Non-toxic water-based frit slurry paste, and assembly incorporating the same

Abstract

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a frit slurry paste for use in assemblies (e.g., a vacuum insulated glass unit or a plasma display panel), and methods of making the same. Frit powder, binder material, and a water-based solvent are mixed together to form an intermediate mixture. The frit powder is substantially lead free, and the water-based solvent is provided at a first temperature. Additional water-based solvent is added to the intermediate mixture to form a frit slurry paste. The additional water-based solvent is provided at a second temperature, with the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The binder material is provided at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight with respect to the frit slurry paste or the frit slurry paste absent the frit powder. The frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . An assembly, comprising:
 at least one substrate;   a frit formed on the at least one substrate, the frit being formed by firing a frit slurry paste applied to the at least one substrate, the frit slurry paste comprising:   a water-based solvent;   a bismuth- or ceramic-based frit powder, the frit powder being substantially free from lead; and   a binder comprising a gelatinous material at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight,   wherein the frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps.   
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the binder is provided at a concentration of 0.5-1.5% by weight. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the binder is methylcellulose 400 cps 2% aqueous solution. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising non-lead additives capable of absorbing 800-2,000 nm infrared radiation. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising first and second substrates,
 wherein the frit is provided as an edge seal between the first and second substrates.   
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the assembly is a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) unit. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the frit is sandwiched between the at least one substrate and a metal layer. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the assembly a plasma display panel (PDP). 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the frit powder is a Bi 2 O 3 —B 2 O 3  inclusive system. 
     
     
         18 - 28 . (canceled)