Flexible electrically conductive film

Abstract

An electrically conductive film contains electrically connected first and second visible light-transmissive metal or metal alloy layers separated by a visible light-transmissive crosslinked polymeric layer. The film can be joined or laminated into glazing (especially non-planar vehicular safety glazing) with reduced likelihood that the metal or metal alloy layers will be damaged or distorted. The film also can transparently shield a device that can cause or is sensitive to electromagnetic interference with reduced likelihood that the metal or metal alloy layers will fracture.

1 . A process for making an electrically heatable glazing article, comprising:
 a) assembling a layer of glazing material and a visible light-transmissive film comprising first and second visible light-transmissive metal or metal alloy layers separated by a visible light-transmissive crosslinked polymeric layer,   b) bonding the glazing material and film together into a unitary article, and   c) connecting one or more electrodes to at least one of the metal or metal alloy layers.   
   
   
       2 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein the electrodes are connected to the metal or metal alloy layers after bonding. 
   
   
       3 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein the electrodes are connected to the metal or metal alloy layers before bonding. 
   
   
       4 . A process according to  claim 1  wherein the glazing article comprises architectural glazing and the electrodes are connected to both the first and second metal or metal alloy layers. 
   
   
       5 . A process for making an electrically heatable laminate article comprising:
 a) assembling a first glazing material layer, a first mechanical energy-absorbing layer, a visible light-transmissive flexible film layer comprising first and second metal or metal alloy layers separated by a crosslinked polymeric layer, electrodes that permit electrical current to be supplied to the metal or metal alloy layers, a second mechanical energy-absorbing layer and a second glazing material layer,   b) removing residual air from between the layers, and   c) heating and applying pressure to the layers to bond the layers and electrodes together into a unitary article.   
   
   
       6 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein the removal of residual air or the application of pressure to the layers is performed using at least one nip roll. 
   
   
       7 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein the glazing material layers are non-planar. 
   
   
       8 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein the layers are bonded together without substantial cracking or creasing of the metal or metal alloy layers and without substantial wrinkling of the film. 
   
   
       9 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein the film is extensible. 
   
   
       10 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein the film is stretched without substantial cracking or creasing of the metal or metal alloy layers. 
   
   
       11 . A process according to  claim 5  wherein the crosslinked polymeric layer comprises an acrylate polymer.