BRONZE COLORED HEAT TREATABLE COATED ARTICLE HAVING LOW SOLAR FACTOR VALUE

Abstract

There are provided coated articles that include two or more infrared (IR) reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr, Nb, NiCr, NiCrMo, and/or a nitride thereof) sandwiched between at least dielectric layers, and/or a method of making the same. The coating may be designed so that the coated articles realize bronze glass side reflective coloration in combination with a low solar factor (SF) and/or a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Such coated articles may be used in the context of monolithic windows, insulating glass (IG) window units, laminated windows, and/or other suitable applications, and may optionally be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances.

Claims

1. A coated article having bronze glass side reflective coloration and including a layer system supported by a glass substrate, the layer system comprising: a first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a first infrared (IR) reflecting layer comprising NbZr on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a second dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride and the first IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr; a second layer IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr on the glass substrate over at least the second dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a third dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride on the glass substrate over at least the second IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr; wherein the coated article has a glass side visible reflectance of no greater than 15%; and wherein the coated article: has glass side/exterior reflective bronze coloration comprising a glass side/exterior a* color value of from −2.0 to +16.0 and a glass side/exterior b* color value of from 0 to +20; and (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.31 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.36, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.22 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.25.

2. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side/exterior b* value of from +2.0 to +15.0.

3. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side/exterior b* value of from +4.0 to +12.0.

4. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side/exterior a* value of from 0 to +10.0.

5. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the second dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride is located directly between and contacting the first and second IR reflecting layers comprising NbZr.

6. The coated article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second IR reflecting layers comprising NbZr is/are nitrided.

7. The coated article of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second IR reflecting layers comprising NbZr includes more Nb than Zr based on an atomic percentage.

8. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article is heat treated and has a ΔE* value (glass side reflective) of no greater than 3.0 after and/or due to heat treatment.

9. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a visible transmission of from 10-20%.

10. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has no metallic infrared (IR) reflecting layer based on Ag and/or Au.

11. The coated article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second layers IR reflecting layers is/are substantially free of oxygen.

12. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating further comprising an overcoat layer comprising an oxide of zirconium.

13. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating includes only two IR reflecting layers and consists essentially of the first dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride, the first infrared (IR) reflecting layer comprising NbZr, the second dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride, the second layer IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr, and third dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride, and optionally an overcoat layer comprising an oxide of zirconium.

14. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the first dielectric layer is thinner than each of the second and third dielectric layers by at least 150 Å.

15. The coated article of claim 1, wherein a thickness ratio of the second dielectric layer/the first dielectric layer is at least 2, more preferably at least 3, and most preferably at least 4.

16. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the third dielectric layer is thicker than the first dielectric layer by at least 100 Å, more preferably by at least 150 Å.

17. The coated article of claim 1, the second IR reflecting layer is thicker than the first IR reflecting layer by at least 15 Å, more preferably by at least 20 Å.

18. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coating further comprises: a third IR reflecting layer comprising NbZr; and a fourth dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride.

19. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.30 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.35, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.21.

20. The coated article of claim 1, wherein the coated article has a glass side visible reflectance of no greater than 11%.

21. A coated article having bronze glass side reflective coloration and including a layer system supported by a glass substrate, the layer system comprising: a first dielectric layer comprising nitrogen; a first infrared (IR) reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer comprising nitrogen on the glass substrate over at least the first dielectric layer and the first IR reflecting layer; a second layer IR reflecting layer on the glass substrate over at least the second dielectric layer; a third dielectric layer comprising nitrogen on the glass substrate over at least the second IR reflecting layer; wherein each of the first and second IR reflecting layers comprises one or more of: NbZr, NbZrN.sub.x, NiCr, NiCrNx, NiCrMo, NiCrMoN.sub.x, NbCr, NbCrN.sub.x, Nb and NbN.sub.x; wherein the coated article has a glass side visible reflectance of no greater than 15%; and wherein the coated article: has glass side/exterior reflective bronze coloration comprising a glass side/exterior a* color value of from −2.0 to +16.0 and a glass side/exterior b* color value of from 0 to +20; and (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.31 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.36, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.22 and an SHGC value of no greater than 0.25.

Description

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of a monolithic coated article (heat treated or not heat treated) according to an example embodiment of this invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view of a monolithic coated article (heat treated or not heat treated) according to another example embodiment of this invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of an insulating glass (IG) window unit, including the coated article of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, according to example embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views.

[0019] Coated articles according to example embodiments of this invention achieve desirable bronze glass side reflective coloration in combination with low SF and/or SHGC value(s), and also achieve heat treatability and/or visible glass side/exterior/out reflectivity of no greater than 22%. It has surprisingly been found that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN.sub.x) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable bronze glass side/exterior/outside reflective coloration, and desirable film side reflective coloration, can be achieved in combination with a low SF value and low glass side/exterior/outside visible reflectance (R.sub.G[or outside]Y). And optionally these desirable features may be achieved in combination with heat treatability. Thus, such coatings provide for improved color control and/or ranges when desired and low SF values indicating ability to keep rooms cool in warm environments, and may also provide for low glass side visible reflectance and good thermal stability (low ΔE* value(s)) when desired. In certain example embodiments, the coated article (i) if measured monolithically has an SF value of no greater than 0.32 (more preferably no greater than 0.31, and most preferably no greater than 0.30) and/or an SHGC value of no greater than 0.36, more preferably no greater than 0.35, and most preferably no greater than 0.34, and/or (ii) if an insulating glass (IG) window unit having two glass substrates has an SF value of no greater than 0.23 (more preferably no greater than 0.22, and most preferably no greater than 0.21) and/or an SHGC value of no greater than 0.26 (more preferably no greater than 0.25, and most preferably no greater than 0.24).

[0020] Certain embodiments of this invention provide a coating or layer system that may be used in windows such as monolithic windows (e.g., vehicle, residential, and/or architectural windows), IG window units, and/or other suitable applications. Certain example embodiments of this invention provide a layer system that is characterized by color control, low SF values, low glass side visible reflectivity (R.sub.GY), and/or color stability upon heat treatment. With respect to stability upon heat treatment (HT), this means a low value of ΔE*; where A is indicative of a*, b* and L* change in view of HT such as thermal tempering, heat bending, or thermal heat strengthening, monolithically and/or in the context of dual pane environments such as IG units or laminates. In certain exemplary embodiments, the color stability with HT may result in substantial matchability between heat-treated and non-heat treated versions of the coating or layer system. In other words, in monolithic and/or IG applications, in certain embodiments of this invention two glass substrates having the same coating system thereon (one HT after deposition and the other not HT) appear to the naked human eye to look substantially the same.

[0021] The terms “heat treatment” and “heat treating” as used herein mean heating the article to a temperature sufficient to achieve thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening of the glass inclusive article. This definition includes, for example, heating a coated article in an oven or furnace at a temperature of least about 580 degrees C., more preferably at least about 600 degrees C., for a sufficient period to allow tempering, bending, and/or heat strengthening. In certain instances, the HT may be for at least about 4 or 5 minutes. The coated article may or may not be heat treated in different embodiments of this invention.

[0022] FIGS. 1-2 are side cross sectional views of coated articles according to different example embodiments of this invention. In the FIG. 1 embodiment the solar control coating 8 includes two IR reflecting layers 3 and 5, whereas in FIG. 2 the solar control coating 8′ includes three IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and 15. An additional dielectric layer 16 is also provided in the FIG. 2 embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an IG window unit, with the coating (8 or 8′) on surface two, showing that the IG window unit can use the coating (8 or 8′) of either the FIG. 1 embodiment or the FIG. 2 embodiment.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the coated article includes at least glass substrate 1 (e.g., clear, green, bronze, grey, blue, or blue-green glass substrate from about 1.0 to 12.0 mm thick), dielectric layers 2, 4, 6 (e.g., of or including silicon nitride (e.g., Si.sub.3N.sub.4), silicon oxynitride, tin oxide, or some other suitable dielectric), IR reflecting layers 3, 5 which may be of or include substantially metallic or metallic material such as NbZr, NbZrN.sub.x, NiCr, NiCrN.sub.x, NiCrMo, NiCrMoN.sub.x, NbCr, NbCrN.sub.x, Nb and/or NbN.sub.x. It will be appreciated that the IR reflecting layers 3 and/or 5 may optionally be nitrided in certain example embodiments of this invention. While the IR reflecting layers may include some small amount of oxygen in certain instances, it is preferable that these layers 3 and 5 are substantially free of oxygen such as no more than 5% oxygen, more preferably no more than about 3% or 2% oxygen in certain embodiments (atomic %). The coated article further includes dielectric overcoat layer 7 of or including a protective material such as zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO.sub.2) or silicon oxynitride. Optionally, a dielectric layer of or including silicon oxynitride and/or zirconium silicon oxynitride of any suitable stoichiometry may be located between and contacting layers 6 and 7 in the upper part of the layer stack. In certain example embodiments of this invention, coating 8 does not include any metallic IR blocking or reflecting layer of or based on Ag or Au. In certain example embodiments of this invention, IR reflecting layers 3 and 5 reflect at least some IR radiation, and do not contact any other metal IR reflecting layer. In certain example embodiments, it is possible for each of the layers to include other materials such as dopants. It will be appreciated of course that other layers may also be provided, or certain layers may be omitted, and different materials may be used, in certain alternative embodiments of this invention.

[0024] Referring to the FIG. 2 embodiment, the coated article includes at least glass substrate 1 (e.g., clear, green, bronze, grey, blue, or blue-green glass substrate from about 1.0 to 12.0 mm thick), dielectric layers 2, 4, 6, 16 (e.g., of or including silicon nitride (e.g., Si.sub.3N.sub.4), silicon oxynitride, tin oxide, or some other suitable dielectric), IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15 which may be of or include substantially metallic or metallic material such as NbZr, NbZrN.sub.x, NiCr, NiCrN.sub.x, NiCrMo, NiCrMoN.sub.x, NbCr, NbCrN.sub.x, Nb and/or NbN.sub.x. It will be appreciated that the IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and/or 15 may optionally be nitrided in certain example embodiments of this invention. Optionally, a dielectric layer of or including silicon oxynitride and/or zirconium silicon oxynitride of any suitable stoichiometry may be located between and contacting layers 16 and 7 in the upper part of the layer stack in the FIG. 2 embodiment. While the IR reflecting layers may include some small amount of oxygen in certain instances, it is preferable that these layers 3, 5, 15 are substantially free of oxygen such as no more than 5% oxygen, more preferably no more than about 3% or 2% oxygen in certain embodiments. The coated article in FIG. 2 further includes dielectric overcoat layer 7 of or including a protective material such as zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO.sub.2) or silicon oxynitride. For example, when the IR reflecting layers are of or include NbZr, they may be sputter deposited using NbZr targets, and with a gas flow of from about 200-300 ml Ar and from about 0.8-2.5 ml/kW N.sub.2 and/or O.sub.2.

[0025] In certain example embodiments of this invention, coating 8′ of the FIG. 2 embodiment does not include any metallic IR blocking or reflecting layer of or based on Ag or Au. In certain example embodiments of this invention, IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and 15 reflect at least some IR radiation, and do not contact any other metal IR reflecting layer. In certain example embodiments, it is possible for each of the layers to include other materials such as dopants. It will be appreciated of course that other layers may also be provided, or certain layers may be omitted, and different materials may be used, in certain alternative embodiments of this invention.

[0026] The overall coatings (8, 8′) of FIGS. 1-2 include at least the illustrated layers. It is noted that the terms “oxide” and “nitride” as used herein include various stoichiometries. For example, the term silicon nitride (for one or more of layers 2, 4, 6, 16) includes stoichiometric Si.sub.3N.sub.4, as well as non-stoichiometric silicon nitride. Likewise, various stoichiometries may be used. For instance, when NbZr is used for IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15, various ratios of Nb to Zr may be used including but not limited to a 50/50 ratio, an 85/15 ratio, or a 90/10 ratio. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the Nb/Zr ratio in layers 3, 5, and 15 may be from 1/1 to 9.5/1 in various example embodiments of this invention, such that these layers preferably contain more Nb than Zr. The illustrated layers may be deposited on glass substrate 1 via magnetron sputtering, any other type of sputtering, or via any other suitable technique in different embodiments of this invention. It is noted that other layer(s) may be provided in the stacks shown in FIGS. 1-2 such as between layers 2 and 3, or between layers 3 and 4, or between the substrate 1 and layer 2, or the like. Generally, other layer(s) may also be provided in other locations of the coating. Thus, while the coating 8, 8′ or layers thereof is/are “on” or “supported by” substrate 1 (directly or indirectly), other layer(s) may be provided therebetween. Thus, for example, the layer systems 8, 8′ and layers thereof shown in FIGS. 1-2 are considered “on” the substrate 1 even when other layer(s) may be provided therebetween (i.e., the terms “on” and “supported by” as used herein are not limited to directly contacting). However, there may be the direct contacts shown in FIGS. 1-2 in preferred embodiments.

[0027] In certain example embodiments of this invention, dielectric layers 2, 4, 6, and 16 may each have an index of refraction “n” of from 1.7 to 2.7 (at 550 nm), more preferably from 1.9 to 2.5 in certain embodiments, and most preferably from about 2.0 to 2.06 in preferred embodiments of this invention. One, two, three, or all of these layers 2, 4, 6, 16 may be of or include silicon nitride and/or silicon oxynitride in certain example embodiments of this invention. In such embodiments of this invention where layers 2, 4, 6 and/or 16 comprise silicon nitride (e.g., Si.sub.3N.sub.4), sputtering targets including Si employed to form these layers may or may not be admixed with up to 1-20% (e.g., 8%) by weight aluminum or stainless steel (e.g. SS#316), with about this amount then appearing in the layers so formed. Even with this amount(s) of aluminum and/or stainless steel, such layers are still considered dielectric layers.

[0028] While FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a coated article according to an embodiment of this invention in monolithic form, coated articles according to other embodiments of this invention may comprise IG (insulating glass) window units such as shown in FIG. 3. In IG window embodiments, coating 8 or 8′ from FIGS. 1-2 may be provided on the inner wall of the outer substrate of the IG unit as shown in FIG. 3 (surface two), and/or on the inner wall of the inner substrate, or in any other suitable location in other embodiments of this invention. As shown in FIG. 3, an example IG window unit may comprise a pair of spaced apart glass substrates 1, 30 each about 3-19 mm thick, at least one of which is coated with a coating 8, 8′ herein in certain example instances, where the gap 34 between the substrates may be from about 5 to 30 mm, more preferably from about 10 to 20 mm, and most preferably about 16 mm. Spacer(s) 32 may be provided around the periphery to space the glass substrates from each other and maintain gap 34. In certain preferred embodiments, the glass substrate 1 shown in FIGS. 1-2 may be the outer glass substrate 1 of an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3 and the coating 8, 8′ may be provided on the interior surface of the outer glass substrate 1 (i.e., surface two of the IG window unit). The gap between substrates in an IG unit may be filed with air and/or argon gas in certain example embodiments. IG window units with three glass panes may also be used, with for example the coating being on the interior surface of the outermost pane.

[0029] Turning back to the FIG. 1 embodiment, various thicknesses may be used consistent with one or more of the needs discussed herein. According to certain example embodiments of this invention, example thicknesses (in angstroms) and materials for the respective layers of the FIG. 1 embodiment on the glass substrate 1 are as follows in certain example embodiments for achieving desired bronze glass side reflective coloration in combination with a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) and low glass side visible reflectance (layers are listed in order moving away from the glass substrate 1):

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 (Thicknesses for bronze color and low SF/SHGC in FIG. 1 embodiment) Example Preferred Best Layer Range (Å) (Å) (Å) silicon nitride (layer 2): 10-300 {acute over (Å)} 15-140 {acute over (Å)} 20-120 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) 40-120 {acute over (Å)} 60-90 {acute over (Å)} 65-80 Å (layer 3): silicon nitride (layer 4): 300-800 {acute over (Å)} 350-680 {acute over (Å)} 480-560 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) 50-150 {acute over (Å)} 80-120 {acute over (Å)} 90-110 Å (layer 5): silicon nitride (layer 6): 150-450 {acute over (Å)} 220-360 {acute over (Å)} 260-320 Å overcoat (e.g., ZrO.sub.2) 10-500 {acute over (Å)} 10-90 {acute over (Å)} 20-70 Å (layer 7):

[0030] Table 1 above relates to, for example, embodiments where glass side reflective generally bronze coloration and a low SF and/or SHGC value(s), and low visible glass side reflectivity, are desirable for the FIG. 1 embodiment (or FIG. 1 embodiment used in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3). It has been surprisingly found that in the FIG. 1 embodiment desirable bronze glass side reflective coloration can be achieved in combination with low SF and low SHGC values and low glass side visible reflection using the thicknesses discussed in Table 1 above and when designing the FIG. 1 coating 8 so that one or more of the following are provided: (i) bottom dielectric layer 2 is thinner than each of dielectric layers 4 and 6 by at least 100 Å, more preferably by at least 150 Å, (ii) the thickness ratio of layer 4/layer 2 is at least 2, more preferably at least 3, and most preferably at least 4, (iii) the thickness ratio of layer 6/layer 2 is at least two, (iv) dielectric layer 4 is thicker than dielectric layer 6 by at least 100 Å (more preferably by at least 150 Å), (v) dielectric layer 6 is thicker than dielectric layer 2 by at least 100 Å (more preferably by at least 150 Å), (vi) IR reflecting layer 5 is thicker than IR reflecting layer 3 by at least 15 Å, more preferably by at least 20 Å. It is noted that desirable bronze coloration (e.g., glass side reflective, or exterior/out), measured monolithically and/or in an IG window unit, may be characterized by b* values of from 0 to +20.0, more preferably from +2.0 to +15.0, and most preferably from +4.0 to +12.0; optionally in combination with a* values of from −2.0 to +16.0, more preferably from 0 to +10.0, and most preferably 0 to +6.0.

[0031] In certain example embodiments, the IR reflecting layers 3 and 5 may be of the same or substantially the same materials as indicated above (e.g., NbZr and/or a nitride thereof). In certain example embodiments, the layers 3 and/or 5 are metallic, or substantially metallic, and are provided between nitride layers (e.g., silicon nitride based layers 2, 4, 6) in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the IR reflecting layers during possible heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening) thereby permitting predictable coloration to be achieved following the heat treatment at multiple viewing angles.

[0032] In certain exemplary embodiments, the color stability with HT may result in substantial matchability between heat-treated and non-heat treated versions of the coating or layer system. In other words, in monolithic and/or IG applications, in certain embodiments of this invention two glass substrates having the same coating system thereon (one HT after deposition and the other not HT) appear to the naked human eye to look substantially the same.

[0033] Before and/or after any optional heat treatment (HT) such as thermal tempering, in certain example embodiments of this invention coated articles according to the FIG. 1 (or FIG. 1, 3) embodiment have color/optical characteristics as follows in Table 2 (measured monolithic and/or in an IG unit). It is noted that subscript “G” stands for glass side reflective, subscript “T” stands for transmissive, and subscript “F” stands for film side. As is known in the art, glass side (G) means when viewed from the glass side (as opposed to the layer/film side) of the coated article. Film side (F) means when viewed from the side of the coated article on which the coating is provided. Table 3 set forth below illustrates certain characteristics of coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention after HT such as thermal tempering (monolithically measured for Table 3) for all colors. The characteristics below in Table 2 are applicable to HT and non-HT coated articles herein, except that the thermal stability data in Table 3 relates to HT coated articles and demonstrates the stability upon HT.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Color/Optical Characteristics (FIG. 1 embodiment monolithic or in IG) General Preferred Most Preferred T.sub.vis (TY):  9-35% 10-20%  12-17%  L*.sub.T 30-60 35-55 40-50 a*.sub.T  +9 to −16 +8 to −8 +4 to −4 b*.sub.T −15 to +15 −10 to +10 −5 to +5 R.sub.GY(glass side): <=22% <=15% <=11% L*.sub.G 25-55 33-50 36-44 a*.sub.G  −2 to +16  0 to +10  0 to +6 b*.sub.G  0 to +20  +2 to +15  +4 to +12 R.sub.FY(film side): <=35% <=25% <=20% a*.sub.F −15 to +15 −10 to +10 −4 to +7 b*.sub.F −30 to +30 −22 to +24 −15 to +18 R.sub.s (Ω/sq): <140    <100    30-75 SF [Monolithic]: <=0.32 <=0.31 <=0.30 SHGC [Monolithic]: <=0.36 <=0.35 <=0.34 SF [IG]: <=0.23 <=0.22 <=0.21 SHGC [IG]: <=0.26 <=0.25 <=0.24

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Thermal Stability (FIG. 1 after HT; in addition to Table 2) General Preferred Most Preferred ΔE*.sub.G <=4.0 <=3.5 <=3.0

[0034] Regarding the FIG. 2 embodiment, various thicknesses may be used consistent with one or more of the needs discussed herein. According to certain example embodiments of this invention, example thicknesses (in angstroms) and materials for the respective layers of coating 8′ in the FIG. 2 embodiment on the glass substrate 1 are as follows in certain example embodiments for achieving desired bronze glass side reflective coloration in combination with low glass side visible reflectivity and a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) (layers are listed in order moving away from the glass substrate 1):

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 (Thicknesses for bronze color and low SF/SHGC in FIG. 2 embodiment) Example Preferred Best Layer Range (Å) (Å) (Å) silicon nitride (layer 2): 10-200 {acute over (Å)} 15-100 {acute over (Å)} 20-40 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) 20-90 {acute over (Å)} 30-70 {acute over (Å)} 40-60 Å (layer 3): silicon nitride (layer 4): 10-200 {acute over (Å)} 15-100 {acute over (Å)} 20-40 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) 10-80 {acute over (Å)} 15-60 {acute over (Å)} 20-40 Å (layer 5): silicon nitride (layer 6): 300-700 {acute over (Å)} 400-550 {acute over (Å)} 450-500 Å IR reflector (e.g., NbZr) 50-140 {acute over (Å)} 70-115 {acute over (Å)} 80-100 Å (layer 15): silicon nitride (layer 16): 150-600 {acute over (Å)} 250-450 {acute over (Å)} 300-400 Å overcoat (e.g., ZrO.sub.2) 10-500 {acute over (Å)} 10-60 {acute over (Å)} 20-40 Å (layer 7):

[0035] Table 4 above relates to, for example, embodiments where glass side reflective generally bronze coloration and a low SF and/or SHGC value(s) are desirable for the FIG. 2 embodiment (or FIG. 2 embodiment used in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3) along with low glass side visible reflectance. It has been surprisingly found that in the FIG. 2 embodiment desirable bronze glass side reflective coloration can be achieved in combination with low SF and low SHGC values, and low glass side visible reflection, using the thicknesses discussed in Table 4 above and when designing the FIG. 2 coating 8′ so that one or more of the following are satisfied: (i) bottom dielectric layer 2 and/or dielectric layer 4 is/are thinner than each of dielectric layers 6 and 16 by at least 100 Å, more preferably by at least 200 Å, and most preferably by at least 230 Å, (ii) the thickness ratio of layer 6/layer 2 (and/or the thickness ratio of layer 6/layer 4) is at least 8, more preferably at least 12, and most preferably at least 15, (iii) the thickness ratio of layer 16/layer 2 (and/or the thickness ratio of layer 16/layer 4) is at least 5, more preferably at least 7 and most preferably at least 8, (iv) dielectric layer 6 is thicker than dielectric layer 16 by at least 100 Å (more preferably by at least 120 Å), (v) IR reflecting layer 15 is thicker than IR reflecting layer 5 by at least 20 Å, more preferably by at least 40 Å, (vi) IR reflecting layer 15 is thicker than IR reflecting layer 3 by at least 20 Å, more preferably by at least 30 Å, and (vii) (v) IR reflecting layer 3 is thicker than IR reflecting layer 5 by at least 10 Å, more preferably by at least 15 Å.

[0036] In certain example embodiments, the IR reflecting layers 3, 5 and 15 may be of the same or substantially the same materials as indicated above (e.g., NbZr and/or a nitride thereof). In certain example embodiments, the layers 3, 5 and/or 15 are metallic, or substantially metallic, and are provided between nitride layers (e.g., silicon nitride based layers 2, 4, 6, 16) in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the IR reflecting layers during possible heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening) thereby permitting predictable coloration to be achieved following the heat treatment at multiple viewing angles.

[0037] Before and/or after any optional heat treatment (HT) such as thermal tempering, in certain example embodiments of this invention coated articles according to the FIG. 2 (or FIG. 2, 3) embodiment have color/optical characteristics as follows in Table 5 (measured monolithic and/or in an IG unit). Table 6 set forth below illustrates certain characteristics of coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention after HT such as thermal tempering (monolithically measured for Table 6) for all colors. The characteristics below in Table 5 are applicable to HT and non-HT coated articles herein according to the FIG. 2 (or FIG. 2-3) embodiment, except that the thermal stability data in Table 6 relates to HT coated articles and demonstrates the stability upon HT.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Color/Optical Characteristics (FIG. 2 embodiment monolithic or in IG) General Preferred Most Preferred T.sub.vis (TY):  9-35% 10-20%  12-17%  L*.sub.T 30-60 35-55 40-50 a*.sub.T +16 to −16 +3 to −8 +2 to −4 b*.sub.T −15 to +15 −10 to +10 −6 to +6 R.sub.G/outsideY(glass side): <=22% <=15% <=12% L*.sub.G 30-60 35-55 40-50 a*.sub.G  −2 to +16  0 to +10  0 to +6 b*.sub.G  0 to +20  +2 to +15  +4 to +12 R.sub.F/insideY(film side): <=30% <=25% <=16% a*.sub.F/inside −15 to +15 −10 to +10 −2 to +5 b*.sub.F/inside −30 to +35 −15 to +30 −10 to +23 R.sub.s (Ω/sq): <160    <100    30-75 SF [Monolithic]: <=0.32 <=0.31 <=0.30 SHGC [Monolithic]: <=0.36 <=0.35 <=0.34 SF [IG]: <=0.23 <=0.22 <=0.21 SHGC [IG]: <=0.26 <=0.25 <=0.24

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Thermal Stability (FIG. 2 after HT; in addition to Table 5) General Preferred Most Preferred ΔE*.sub.G <=4.0 <=3.5 <=3.0

[0038] For purposes of example only, Examples 1-2 representing different example embodiments of this invention, as well we Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-3, are set forth below.

EXAMPLES

[0039] Example 1 was a layer stack on a clear glass substrate as shown in FIG. 1, and Example 2 was a layer stack on a clear glass substrate as shown in FIG. 2. Both were measured monolithically, heat treated and measured again. They were also put into IG window units as shown in FIG. 3. The silicon nitride layers in each example were deposited by sputtering a silicon target (doped with about 8% Al) in an atmosphere including argon and nitrogen gas. The glass substrates 1 and 30 were clear and 6 mm thick, and the air gap 34 in the IG window unit was 12 mm thick. The NbZr layers in each example were deposited by sputtering approximately 90/10 Nb/Zr magnetron sputtering targets in an atmosphere including argon and a small amount of nitrogen gas. Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-3 were provided for purposes of comparison. Layer thicknesses were in angstroms (Å).

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Layer Stacks of Examples Layer Ex. 1 Ex. 2 CE 1 CE 2 CE 3 silicon nitride (layer 2): 30 Å 30 Å 485 Å 600 {acute over (Å)} 1310 Å NbZr (layer 3): 73 Å 52 Å 79 Å 68 {acute over (Å)} 107 Å silicon nitride (layer 4): 514 Å 30 Å 239 Å 314 {acute over (Å)} 236 Å NbZr (layer 5): 102 Å 29 Å 101 Å 136 {acute over (Å)} n/a silicon nitride (layer 6): 290 Å 476 Å 452 Å 388 {acute over (Å)} n/a NbZr (layer 15): n/a 93 Å n/a n/a n/a silicon nitride (layer 16): n/a 355 Å n/a n/a n/a ZrO.sub.2 (layer 7): 30 Å 30 Å 40 Å 40 {acute over (Å)} 40 Å

[0040] Measured monolithically before tempering (HT), Examples 1-2 according to embodiments of this invention, and Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-3, had the following characteristics (annealed and non-HT, monolithic) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer). Note that “R.sub.GY(at angle of 45°)” indicates visible glass side reflection at an angle of forty-five degrees from normal.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Measured Monolithic, annealed (before tempering) Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 CE 1 CE 2 CE3 T.sub.vis (TY)(transmission): 14.6% 15.1% 22.5% 19.0% 34.0% a*.sub.T 0.5 0.1 −3.0 −0.5 2.5 b*.sub.T −0.6 −0.1 8.0 6.5 −8.0 R.sub.GY(glass side refl. %): 10.7% 13.8% 13.0% 10.5% 26.0% a*.sub.G: 3.4 2.3 3.0 −2.0 −10.0 b*.sub.G: 6.2 9.3 7.5 −6.5 3.0 Glass side refl. color: bronze bronze bronze gray green R.sub.GY(at angle of 45°): 12.7% 13.0% n/a n/a n/a R.sub.FY(film side refl. %): 14.4% 7.7% 4.0% 6.0% 15.0% a*.sub.F: 1.5 4.2 30.0 15.0 0.0 b*.sub.F: 15.4 18.4 −15.0 35.0 9.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.296 0.291 0.337 0.352 0.513 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.335 0.330 0.388 0.405 0.590

[0041] It can be seen from Table 8 above that measured monolithically prior to any optional thermal tempering only Examples 1-2 had a combination of (i) desirable bronze glass side reflective visible color and (ii) an acceptably low SF/SHGC value(s). It can be seen above that Comparative Examples 2-3 (CEs 2-3) were undesirable at least because they could not achieve bronze glass side reflective coloration. And the only CE that could achieve bronze glass side reflective coloration was CE 1, but CE 1 was problematic in that its SF of 0.337 is too high (unacceptable) as was its high SHGC value. It can also be seen from Table 8 that the SF values (and thus the SHGC values) of Examples 1-2 were improved (lower) compared to those of CEs 1-3. It can also be seen in Table 8 that bronze CE 1 had undesirable film side coloration in that it had a high film side reflective a* value of 30—in contrast, Examples 1-2 have much lower film side reflective a* values which is advantageous. Moreover, it can surprisingly be seen that Examples 1-2 achieved these advantages over CE1 even though they all had approximately the same total amount of IR absorption layer material with respect to thickness and material, which represents surprising and unexpected technical results regarding Examples 1-2. Thus, it can be seen that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN.sub.x) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable bronze glass side reflective coloration can be achieved together with a low SF/SHGC value(s) along with acceptable film side reflective coloration and glass side visible reflectivity. Thus, such coatings provide for improved color and optics control and/or ranges when desired and low SF/SHGC values indicating ability to keep rooms cool in warm environments.

[0042] Measured monolithically after tempering (HT), Examples 1-2 according to embodiments of this invention had the following characteristics (HT, monolithic) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer). The pre-HT data is provided in Table 9 for CEs 1-3, as it would not have significantly changed due to HT.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Measured Monolithic, after thermal tempering (HT) for Exs. 1-2 Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 CE 1 CE 2 CE3 T.sub.vis (TY)(transmission): 13.6% 13.9% 22.5% 19.0% 34.0% a*.sub.T 0.6 0.7 −3.0 −0.5 2.5 b*.sub.T −0.8 0.7 8.0 6.5 −8.0 R.sub.GY(glass side refl. %): 10.9% 14.0% 13.0% 10.5% 26.0% a*.sub.G: 3.0 2.3 3.0 −2.0 −10.0 b*.sub.G: 6.9 9.2 7.5 −6.5 3.0 Glass side refl. color: bronze bronze bronze gray green R.sub.GY(at angle of 45°): 13.1% 15.8% n/a n/a n/a R.sub.FY(film side refl. %): 15.4% 10.2% 4.0% 6.0% 15.0% a*.sub.F: 1.3 2.3 30.0 15.0 0.0 b*.sub.F: 15.6 18.0 −15.0 35.0 9.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.294 0.292 0.337 0.352 0.513 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.333 0.332 0.388 0.405 0.590

[0043] It can be seen from Table 9 above that following thermal tempering (HT) only Examples 1-2 had a combination of (i) desirable bronze glass side reflective visible color and (ii) an acceptably low SF/SHGC value(s). It can be seen above that Comparative Examples 2-3 (CEs 2-3) were undesirable at least because they could not achieve bronze glass side reflective coloration. And the only CE that could achieve bronze glass side reflective coloration was CE 1, but CE 1 was problematic in that its SF and/or SHGC are too high (unacceptable). It can also be seen from Table 9 that the SF values (and thus the SHGC values) of Examples 1-2 were improved (lower) compared to those of CEs 1-3. It can also be seen in Table 9 that bronze CE 1 had undesirable film side coloration in that it had a high film side reflective a* value of 30—in contrast, Examples 1-2 have much lower film side reflective a* values which is advantageous. Moreover, it can surprisingly be seen that Examples 1-2 achieved these advantages over CE 1 even though they all had approximately the same total amount of IR absorption layer material with respect to thickness and material, which represents surprising and unexpected technical results regarding Examples 1-2. Thus, it can be seen that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN.sub.x) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable bronze glass side reflective coloration can be achieved together with a low SF/SHGC value(s) along with acceptable film side reflective coloration and glass side visible reflectivity. Thus, such coatings provide for improved color and optics control and/or ranges when desired and low SF/SHGC values indicating ability to keep rooms cool in warm environments.

[0044] Measured in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3 (with the coating on surface two) before tempering, Examples 1-2 according to embodiments of this invention and Comparative Examples (CEs) 1-3 had the following characteristics (annealed and non-HT, IG unit) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer).

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 IG Window Unit, annealed (before optional tempering) Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 CE 1 CE 2 CE3 T.sub.vis (TY)(transmission): 13.6% 13.0% 20.0% 17.5% 30.0% a*.sub.T −0.8 −1.1 −3.0 −1.0 2.0 b*.sub.T 1.8 0.0 7.5 6.5 −7.5 R.sub.G/outY 10.9% 13.6% 13.0% 11.0% 27.0% (glass side refl. %): a*.sub.G: 3.5 1.8 3.0 −2.0 −10.0 b*.sub.G: 5.8 8.5 9.0 −6.0 2.0 Glass side refl. color: bronze bronze bronze gray green R.sub.GY(at angle of 45°): 12.9% 15.8% n/a n/a n/a R.sub.F/interiorY 19.6% 13.8% 10.0% 12.0% 20.0% (film side refl. %): a*.sub.F: −0.1 1.6 10.0 6.0 −1.0 b*.sub.F: 9.4 7.7 −9.0 10.0 5.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.215 0.203 0.230 0.240 0.35 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.246 0.229 0.265 0.276 0.403

[0045] It can again be seen from Table 10 above that measured in an IG window unit as shown in FIG. 3 prior to any optional thermal tempering only Examples 1-2 had a combination of (i) desirable bronze glass side reflective visible color and (ii) an acceptable SF/SHGC value(s). It can be seen above that Comparative Examples 2-3 (CEs 2-3) were undesirable at least because they could not achieve bronze glass side reflective coloration. And the only CE that could achieve bronze glass side reflective coloration was CE 1, but CE 1 was problematic in that its SF and/or SHGC values are too high (unacceptable). It can also be seen from Table 10 that the SF and SHGC values of Examples 1-2 were improved (lower) compared to those of CEs 1-3. Moreover, it can surprisingly be seen that Examples 1-2 achieved these advantages over CE 1 even though they all had approximately the same total amount of IR absorption layer material with respect to thickness and material, which represents surprising and unexpected technical results regarding Examples 1-2. Thus, it can be seen that by providing two or more IR reflecting layers (e.g., of or including NbZr and/or NbZrN.sub.x) between respective dielectric layers, along with particular thickness parameters, desirable bronze glass side reflective coloration can be achieved together with a low SF/SHGC value(s) along with acceptable film side reflective coloration and glass side visible reflectivity.

[0046] Measured in an IG window unit after tempering (HT), Examples 1-2 according to embodiments of this invention had the following characteristics (HT, IG unit) (Ill. C, 2 degree observer). The pre-HT IG unit data is provided in Table 11 for CEs 1-3, as it would not have significantly changed due to HT.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 IG Window Unit, after thermal tempering (HT) for Exs. 1-2 Parameter Ex. 1 Ex. 2 CE 1 CE 2 CE3 T.sub.vis (TY)(transmission): 12.9% 12.4% 20.0% 17.5% 30.0% a*.sub.T −0.8 −0.6 −3.0 −1.0 2.0 b*.sub.T 0.2 2.3 7.5 6.5 −7.5 R.sub.G/outY 11.1% 13.8% 13.0% 11.0% 27.0% (glass side refl. %) a*.sub.G: 3.3 1.8 3.0 −2.0 −10.0 b*.sub.G: 7.8 8.9 9.0 −6.0 2.0 Glass side refl. color: bronze bronze bronze gray green R.sub.GY(at angle of 45°): 13.2% 15.9% n/a n/a n/a R.sub.F/interiorY 20.4% 15.8% 10.0% 12.0% 20.0% (film side refl. %): a*.sub.F: 0.1 0.4 10.0 6.0 −1.0 b*.sub.F: 9.4 9.2 −9.0 10.0 5.0 SF (EN410-673 2011): 0.213 0.206 0.230 0.240 0.35 SHGC (NFRC-2001): 0.244 0.237 0.265 0.276 0.403

[0047] It can again be seen from Table 11 above that following thermal tempering (HT) in an IG window unit only Examples 1-2 had a combination of (i) desirable bronze glass side reflective visible color and (ii) an acceptable SF/SHGC value(s). The advantages discussed above regarding Table 10 are applicable to the Table 11 data as well.

Example 3

[0048] Example 3 was similar to Example 1 with respect to the layer stack, as shown in FIG. 1. Example 3 was as follows: glass(5.8 mm clear)/Si3Nx(10 nm)/NbZr(7.2 nm)/Si3Nx(53.1 nm)/NbZr(9.4 nm)/Si3Nx(28 nm)/ZrOx(6.6 nm). Example 3 has SF and SHGC values similar to Example 1 above, realized glass side reflective bronze color, and had the following optical characteristics as coated (prior to thermal tempering): TY 15.0%; a*.sub.T −0.5; b*.sub.T 0.0; R.sub.G/outY 11.0%; a*.sub.G 2.5; b*.sub.G 9.0; R.sub.F/interior 8.5%; a*.sub.F 3.0; and b*.sub.F 18.0. Example 3 following thermal tempering (heat treatment) had the following optical characteristics: TY 14.0%; a*.sub.T −0.5; b*.sub.T 0.5; R.sub.G/outY 10.5%; a*.sub.G 2.5; b*.sub.G 8.5; RF/interior 10.0%; a*.sub.F 3.0; and b*.sub.F 18.0.

[0049] It is noted above that one, two or all of IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15 may be of or include NiCrMo and/or NiCrMoN.sub.x in certain example embodiments of this invention. In such embodiments one, two or all of the IR reflecting layers 3, 5, 15 may, for example, be of or include C22 or an oxide and/or nitride thereof. Table 12 below shows an example composition of the NiCrMo-based alloy C22.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 NiCrMo based alloy C22 (wt. %) Element Preferred More Preferred Example Ni 40-70%  50-60%  54-58% (e.g., 56%) Cr 5-40% 10-30%  20-22.5% Mo 5-30% 10-20%  12.5-14.5%   Fe 0-15% 0-10% 1-5% (e.g., 3%) W 0-15% 0-10% 1-5% (e.g., 3%) Co 0-15% 0-10% 1-5% (e.g., 3%) Si  0-2%  0-1% =<0.2% (e.g., .08%) Mn  0-3%  0-2% =<1% (e.g., 0.5%) C  0-1% 0-0.5%  =<0.1% (e.g., .01%) V  0-2%  0-1% =<1% (e.g., 0.35%)

[0050] Once given the above disclosure many other features, modifications and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such other features, modifications and improvements are therefore considered to be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims: