Light-stable structures

Abstract

An assembly including a polymeric film in an inert environment is provided. The inert environment is bounded on at least one side by a pane comprising low emissivity glass.

1 . An assembly comprising 
 a first pane;    a second pane;    a frame, wherein the frame secures the first and second pane;    an inert environment between the first and second panes; and    a polymeric film positioned in the inert environment;    wherein at least one pane comprises a low emissivity glass.    
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the low emissivity glass is coated with at least one of a metal and an oxide.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inert environment comprises a vacuum.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inert environment comprises an inert gas.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the inert gas is a noble gas.  
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the noble gas is argon.  
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the inert environment comprises less than about 3% oxygen.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a resin layer comprising a first smooth surface and second structured surface being formed of a plurality of spaced parallel grooves, each said groove being formed by a first facet which is substantially perpendicular to the first smooth surface and a second facet which makes an angle between 1 to 60 degrees with the first smooth surface, wherein the smooth surface is bonded to the polymeric film.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric film is a polyester.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9  wherein the polyester comprises a polyester selected from the group consisting of polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonates, polyarylates, polybutylene naphthalate, polypropylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, and blends and copolymers of any of the above with each other or with other polymers.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structure exhibits a delta b* yellowing value of less than 9 after exposure to a radiant dose of 6000 kJ/m 2  at 340 nm, according to ASTM G-155 test method, employing a repeating test cycle of 8 hours of light at 88° C., black panel temperature, followed by 4 hours dark at 50° C., wherein the delta b* value is based on D-65, 10 degree observer, specular included, reflectance measurements.