nanoparticles and an alkyltrialkoxysilane based binder. Use of the alkyltrialkoxysilane based binder results in a porous low refractive index coating having bimodal pore distribution including mesopores formed from particle packing and micropores formed from the burning off of organics including the alkyl chain covalently bonded to the silicon. The mass ratio of binder to particles may vary from 0.1 to 20. Porous coatings formed according to the embodiments described herein demonstrate good optical properties (e.g. a low refractive index) while maintaining good mechanical durability due to the presence of a high amount of binder and a close pore structure.

Abstract: A transparent dielectric composition comprising tin, oxygen and one of aluminum or magnesium with preferably higher than 15% by weight of aluminum or magnesium offers improved thermal stability over tin oxide with respect to appearance and optical properties under high temperature processes. For example, upon a heat treatment at temperatures higher than 500 C, changes in color and index of refraction of the present transparent dielectric composition are noticeably less than those of tin oxide films of comparable thickness. The transparent dielectric composition can be used in high transmittance, low emissivity coated panels, providing thermal stability so that there are no significant changes in the coating optical and structural properties, such as visible transmission, IR reflectance, microscopic morphological properties, color appearance, and haze characteristics, of the as-coated and heated treated products.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle. In certain example embodiments, holes are provided in a PV module sandwiched between two substrates, the holes being shaped and arranged within the PV module so as to allow light transmission into the vehicle at desired level while still being substantially filled by the laminate or adhesive material used to secure the PV module to the two surrounding substrates.

Abstract: Methods for making multi-layered anti-reflective coatings are disclosed. Un-solgel precursor compositions may be prepared having inorganic oxide precursors and UV curable acrylic monomer mixtures, deposited on a substrate, and subsequently the coated substrate may be cured by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation. The coating layers may be heated using a temperature sufficient to burn off organic content and form a multi-layer anti-reflective coating. Substrates comprising such coatings and photovoltaic devices comprising such substrates and coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming UV-absorbent transparent coatings and transparent substrates coated with the same allow for a relatively lower temperature cross-linkage reaction between a UV-absorbent compound and an epoxy-alkoxysilane. More specifically, UV-absorbent coatings on transparent substrates are formed by prepolymerizing a mixture consisting essentially of a benzophenone, an epoxy alkoxysilane and an organic catalyst at a temperature of between about 40° C. to about 130° C. and for a time sufficient such that between about 30% to about 70% of the epoxy alkoxysilane has been converted to a ring-opened oligomer or polymer. Such prepolymerized mixture may then be hydrolyzed and coated onto the surface of a transparent substrate, and thereafter cured at a temperature of less than about 200° C. for a time sufficient to cross-link the hydrolyzed alkoxysilane with itself and the glass surface.

Abstract: Substrates have a hydrophobic surface coating comprised of the reaction products of methyltrichlorsilane (MTCS) and dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS). Most preferably the substrate is glass. An anchor layer is most preferably formed directly onto the glass substrate surface by means of the application of a humidified reaction product of silicon tetrachloride, followed by the vapor-deposition of MTCS as a cross-linking layer. The hydrophobic layer of MTCS and DMDCS may then be applied over the cross-linking layer of MTCS. A capping layer formed of trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) may then be vapor deposited onto the hydrophobic layer.

Abstract: Laminates include a thermoplastic substrate layer, a clear coat layer, and a tie layer. The tie layer most preferably includes an adhesive-enhancing effective amount of a branched or linear styrenic block copolymer which adhesively bonds the substrate and clear coat layers one to another. Advantageously, the tie layer includes a blend of the styrenic block copolymer and a tackifier resin, preferably a terpene resin. The laminate may be employed to manufacture a variety of shaped articles, most preferably automotive trim components.

Abstract: Laminates include a thermoplastic substrate layer, a clear coat layer, and a tie layer between the substrate and clear coat layers. The tie layer most preferably includes a first layer adjacent the thermoplastic substrate layer which is comprised of a polyolefin, and a second layer adjacent to the clear coat layer which is comprised of a polyamide. Most preferably, the substrate layer is TPO and the clear coat layer is PVF. The laminates may be employed to manufacture a variety of shaped articles, most preferably automotive trim components.

Abstract: Laminates include a thermoplastic substrate layer, a clear coat layer, and a tie layer. The tie layer most preferably includes an adhesive-enhancing effective amount of a maleic anhydride grafted styrenic block copolymer which adhesively bonds the substrate and clear coat layers one to another. Advantageously, the tie layer includes a blend of the styrenic block copolymer and a diamine, especially 2-methylpentamethylenediamine. The laminate may be employed to manufacture a variety of shaped articles, most preferably automotive trim components.

Abstract: Substrates have a hydrophobic surface coating comprised of the reaction products of a chlorosilyl group containing compound and an alkylsilane. Most preferably the substrate is glass. In one preferred form of the invention, highly durable hydrophobic coatings may be formed by forming a silicon oxide anchor layer or hybrid organo-silicon oxide anchor layer from a humidified reaction product of silicon tetrachloride or trichloromethylsilane, followed by the vapor-deposition of a chloroalkylsilane. Such a silicon oxide anchor layer will advantageously have a root mean square surface roughness of less than about 6.0 nm (preferably less than about 5.0 nm) and a low haze value of less than about 3.0% (preferably less than about 2.0%). Another embodiment of the present invention include the simultaneous humidified vapor deposition of a chlorosilyl group containing compound and a chloroalkylsilane.

Abstract: Photochromic float glass and methods of making the same are provided. In especially preferred forms, the present invention is embodied in float glass having a non-photochromic glass substrate layer and a photochromic layer fused onto the substrate layer. During production, layers of the photochromic and non-photochromic glass are brought into contact with under conditions which fuse the layers one to another.

Abstract: Substrates have anti-reflective hydrophobic surface coatings comprised of the reaction products of a vapor-deposited chlorosilyl group containing compound and a vapor-deposited alkylsilane. Most preferably the substrate is glass. In one preferred form of the invention, highly durable antireflective hydrophobic coatings may be provided by forming a silicon oxide anchor layer from a humidified reaction product of silicon tetrachloride, followed by the vapor-deposition of a chloroalkylsilane, preferably dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS). The layer thickensses of the anchor layer and the overlayer are such that the coating exhibits light reflectance of less than about 1.5% (more preferably less than about 1.0%) at a wavelength of about 525 nm (+/−50 nm).

Abstract: Functionalized organo-silicone compounds incorporate ultraviolet radiation screening or absorbing moieties. The novel materials of the invention are durable and provide uniform UV absorption properties when used in various applications, including coatings on substrates such as glass, in particular float glass. Methods for their preparation and use are also provided.

Abstract: A substrate is coated with a solar management coating system including at least one infrared (IR) reflective layer. A diamond-like carbon (DLC) inclusive protective coating system (e.g., including at least one highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) inclusive layer having sp3 carbon-carbon bonds) is provided on the substrate over at least the IR reflective layer in order to make the coating system scratch resistant, abrasion resistant, and generally mechanically durable. The DLC inclusive protective coating system may be hydrophobic, hydrophillic, or neutral in different embodiments of the invention. Optionally, at least one fluoro-alkyl silane (FAS) compound inclusive layer may be provided on the substrate over at least one of the DLC inclusive layer(s) in hydrophobic embodiments in order to increase contact angle &thgr; of the coated article.

Abstract: A durable, heat treatable layer coating system of at least 10 layers including from the substrate outwardly: SnOx wherein x is ≦2.0, TiOX wherein x is <2.0 (or NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0, silver, NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0, SnOx wherein x is ≦2.0, TiOx wherein x is <2.0 or NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0, silver, Niox wherein x is less than 1.0, SnOx wherein x is ≦2.0, and Si3N4 as an overcoat.

Abstract: A substrate is coated with a hydrophobic coating that includes highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon that is a form of diamond-like carbon (DLC). In certain embodiments, the coating is deposited on the substrate in a manner to increase its hydrophobicity (e.g. so that the coating has an initial contact angle &thgr; of at least about 100 degrees; and/or a surface energy of no more than about 20.2 mN/m). In certain embodiments, the coating is deposited in a manner such that it has an average hardness of at least about 10 GPa, more preferably from about 20-80 GPa.

Abstract: A substrate is coated with a hydrophobic coating system including highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon that is a form of diamond-like carbon (DLC). In certain embodiments, the coating system is deposited on the substrate in a manner to increase its hydrophobicity. In certain embodiments, the coating system is deposited in a manner such that it has an average hardness of at least about 10 GPa, more preferably from about 20-80 GPa. In certain embodiments, the coating system includes first and second DLC inclusive layers that are deposited using one or more ion beam deposition devices, wherein different gases are used to deposit the respective DLC inclusive layers such that the overlying layer has greater scratch resistance characteristics than the underlying layer which functions as an anchoring layer.

Abstract: A soda inclusive glass substrate is coated with a highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon inclusive layer that is a form of diamond-like carbon (DLC). In certain embodiments, the amorphous carbon layer includes at least about 35% sp3 carbon-carbon bonds, more preferably at least about 70%, and most preferably at least about 80% of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds. The high density (e.g. greater than or equal to about 2.4 gm/cm3) of the amorphous carbon layer prevents soda from exiting the glass and reacting with water at surface(s) of the glass, thereby minimizing visible stains (or corrosion) on the glass. The high density amorphous carbon layer also may repel water. In some embodiments, the highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon layer is part of a larger DLC coating, while in other embodiments the highly tetrahedral layer forms the entirety of a DLC coating on the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate is coated with a hydrophobic coating that includes highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon that is a form of diamond-like carbon (DLC). In certain embodiments, the coating is deposited on the substrate in a manner to increase its hydrophobicity (e.g. so that the coating has an initial contact angle &thgr; of at least about 100 degrees; and/or a surface energy of no more than about 20.2 mN/m). In certain embodiments, the coating is deposited in a manner such that it has an average hardness of at least about 10 GPa, more preferably from about 20-80 GPa.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently removing rain water and the like from a rear window (backlite) of a vehicle. A rear spoiler or air deflector is provided for redirecting air toward the backlite and causing the speed of air flow to increase. A hydrophobic coating is provided on the major exterior surface of the backlite. Air directed by the air deflector over and/or across the surface of the backlite functions to remove the rain water and the like from the backlite. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic coating may include diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposited on the substrate in a manner to increase its hydrophobicity.