GAS BARRIER FOR VACUUM INSULATION

摘要

A gas barrier for a vacuum insulated structure of a refrigerator is provided. The gas barrier includes a plastic trim breaker; a metal outer panel a metal inner panel and insulation between the outer and inner metal panels. The gas barrier for a vacuum insulated structure further includes a PVD metal coating applied to the an inside surface of the plastic trim breaker to provide a barrier layer to the plastic trim breaker, wherein the PVD coating on the inside of the plastic trim breaker contacts the inner and outer metal outer panels to prevent heat or gas from entering the insulated structure and decreasing the effectiveness of the insulation over time.

主权项

1. A vacuum insulated structural component of a refrigerator with a gas barrier comprising:
a plastic trim breaker; a metal outer panel; a metal inner panel; insulation between the outer and inner metal panels; and a physical vapor deposited metal coating applied to an inside surface of the plastic trim breaker to provide a barrier layer to the plastic trim breaker, wherein the physical vapor deposited coating on the inside of the plastic trim breaker has a thickness of at least about 0.015 mm and abuts or is adjacent to surfaces of the inner and outer metal panels to prevent heat or gas from entering the insulated structure between the inner and outer metal panels.