Aromatic glycidyl amine-based epoxy edge seals for electrooptic devices

• US 6,166,849 A
• Filed: 12/15/1998
• Issued: 12/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio Incorporated (Nouryon BV)
• Original Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio Incorporated (Nouryon BV)
• Inventors: George, Barbara J., Coleman, Charles R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epps, Georgia
• Assistant Examiner(s): Spector, David N.
• Application Number:
  US09/211,786
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 359/265, 359/270, 359/321, 349/153, 264/1.1, 264/1.32, 264/1.38, 156/99, 156/107
• US Class Current: 359/270
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/161 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells

Abstract

A method for sealing the peripheral edge surface of a laminated electrooptic device, wherein an aromatic glycidyl amine-based epoxy is used as a seal. Sealed devices are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for sealing the peripheral edge surface of a laminated electrochromic device, said peripheral edge surface comprising the outer peripheral surfaces of first and second substrates and the outer peripheral surface of an ion-conducting material layer, said method comprising:

(a) mixing an aromatic glycidyl amine resin with an effective amount of amine-based curing agent,

(b) applying said mixture to said peripheral edge surface so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of said ion-conducting material layer, and

(c) curing said mixture thereon.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said aromatic glycidyl amine resin is represented as follows:

##STR3## where;

R² is phenylene or naphthylene;

X is N, NR³, CH₂ N, CH₂ NR³, O and/or C(O)--O;

R³ is an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, a cyanoethyl group or a cyanopropyl group;

n is 1 or 2; and

m is 2 to 4.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said amine resin comprises N,N,N'"'"',N'"'"'-tetraglycidyl-m-xylenediamine.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said mixture is applied by extrusion.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said device is an electrochromic lens.

6. An edge-sealed laminated electrochromic device prepared by the method of claim 1.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said resin is represented as follows:

##STR4## where;

R² is phenylene and/or naphthylene;

X is N, NR³, CH₂ N, CH₂ NR³, O and/or C(O)--O;

R³ is an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, a cyanoethyl group or a cyanopropyl group;

n is 1 or 2; and

m is 2 to 4.

8. A laminated electrochromatic device prepared by the method of claim 1, wherein said amine resin comprises N,N,N'"'"',N'"'"'-tetraglycidyl-m-xylenediamine.

9. A laminated electrochromic lens comprising an ion-conducting polymer layer disposed between a coated first lens and a second less, said laminated electrochromic lens having a peripheral edge surface prone to moisture gain or loss through said ion-conducting polymer layer, wherein said peripheral edge surface contains a mixture comprising an aromatic glycidyl amine resin and an effective amount of amine-based curing agent wherein said mixture is cured thereon and said mixture is in contact with said ion-conducting polymer layer on said peripheral edge surface of the lense.

10. The lens of claim 9, wherein said ion-conducting polymer is an ionomer.

11. The lens of claim 9, wherein said ion-conducting polymer is an AMPSA homopolymer or copolymer.

12. The lens of claim 9, wherein said aromatic glycidyl amine resin is represented as follows:

##STR5## where;

R² is phenylene and/or naphthylene;

X is N, NR³, CH₂ N, CH₂ NR³, O and/or C(O)--O;

R³ is an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, a cyanoethyl group or a cyanopropyl group;

n is 1 or 2; and

m is 2 to 4.

13. A method for sealing the peripheral edge surface of a laminated electrochromic device, said peripheral edge surface comprising the outer peripheral surfaces of first and second substrates and outer peripheral surface of an ion-conducting material layer, said method comprising (a) applying an aromatic glycidyl amine resin to said peripheral edge surface, (b) applying an effective amount of amine-based curing agent to said resin and mixing in situ therewith, and (c) curing said mixture thereon wherein said mixture is in contact with said ion-conducting polymer layer on said peripheral edge surface of the lens.

14. An edge-sealed laminated electrochromic device prepared by the method of claim 13.