Mirror with optional protective paint layer, and/or methods of making the same

摘要

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to sputtered aluminum second surface mirrors with permanent protective coatings optionally provided thereto, and/or methods of making the same. A mirror coating supported by a substrate may include, for example, first and second silicon-inclusive layers sandwiching a metallic or substantially metallic layer including aluminum, and an optional layer including Ni and/or Cr in direct contact with the metallic or substantially metallic layer comprising aluminum. A protective paint is disposed directly over and contacting an outermost layer of the mirror coating. The protective paint, once applied and cured, is adapted to survive seven day exposure to an 85 degree C. temperature at 85% relative humidity, as well as seven day exposure to a 49 degree C. temperature at 100% relative humidity.

主权项

1. A method of making a mirror, the method comprising:
providing a substrate; disposing a multilayer thin film coating on the substrate, the multilayer thin film coating comprising, in order moving away from the substrate:
a first silicon-inclusive layer,a metallic or substantially metallic layer comprising aluminum,a second silicon-inclusive layer; and wet-applying a protective paint directly over and contacting an outermost layer of the multilayer thin film coating, the protective paint being applied to ensure a post-cure density of 5-100 grams per square meter, and wherein the protective paint comprises oxybis (methyl-2, 1-ethanediyl) diacrylate and is ultraviolet (UV) curable; and curing the protective paint, said curing comprising ultraviolet (UV) curing and the protective paint being cured in less than 2 seconds of exposure to a UV radiation source, wherein, following said curing, the protective paint is adapted to survive seven day exposure to an 85 degree C. temperature at 85% relative humidity, as well as seven day exposure to a 49 degree C. temperature at 100% relative humidity.