Non-toxic water-based frit slurry paste, and assembly incorporating the same

• US 9,428,416 B2
• Filed: 02/07/2014
• Issued: 08/30/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guardian Glass LLC (KOCH Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Guardian Industries Corporation (KOCH Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Cooper, David J., Dennis, Timothy A.
• Primary Examiner(s): EFTA, ALEX B
• Application Number:
  US14/174,871
• Publication Number:
  US 20140154436A1
• Time in Patent Office: 935 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/01 all layers being exclusively metallic making layered metal workpieces by pressure cladding B23K20/22; making coatings with a metallic material characterised by its composition C23C30/00
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/043 of metal B32B15/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/06 comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/061 of metal
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10036 comprising two outer glass sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10091 thermally hardened
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/101 having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion [CTE]
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10302 Edge sealing
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/041 of metal
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 2207/00 Compositions specially applicable for the manufacture of vitreous enamels
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 27/06 Joining glass to glass by processes other than fusing fusing C03B23/20; units for use as elements for closing wall or like openings and comprising two or more parallel glass panes in spaced relationship, the panes being permanently secured together E06B3/66
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 8/02 Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 8/14 Glass frit mixtures having non-frit additions, e.g. opacifiers, colorants, mill-additions
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 8/16 with vehicle or suspending agents, e.g. slip
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 8/24 Fusion seal compositions being frit compositions having non-frit additions, i.e. for use as seals between dissimilar materials, e.g. glass and metal; Glass solders
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2003/66338 of glass
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/6612 Evacuated glazing units
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/663 Elements for spacing panes
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/66333 of unusual substances, e.g. wood or other fibrous materials, glass or other transparent materials
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/66342 characterised by their sealed connection to the panes
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/673 : Assembling the units E06B3/677 takes precedence ; making hollow glass sheets or bricks C03B23/24
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/67326 : Assembling spacer elements with the panes
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/6733 : by applying, e.g. extruding, a ribbon of hardenable material on or between the panes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/10 : Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24777 : Edge feature

Abstract

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a frit slurry paste for use in assemblies (e.g., a vacuum insulated glass unit or a plasma display panel), and methods of making the same. Frit powder, binder material, and a water-based solvent are mixed together to form an intermediate mixture. The frit powder is substantially lead free, and the water-based solvent is provided at a first temperature. Additional water-based solvent is added to the intermediate mixture to form a frit slurry paste. The additional water-based solvent is provided at a second temperature, with the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The binder material is provided at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight with respect to the frit slurry paste or the frit slurry paste absent the frit powder. The frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps.

Claims

1. A frit slurry paste, comprising:

a water-based solvent;

a bismuth- or ceramic-based frit powder, the frit powder being substantially free from lead; and

a binder comprising methylcellulose at a concentration of 0.25%-5% by weight,

wherein the frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps, and

wherein the frit slurry paste has annealing, softening, and working temperatures less than about 470 degrees C. with all lying within a range of about 120 degrees C. of each other.

2. The frit slurry paste of claim 1, wherein the binder is provided at a concentration of 0.5-1.5% by weight.

3. The frit slurry paste of claim 2, wherein the binder is methylcellulose 400 cps 2% aqueous solution.

4. The frit slurry paste of claim 1, further comprising a surfactant.

5. The frit slurry paste of claim 1, further comprising non-lead additives capable of absorbing 800-2000 nm infrared radiation.

6. The frit slurry paste of claim 1, wherein the binder is substantially free from hydrocarbons.

7. The frit slurry paste of claim 1, wherein the frit powder is a Bi₂O₃—

B₂O₃ inclusive system.