WO2020112371A1

WO2020112371A1 - Durable electrochromic window and methods of making the same

Info

Publication number: WO2020112371A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/061430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kiyomi DeLige FAHY; William Keith Fisher; Paul George Rickerl
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2018-11-30
Filing date: 2019-11-14
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

An electrochromic article (400) is provided. The article includes a first glass sheet (402) having a first main surface and a second main surface; a second glass sheet (404) having a third main surface and a fourth main surface, the third main surface facing the second main surface; an electrochromic film (410) disposed between the second main surface and the third main surface, the electrochromic film having a fifth main surface facing the second main surface, a sixth main surface facing the third main surface, and a minor surface separating the fifth and sixth main surfaces; a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer (406) disposed on the second main surface, intermediate the second main surface and the electrochromic film; a second PVB layer (408) disposed on the third main surface, intermediate the third main surface and the electrochromic film; and at least one barrier layer (412) separating the electrochromic film from the first and second PVB layers.

Description

DURABLE ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOW AND METHODS OF

MAKING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S.

Provisional Application Serial No. 62/773,722 filed on November 30, 2018 the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to forming electrochromic articles, and

particularly to electrochromic windows having high durability.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Glass articles that can transmit a controllable fraction of incident light

intensity are beneficial in a variety of applications. For example, windows of buildings or vehicles, windows between rooms, and personal items such as glasses or goggles are often used in situations in which it would be advantageous if their optical transparency could be adjusted, for example, by electrical means.

[0004] Great efforts have been expended to improve processes for selectively

controlling the transmission of light through window structures. A common approach to light control involves using an opaque window shade to reduce the transmission of light. Such shades may either be purely mechanical (the most common type) or may be controlled by a motor. Another approach to variable control of light transmission can be achieved by mechanically rotating a pair of polarizing films where the relative angle between polarizing axes of the polarizing films are changed. Another approach to light control involves the use of polymer films or doping glass with metal ions to absorb or reject certain wavelength ranges of light. Light transmission through windows using such technologies is fixed once the window is constructed.

[0005] Recently, there has been great interest in using variable light transmission glass or glazing to achieve light transmission control. Several different types of chromogenic switchable glazing structures have been discovered using suspended particle devices, electrochromic effects, and certain types of liquid crystals. In general, the structures absorb or diffuse incident light. [0006] A continuing need exists for innovations in forming an electrochromic article that is durable and able to maintain functionality when incorporated into laminated windows, such as a vehicle glazing.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to an electrochromic article having a first glass sheet with a first main surface and a second main surface; a second glass sheet with a third main surface and a fourth main surface, the third main surface facing the second main surface; and an electrochromic film disposed between the second main surface and the third main surface. The electrochromic film has a fifth main surface facing the second main surface, a sixth main surface facing the third main surface, and a minor surface separating the fifth and sixth main surfaces. The article further includes a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer disposed on the second main surface, intermediate the second main surface and the electrochromic film; and a second polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer disposed on the third main surface, intermediate the third main surface and the electrochromic film. In addition, the electrochromic article includes at least one barrier layer separating the electrochromic film from the first and second PVB layers. The barrier layer comprises a material that prevents migration of components of the PVB layers into the electrochromic film.

[0008] According to one or more additional embodiments, a vehicle is provided that has a vehicle body with at least one opening between an interior and exterior of the vehicle; and the electrochromic article, as described herein, disposed in the at least one opening.

[0009] According to one or more further embodiments, a method of making an

electrochromic article is provided. The method includes providing a first glass sheet having a first main surface and an opposing second main surface; disposing a first polymer interlayer on the second main surface; disposing a barrier layer on the first polymer interlayer; disposing an electrochromic film; disposing the electrochromic film on the first barrier layer; disposing a second barrier layer on the electrochromic film; disposing a second polymer interlayer on the second barrier layer; and disposing a second glass sheet on the second polymer interlayer to form an assembled electrochromic article stack. According to an aspect of these embodiments, the polymer interlayers are PVB.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to one or more

embodiments of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic film and circuit used in one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-section view of an electrochromic article, including barrier layers, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3B is apian view of an electrochromic article disposed on a barrier layer, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a basic structure of an electrochromic stack according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a plot of light transmission and current draw versus time for dark to light and light to dark switching cycles of an electrochromic article according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present

disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0018] Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to electrochromic structures, and particularly to thin laminated or laminate structures incorporating electrochromic structures in vehicles and architectural products. An example of a vehicle 100 that includes such a laminate structure 200 is shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 100 includes a body 110 with at least one opening 120. A windshield 200 is an example of a laminate disposed in the at least one opening 120, but other examples include side and rear windows (or side lites and rear lites), or sunroofs. As used herein, the term“vehicle” may include automobiles (e.g., cars, vans, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, and motorcycles), rolling stock, locomotives, train cars, airplanes, marine craft, and the like. The opening 120 is a window within which a laminate is disposed to provide a transparent covering or glazing. Embodiments of this disclose also include other examples of electrochromic structures incorporated into vehicles, such as on side panels of a vehicle, in mirrors on or within the vehicle, and in displays or decorative surfaces within the vehicle. It should be noted that the laminates described herein may be used in architectural panels such as windows, interior wall panels, modular furniture panels, backsplashes, cabinet panels, and/or appliance panels. Electrically controlled variable-tint glass has received strong interest in the automotive and architectural industries. The leading electrically-controlled variable- tint technology is electrochromic (EC) technology. In some embodiments, an

electrochromic stack is deposited on flat glass (e.g., soda-lime glass (SLG) or an aluminoborosilicate glass such as a Coming Gorilla® glass substrate or an EAGLE XG^® glass substrate). FIG. 2 shows a schematic of electrochromic film 300, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Electrochromic (EC) films are multilayer stacks that consist of conductive film 302 (typically ITO coated polyester (PET)), a charge storage layer (ES) 304, an electrolyte layer (EL) 306, electrochromic layer (EC) 308, and a conductive film 310. When low voltage DC (from power supply 312) is applied between the conductive films 302 and 310, electrons flow either into or out of the EC layer 308 through the external circuit while charge compensating ions either flow from the ES layer 304, through the EL layer 306 and into the EC layer 308 or from the EC layer 308 through the EL layer 306 back into the ES layer 304. The direction of electron and ion flow depends on polarity of the applied voltage. When electrons flow into the EC layer 308 through the external circuit along with charge compensating positive ions that flow into the EC layer 308 through the EL layer 306, the EC layer 308 becomes reduced and darkens (but is still transparent). When the applied voltage polarity is switched, electrons flow out of the EC layer 308 through the external circuit and ions flow out of the EC layer 308 back into the ES layer 304 through the EL layer 306 resulting in oxidation of the EC layer 308 and transition to a high light transmission state. Voltage only needs to be applied during switching; it does not need to be maintained.

[0019] The electrically controlled variable-tint films/stacks and glass articles

including such electrically controlled variable-tint films/stacks laminates disclosed herein may be incorporated into another article such as an article with a display (or display articles) (e.g., consumer electronic products, including mobile phones, tablets, computers, navigation systems, wearable devices (e.g., watches and the like)), architectural articles (e.g., a window or window assembly), transportation articles (e.g., windows, sunroofs, displays, and decorative vehicular interior surfaces for automotive, trains, aircraft, sea craft, etc.), appliance articles, eyewear articles (e.g., glasses or goggles) or any article that may benefit from variable control of light transmission.

[0020] As used herein, the term“electrically controlled variable-tint stack” means a layered stack including a layer that is capable of reversibly changing color and/or transparency upon application and removal of an electric field across the layer.

[0021] As used herein, the term“electro -optic active layer” means a layer having a material that undergoes a reversible change when an electric field is applied across the layer. The reversible change may be, for example, an ionic reaction (redox reaction), a molecular alignment change, or a particle alignment change. The reversible change may produce a color and/or transparency change in the material. In some embodiments, the reversible change may be a change from an optically transparent state to an opaque state. In some embodiments, the reversible change may be a change from an optically transparent state to a state having a degree of transparency between optically transparent and opaque. The degree of transparency may be any transparency between optically transparent and opaque. Exemplary electro-optic active layers include, but are not limited to, suspended-particle layers, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layers, electrokinetic layers, and electrochromic layers.

[0022] As used herein,“disposed on” means that a first layer/component is in direct contact with a second layer/component. A first layer/component“disposed on” a second layer/component may be deposited, formed, directly adhered, placed, or otherwise applied directly onto the second layer/component. In other words, if a first layer/component is disposed on a second layer/component, there are no layers (other than a possible adhesive layer) disposed between the first layer/component and the second layer/component. If a first layer/component is described as“disposed over” a second layer/component, other layers may or may not be present between the first layer/component and the second layer/component.

[0023] The current use of electrochromic technology in vehicles is limited by cost and in some cases poor optical properties. Embodiments of this disclosure can use an electrochromic film prepared by a low-cost roll-to-roll coating process that has the potential to produce electrochromic laminates with very good optics. It is envisioned that this roll-to-roll process will substantially reduce the cost of electrochromic windows to the point where they will have much higher penetration into the transportation market.

[0024] The three main technologies currently used for electrically controlled variable transmission windows in the automotive market are: (1) electrochromic technology, (2) suspended particle devices (SPD), and (3) polymer disperse liquid crystals (PDLC). Electrochromic technology finds application in variable reflection mirrors and limited application in window glazing. Penetration into the transportation market is currently limited by the cost of electrochromic windows. Electrochromic windows are clear in both light and dark states, but switching time is longer than other technologies. Suspended particle devices (SPD) find limited application as automotive sunroofs. Again, widespread adoption of this technology is limited by cost, but switching time is faster than in electrochromics. Polymer disperse liquid crystals (PDLC) transition between clear and opaque upon application of relatively high voltage. This technology is somewhat less costly than electrochromics or suspended particle devices, but has the disadvantage of high haze in the transparent state.

[0025] In embodiments of this disclosure, electrochromic technology is primarily used which has advantages over polymer disperse liquid crystal systems in that it is transparent in both light and dark states. The voltage needed to transition between light and dark states is also lower than for PDLC. Also, the variable transmission windows of embodiments of the present disclosure are state stable, so that power need only be supplied during transition from one state to another. In contrast, PDLC needs power to be supplied continuously. In addition, the electrochromic technology of this disclosure has a cost advantage over SPD. Power needs to be supplied continuously to maintain SPD windows in the high transmission state, and if power is removed, they will revert to the dark state. Also, SPD has a haze problem in the transparent or clear state.

[0026] Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is the predominant interlayer used for laminated glass for automobiles. Windshields generally include laminated glass with a PVB interlayer and many sidelites and sunroofs are also laminates which include a PVB interlayer. Thus, for electrochromics to penetrate the automotive market, it will be helpful for electrochromics to be compatible with the types of laminates having PVB interlayers. However, testing shows that some electrochromic films are not fully compatible with PVB. Lor instance, switching time increases to levels that are considered undesirable in the industry if these films are laminated in contact with PVB. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed, and supported by experimental evidence, that the failure mode of the films is diffusion of PVB plasticizer into the electrolyte layer which disrupts its ability to transport ions between charge storage and electrochromic layers and may interfere with electrode connections between the power supply and electrochromic layers.

[0027] Accordingly, embodiments of this disclosure interpose barrier layers between

PVB and electrochromic fdm to block plasticizer migration. Such barrier layers could be thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thin layer of glass such as Coming Willow® Glass, metalized PET or other layers that are not compatible with PVB plasticizer. Other barrier layers could be PVB with a high hydroxyl content that has low plasticizer compatibility. Chemically resistant hard coats can also be used on the outside of the electrochromic film stack to prevent plasticizer ingress. PVB is a terpolymer consisting of between about 13 to 30 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol, between about 5 to 15 wt.% polyvinyl acetate and the remainder butyraldehyde acetal. For applications in laminated glass, the PVB contains about 30 wt.% plasticizer, typically triethylene glycol bis(2-ethyl hexanoate). The compatibility of PVB with plasticizer is controlled by the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol groups in the PVB polymer chain. Higher polyvinyl alcohol concentration corresponds to lower plasticizer compatibility.

[0028] By shielding the ingress of PVB plasticizer into the electrochromic film, the barrier layers as described herein enable PVB-based electrochromic laminated windows with improved durability and functionality.

[0029] Advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein include lower costs, which can enable large scale penetration into automotive markets and also increased use in architectural applications; good contrast ratio; good transparency in both dark and light states; low haze; state stable, so low power consumption; low voltage required for switching (~1.5 volts dc); and enhanced laminate safety due to better adhesion between the film and barrier material.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments, electrochromic laminated glass is made by first making a stack consisting of a first glass sheet, then one or more interlayers, then a barrier layer, then an electrochromic film, then another barrier layer to surround the electrochromic film, then one or more interlayers, and finally the second glass layer. This stack is called a pre-press. The air is removed from between the pre-press layers by application of vacuum. The pre-press is then heated to about 100 °C to tack the layers together. The air removal and tack processes are together called the de-air and tack step. After de-air and tack, the stack is referred to as a pre-laminate. Pre-laminates then undergo an autoclave cycle with maximum temperature typically between 120 °C and 140 °C and air pressure between 10 to 12 bars. Laminates are held at 120 °C to 140 °C for about 40 minutes. The total autoclave cycle is between 90 to 120 minutes in duration. After autoclaving the laminates are complete. In addition, the electrochromic film will typically be cut back from laminate edges (see, e.g., FIG. 3B) so that, during autoclaving, the interlayer material will flow around edges of the electrochromic film thereby protecting the edges from air and moisture ingress that could otherwise compromise performance.

[0031] Table 1 shows examples of electrochromic laminates and their switching

times. In Table 1, TPU is thermoplastic polyurethane (Covestro Dureflex® A4700, 0.38mm thick), EVA is ethylene vinyl acetate (0.38mm thick), QP51 is 0.84mm thick acoustic grade PVB (Solutia Division of Eastman Chemical) and RK11 is 0.38mm thick standard PVB (Solutia Division of Eastman Chemical). Willow refers to Willow® Glass, a very thin (100 microns thick) high purity glass from Coming Incorporated. Sample AG189-34 is the control with PVB in direct contact the electrochromic film

(manufactured by Furcifer). TPU, EVA and Willow Glass are barrier layers between

PVB and EC film.

Table 1. Example laminate constructions and switching times (in seconds).

[0032] Embodiments include methods for making an electrically controlled variable- tint glass article. As an aspect of one embodiment, a flexible film is disposed on a flat carrier substrate. In some embodiments, the flexible film may withstand a temperature between about 100 °C (degrees Celsius) and about 500 °C, including subranges. For example, the flexible film may withstand a temperature of about 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C, 250 °C, 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, 450 °C, or 500 °C, or within any range having any two of these values as endpoints. A flexible film“withstands” a temperature if the film does not deform, chemically degrade, or melt when heated to and held at that temperature for at least 5 minutes. In some embodiments, a flexible film may withstand a temperature of about 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C, 250 °C, 300 °C, 350 °C, 400 °C, 450 °C, or 500 °C, or within any range having any two of these values as endpoints, for up to about 30 minutes. Being able to withstand a specific temperature for a certain amount of time will ensure the flexible film does not deform, degrade, or melt during a vapor deposition process performed at that temperature.

[0033] In some embodiments, the flexible film may be optically transparent. As used herein,“optically transparent” means an average transmittance of more than 50% in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm through a 1.0 mm thick piece of a material. In some embodiments, an optically transparent material may have an average transmittance of 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, or 90% or more in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm through a 1.0 mm thick piece of the material. The average

transmittance in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm is calculated by measuring the transmittance of all wavelengths between 400 nm and 700 nm and averaging the measurements. As used herein, the term“opaque” means an average transmittance of 50% or less in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm through a 1.0 mm thick piece of a material. In some embodiments, an opaque material may have an average transmittance of 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, or 0% in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm through a 1.0 mm thick piece of the material. In some embodiments,“opaque” means having a shade number of SN = 14, which corresponds to an optical density of OD = 5.6 and a total visible transmittance of T = 3xl0 ⁶.

[0034] In some embodiments, the flexible film may have a thickness between about

50 pm (microns, micrometers) and about 500 pm, between about 50 pm and about 400 pm, between about 50 pm and about 300 pm, between about 50 pm and about 200 pm, between about 50 pm and about 100 pm, between about 100 pm and about 400 pm, between about 100 pm and about 300 pm, between about 100 pm and about 200 pm, between about 200 pm and about 400 pm, or between about 200 pm and about 300 pm. In some embodiments, the flexible film can have a thickness of about 200 pm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the flexible film includes a polymer material. In some embodiments, the polymer material includes polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene-naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the polymer material may be adhered to a surface of the flat carrier substrate. In some embodiments, the polymer material may be provided as prepared rolls or sheets that are capable of being adhered to a surface of the flat carrier substrate. In some embodiments, the polymer material may be deposited in situ on a surface of the flat carrier substrate by vapor deposition polymerization or other film processes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flexible film includes a flexible glass. As used herein, the term“flexible glass” means a glass layer capable of bending to a radius of 1 m (meter) or less. A glass layer achieves a bend radius of“X” if it resists failure when the glass layer is held at“X” radius for at least 60 minutes at about 25 °C and about 50% relative humidity. In some embodiments, a flexible glass layer may have a bend radius of 0.9 m or less, 0.8 m or less, 0.7 m or less, 0.6 m or less, 0.5 m or less, 0.4 m or less, 0.3 m or less, 0.2 m or less, 0.1 m or less, or 0.01 m or less.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electrochromic film is disposed between sheet of a glass or a ceramic material. In some embodiments, the glass may include an alkali- containing aluminosilicate glass material. Other suitable materials for the glass include amorphous glass materials, such as but not limited to, soda lime glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali aluminoborosilicate glass. In some embodiments, the glass material may be free of lithia.

[0038] In some embodiments, the flexible film may be adhered to the flat carrier substrate with an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may include a UV-sensitive adhesive or a cationic polymer adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive. Suitable optically transparent adhesives include, but are not limited to, acrylic adhesives, such as 3M™

8212 adhesive, or any optically transparent liquid adhesive, such as a Loctite^® optically transparent liquid adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may have a thickness between about 5 pm and about 50 pm, including subranges. For example, the adhesive layer may have a thickness of about 5 pm, about 10 pm, about 15 pm, about 20 pm, about 25 pm, about 30 pm, about 35 pm, about 40 pm, about 45 pm, or about 50 pm, or within any range having any two of these values as endpoints. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may be in the range of about 25 pm to about 50 pm. In some embodiments, adhering the flexible film onto the flat carrier substrate may include a curing process (e.g., an ultra-violet curing process). [0039] In some embodiments, a suspended-particle stack may include a thin layer of rod-like nano-scale particles suspended in a liquid and placed between two pieces of glass or plastic, or attached to one substrate. When no voltage is applied, the suspended particles are randomly organized, thus blocking and absorbing light. When voltage is applied, the suspended particles align and let light pass. Varying the voltage across the stack varies the orientation of the suspended particles, thereby regulating the tint of the stack and the amount of light transmitted. A suspended-particle stack can be manually or automatically tuned to precisely control the amount of light, glare, and/or heat passing through it. U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,491 , issued on October 31, 1995, describes the structure and materials of suspended-particle stacks according to some embodiments. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety by reference thereto.

[0040] In some embodiments, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal stack may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer formed by dissolving or dispersing liquid crystals into a liquid polymer followed by solidification or curing of the polymer. During the change of the polymer from a liquid to solid, the liquid crystals become incompatible with the solid polymer and form droplets throughout the solid polymer. The curing conditions affect the size of the droplets that in turn affect the final operating properties of the stack. Typically, the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystals is placed between two layers of glass or plastic that include a thin layer of a transparent, conductive material followed by curing of the polymer, thereby forming the basic sandwich structure of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack. Electrodes from a power supply may be attached to the transparent electrodes. With no applied voltage, the liquid crystals are randomly arranged in the droplets, resulting in scattering of light as it passes through the stack. This results in a translucent,“milky white” appearance. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the electric field formed between the two transparent electrodes causes the liquid crystals to align, allowing light to pass through the droplets with very little scattering and resulting in a transparent state. The degree of transparency can be controlled by the applied voltage. U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,204, issued on February 19, 1991, describes the structure and materials of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal stacks according to some embodiments. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety by reference thereto.

[0041] In some embodiments, an electrokinetic stack may include a layer with

electrically charged nanoparticles, suspended in an engineered fluid, allowing for electronic control of the color, transparency, and/or contrast of the layer. The electrokinetic layer may utilize an electrokinetic pixel structure, which combines the spectral performance of in-plane electrophoretic devices with the improved switching speeds of vertical electrophoresis. The electrophoretic dispersions may be dual-particle dual-colored and are controlled using two electrokinetic electrodes disposed on opposing sides of the electrokinetic layer, along with a third electrode appropriately located at the perimeter of each unit cell of the electrokinetic layer. U.S. Pat. No. 8,018,642, issued on September 13, 2011, describes the structure and materials of electrokinetic stacks according to some embodiments. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety by reference thereto.

[0042] In some embodiments, an electrochromic stack may include a thin film

multilayer stack, including a cathode and an anode separated by an ion conductor (electrolyte) and one or more electrochromic layers. An electrochromic stack may include other layers, such as an ion storage layer. The anode and cathode may be transparent electron conductors. The electrochromic layer changes its optical transmittance from a first optical transmittance to one or more second optical transmittance s and back upon charge transfer between the anode and the cathode. The first optical transmittance may be optically transparent and the second optical transmittance(s) may be non-optically transparent and may be colored.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments, first and second barrier layers may be disposed on and around the electrically controlled variable-tint stack such as to form an encapsulation layer 412, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, over the electrically controlled variable-tint stack. The encapsulation layer 412 may be disposed around the edges of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack such that all of the major and minor surfaces of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack are covered by the encapsulation layer 412. According to one or more embodiments, an edge seal layer may be disposed over the edges of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack. The edge seal layer may be disposed around the edges of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack such that the minor surfaces of the layers of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack are covered by the edge seal layer. The edge seal layer may be, for example, a butyl sealant tape disposed around the edges of electrically controlled variable-tint stack. The encapsultion layer 412 and/or the edge seal layer may serve to cover the electrically controlled variable-tint stack and prevent degradation of the electrically controlled variable-tint stack, and in particular the electro-optic active layer, due to environmental exposure (e.g., moisture and/or oxygen exposure), or contamination from another layer in the laminate. [0044] Experiments have shown that direct contact of electrically controlled variable- tint stacks with PVB interlayers at the edge of the stacks increased switching time between transmission states. In certain instances, it was observed that such contact completely prevented switching. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this increase in switching time is attributable to diffusion of PVB plasticizer into the stack through edges of the layers of the stack. This was supported by experiments where electrically controlled variable-tint stacks were immersed in triethylene glycol bis(2 -ethyl hexanoate and slower switching was observed around the minor surfaces of the layers of the stack.

[0045] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer may include a polymer layer, or an inorganic hard coat layer such as S1O2 (silicon dioxide) or SiN_x (silicon nitride), or combinations thereof. Suitable polymeric materials for the encapsulation layer include, but are not limited to, polyacrylate, alucone, and parylene. The encapsulation layer may be deposited using physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, solution-based deposition, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer may be optically transparent. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer can have a thickness between about 0.1 pm and about 10 pm, including subranges. For example, the encapsulation layer may have a thickness of 0.1 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm,

6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, or 10 pm, or within any range having any two of these values as endpoints.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible film is

removed with the electrically controlled variable-tint stack from the flat carrier substrate. In other words, the flexible film with the electrically controlled variable-tint stack formed thereon is removed from the flat carrier substrate. In some embodiments, removing the flexible film with the electrically controlled variable-tint stack from the flat carrier substrate may include the use of laser irradiation, mechanical force, or a combination thereof to separate the flexible film from the flat carrier substrate. In some embodiments, backside laser irradiation may be used to break down a UV-sensitive adhesive bonding the flexible film to the flat carrier substrate. In some embodiments, if the adhesion force is low enough, the flexible film with the electrically controlled variable-tint stack may be mechanically removed from the flat carrier substrate without damaging the electrically controlled variable-tint stack.

[0047] In some embodiments, the electrically controlled variable-tint stack is formed on a flexible film and can be disposed over a curved surface of a first curved glass substrate such that the electrically controlled variable-tint stack conforms to the curved surface of the curved glass substrate. In some embodiments, the electrically controlled variable-tint stack formed on the flexible fdm may be disposed on a curved surface of a first curved glass substrate such that the electrically controlled variable-tint stack conforms to the curved surface of the curved glass substrate. In some embodiments, a surface of the flexible film may be disposed on the curved surface of the first curved glass substrate such that the electrically controlled variable-tint stack conforms to the curved surface of the curved glass substrate.

[0048] As used herein, the term“curved glass substrate” or“curved layer/substrate” means a glass substrate or other layer/substrate having curved top and bottom surfaces and a curvature profile with a distortion of more than 3 mm (millimeters) per 1 m (meter). In other words, a“curved glass substrate” or“curved layer/substrate” has at least a portion that is curved at 3 mm per 1 m or more. A curvature profile is defined on the plane intersecting the mid-point of the thickness measured between the curved top and bottom surfaces of the glass layer or other layer/substrate along the length and width of the glass layer or other layer/substrate. If the curvature of the top and bottom surfaces of a glass layer or other layer/substrate is substantially different, the“curvature profile” of the glass layer or other layer/substrate is defined by the curvature of the surface facing an electrically controlled variable-tint stack.

[0049] In some embodiments, a“curved glass” or“curved layer/substrate” may be a glass substrate or other layer/substrate that holds a shape or curvature as described herein at room temperature (23 °C) and when not being subject to an external force (e.g., a bending force). In some embodiments, a“curved layer/substrate” may be a flexible film that deforms under its own weight at room temperature to form a curved layer/substrate.

[0050] In some embodiments, the curved surface of the first curved glass substrate may include at least one of a compound curve and a complex curve. As used herein, a “compound curve” has two or more curves with different radii that bend the same way and are on the same side of a common tangent. As used herein, a“complex curve” has at least two distinct radii of curvature in two independent directions. A complexly curved glass substrate or layer may thus be characterized as having“cross curvature,” where the glass substrate or layer is curved along an axis (i.e., a first axis) that is parallel to a given dimension and also curved along an axis (i.e., a second axis) that is perpendicular to the same dimension. The curvature of the glass substrate or layer can be even more complex when a significant minimum radius is combined with a significant cross curvature, and/or depth of bend. In some embodiments, the compound curve and/or complex curve may include a radius of curvature of about 0.5 meters or more. In some embodiments, the compound curve and/or the complex curve may include at least a portion with a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 meters.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first curved glass substrate may include a non-zero Gaussian curvature. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a curved surface of the first curved glass substrate may include a non-zero Gaussian curvature. In some embodiments, the non-zero Gaussian curvature may include a radius of curvature of about 0.5 meters or more. In some embodiments, the non-zero Gaussian curvature may include a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 meters.

[0052] As used herein, the term“non-zero Gaussian curvature” means a curvature that cannot be formed with a sheet of paper by bending without also stretching, tearing, or wrinkling the paper. A“non-zero Gaussian curvature” may be referred to as a“non- developable curvature.” Exemplary non-zero Gaussian curvatures include, but are not limited to, spherical curvatures, spheroid curvatures, partially spheroid curvatures, and three-dimensional saddle curvatures. A“zero Gaussian curvature” means a curvature that can be formed with a sheet of paper by bending alone. A“zero Gaussian curvature” may be referred to as a“developable curvature.” Exemplary zero Gaussian curvatures include, but are not limited to, cylindrical and conical curvatures.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first and/or second curved glass substrates may be optically transparent. The first and second curved glass substrates may have a thickness suitable for a desired application (e.g., building or vehicle windows or eyewear, such as glasses or goggles). In some embodiments, the first and second curved glass substrates may be formed of an alkali-containing aluminosilicate glass material. Other suitable materials for the glass include amorphous glass materials, such as but not limited to, soda lime glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali aluminoborosilicate glass. In some embodiments, the glass material may be free of lithia. In some embodiments, a curved hard plastic substrate may be used in place of the first and/or second curved glass substrate. Suitable hard plastic materials include, but are not limited to, acrylics (e.g., plexiglass).

[0054] In some embodiments, the curved surface of the second curved glass substrate may include at least one of a compound curve and a complex curve. In some

embodiments, the compound curve and/or the complex curve may include at least a portion with a radius of curvature of about 0.5 meters or more. In some embodiments, the compound curve and/or the complex curve may include at least a portion with a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 meters. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second curved glass substrate may include a non-zero Gaussian curvature. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a curved surface of the second curved glass substrate may include a non-zero Gaussian curvature. In some embodiments, the non-zero Gaussian curvature may include a radius of curvature of about 0.5 meters or more. In some embodiments, the non-zero Gaussian curvature may include a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 meters.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of the basic structure of an electrochromic (EC) stack 400 according to some embodiments. EC stack 400 includes a first transparent electrode 402. Examples of transparent electrodes include, but are not limited to, indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), antimony doped tin oxide (ATO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), conjugated polymers, and a silver nano-wire grid. An exterior surface 403 of first transparent electrode 402 may be functionalized to have a positive or negative charge. For example, first transparent electrode 402 may be cleaned with polar solvents, may be activated with abrasives or silanes, or may be plasma-treated.

[0056] An EC layer 404 is disposed over exterior surface 403 of first transparent electrode 402 and includes at least one electro-optic active material. Optionally, one or more ion conductive layers (e.g., an ion conductive layer like optional layer 408) may be disposed over EC layer 404. The electro-optical active material of EC layer 404 causes a reversible color/transmission change when a charge is applied between first transparent electrode 402 and second transparent electrode 410. Electro-optical active materials that can be utilized include, but are not limited to, electro-chromic metal oxides, such as, but not limited to, WO_x (tungsten oxide), NiO (nickel oxide), IriCE (iridium oxide), V2O5 (vanadium oxide), M0O3 (molybdenum oxide), NbiCE (niobium oxide), TiCE (titanium oxide), CuO (copper oxide), C^CE (chromium oxide), C02O3 (cobalt oxide), MmCE (manganese oxide), or a combination thereof.

[0057] Disposed over EC layer 404 and optional ion conductive layer(s) is an

electrolyte 406. In some embodiments, electrolyte 406 may be a solid-state electrolyte or gel electrolyte. Some embodiments may include a solid electrolyte 406 made of a polar polymer matrix, for example, but not limited to, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), succinonitrile, or poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with salts (e.g., lithium salts, potassium salts, or sodium salts) and/or ionic liquids. [0058] In some embodiments, electrolyte 406 may be a multi-layer ionic transport layer. In such embodiments, electrolyte 406 may include two or more ion transport layers separated by one or more buffer layers. Ion transport layer(s) may be composed of an insulator, such as, but not limited to, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the material of buffer layer(s) may be selected from the group of tungsten oxides, nickel oxides, cerium oxides, molybdenum oxides, vanadium oxides, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the buffer layer may be composed of a lithium-based ceramic material including a lithium silicate, a lithium aluminum silicate, a lithium aluminum borate, a lithium borate, a lithium silicon oxynitride, a lithium zirconium silicate, a lithium niobate, a lithium borosilicate, a lithium phosphosilicate, a lithium nitride, a lithium aluminum fluoride, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] Electrolyte 406 may be applied by vapor deposition (e.g., PVD), spin-coating, or spraying from a solution. In the case of gel electrolytes, they can be applied as a liquid by dip-coating, spray coating, or spin-coating methods, and then“solidified” by UV exposure, thermal heating, or air exposure, for example.

[0060] On the side of electrolyte 406 opposite first transparent electrode 402 is an optional layer 408 and a second transparent electrode 410. Optional layer 408 includes at least one of an EC layer and one or more ion conductive layers. Second transparent electrode 410 is similar to or identical to first transparent electrode 402 and may also be functionalized.

[0061] In some embodiments, EC stack 400 may have a construction the same as or similar to the EC stacks disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,730,552, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety by reference thereto. Other types of electrically controlled variable-tint stacks discussed herein (e.g., suspended-particle stacks, polymer- dispersed liquid crystal stacks, or electrokinetic stacks) may include opposing transparent electrodes like EC stack 400, but with the appropriate electro-optic active layer (and any other associated layers) disposed between the opposing transparent electrodes.

[0062] FIG. 5 shows a typical plot of light transmission and current draw during a switching cycle of an electrochromic article. As light transmission reaches its lightest or darkest state, current draw from the power supply decreases to close to zero. The data shown was for an electrochromic laminate made from first and second glass sheets of a 2.1 mm thick soda lime glass sheet and a 0.7 mm aluminosilicate glass sheet (Coming Gorilla® glass). RK11 PVB from Eastman Chemical Company was used as the polymer interlayers on the glass sheets, and a barrier layer of TPU was used between the PVB and an electro chromic film.

[0063] While various embodiments have been described herein, they have been

presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be interchanged to meet various situations as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. References to“one embodiment,”“an embodiment,”“some embodiments,”“in certain embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0065] The term“or,” as used herein, is inclusive; more specifically, the phrase“A or

B” means“A, B, or both A and B.” Exclusive“or” is designated herein by terms such as “either A or B” and“one of A or B,” for example. The indefinite articles“a” and“an” and the definite article“the” to describe an element or component means that one or at least one of these elements or components is present, unless otherwise stated in specific instances.

[0066] Where a range of numerical values is recited herein, comprising upper and lower values, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the scope of the claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more preferred ranges or a list of upper preferable values and lower preferable values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed.

[0067] As used herein, the term“about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term“about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites“about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by“about,” and one not modified by“about.”

[0068] Directional terms as used herein— for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom— are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0069] As used herein the term“glass” is meant to include any material made at least partially of glass, including glass and glass-ceramics. “Glass-ceramics” include materials produced through controlled crystallization of glass. In embodiments, glass-ceramics have about 30% to about 90% crystallinity. Non-limiting examples of glass ceramic systems that may be used include LLO c AI2O3 ^x nSiCh (i.e., LAS system), MgO ^c AI2O3 x nSiCh (i.e., MAS system), and ZnO c AI2O3 ^x nSiCh (i.e., ZAS system).

[0070] According to an aspect (1) of the present disclosure, an electrochromic article is provided. The articles comprises: a first glass sheet comprising a first main surface and a second main surface; a second glass sheet comprising a third main surface and a fourth main surface, the third main surface facing the second main surface; an electrochromic film disposed between the second main surface and the third main surface, the electrochromic film comprising a fifth main surface facing the second main surface, a sixth main surface facing the third main surface, and a minor surface separating the fifth and sixth main surfaces; a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer disposed on the first main surface, intermediate the first main surface and the electrochromic film; a second PVB layer disposed on the third main surface, intermediate the third main surface and the electrochromic film; and at least one barrier layer separating the electrochromic film from the first and second PVB layers. [0071] According to an aspect (2) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of aspect (1) is provided, wherein the electrochromic fdm is an electrically controlled, variable transmission fdm configured to change an optical transmissivity of the electrochromic article from a first transmission state to a second transmission state having a different transmissivity than the first transmission state.

[0072] According to an aspect (3) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of aspect (2) is provided, wherein the electrochromic film comprises: a first electrode configured to receive, store, and deliver cations and electrons to be transported to a second electrode for reversible transformation of the electrochromic article into the first transmission state, the second electrode being configured to receive, store, and deliver cations and electrons to be transported to the first electrode for reversible transformation of the electrochromic article into the second transmission state; and an electrolyte disposed between the first and second electrodes, wherein an optical transparency of the electrochromic article in the first transmission state differs from an optical transparency in the second transmission state.

[0073] According to an aspect (4) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(3) is provided, wherein the at least one barrier layer is in physical contact with the fifth and sixth main surfaces.

[0074] According to an aspect (5) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(4) is provided, wherein the at least one barrier layer is in physical contact with the minor surface of the electrochromic film.

[0075] According to an aspect (6) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(5) is provided, wherein the at least one barrier layer comprises a first barrier layer disposed between the second main surface and the fifth main surface, and a second barrier layer disposed between the third main surface and the sixth main surface.

[0076] According to an aspect (7) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(6) is provided, wherein the barrier layer is configured to block a PVB plasticizer from migrating from the first or second PVB layers to the

electrochromic film.

[0077] According to an aspect (8) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(7) is provided, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one of: a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a thin glass layer, a PVB material with a high hydroxyl content that has low plasticizer compatibility, a chemically resistant hard coat, or a metalized PET.

[0078] According to an aspect (9) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(8) is provided, wherein the electrochromic film is configured to switch transmission states using low voltage of about 1.5 volts DC.

[0079] According to an aspect (10) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(9) is provided, wherein a main surface of the electrochromic film comprises a length and a width that are less than a respective length and width of the first glass sheet.

[0080] According to an aspect ( 11) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (1)-(10) is provided, wherein the first glass sheet is selected from the group consisting of soda lime glass, an aluminosilicate glass, and a

aluminoborosilicate glass.

[0081] According to an aspect (12) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (l)-(l 1) is provided, wherein the second glass sheet is selected from the group consisting of soda lime glass, an aluminosilicate glass, and a aluminoborosilicate glass.

[0082] According to an aspect (13) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (1)-(12) is provided, wherein at least one of the first and second glass sheets is strengthened.

[0083] According to an aspect (14) of the present disclosure, the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (1)-(13) is provided, wherein at least one of the first and second glass sheets is chemically strengthened.

[0084] According to an aspect (15) of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided.

The vehicle comprises: a vehicle body with at least one opening between an interior and exterior of the vehicle; and the electrochromic article of any one of aspects (1)-(14) disposed in the at least one opening.

[0085] According to an aspect (16) of the present disclosure, the vehicle of aspect (1)-

(15) is provided, wherein the electrochromic article is a windshield, side window, rear window, or sunroof.

[0086] According to an aspect (17) a method of making an electrochromic article is provided. The method comprises: disposing a first polymer interlayer on the second main surface of a glass sheet, the glass sheet further comprising a first main surface opposing the second main surface; disposing a barrier layer on the first polymer interlayer; disposing an electrochromic film on the first barrier layer; disposing a second barrier layer on the electrochromic film; disposing a second polymer interlayer on the second barrier layer; and disposing a second glass sheet on the second polymer interlayer to form an assembled electrochromic article stack.

[0087] According to an aspect (18) of the present disclosure, the method of aspect

(17) is provided, wherein at least one of the disposing the electrochromic film on the first barrier layer and the disposing the second barrier layer on the electrochromic film comprises surrounding opposing main sides and an edge of the electrochromic film with a material of the first and second barrier layers.

[0088] According to an aspect (19) of the present disclosure, the method of any one of aspects (17)-(18) is provided, further comprising applying vacuum pressure to at least the side of the assembled electrochromic article stack to remove air from within or between layers within the assembled electrochromic article stack.

[0089] According to an aspect (20) of the present disclosure, the method of any one of aspects (17)-(19) is provided further comprising heating the assembled electrochromic article stack to about 100°C or more for a predetermined time to form a pre laminated electrochromic article.

[0090] According to an aspect (21) of the present disclosure, the method of aspect

(20) is provided, further comprising placing the prelaminated electrochromic article in an autoclave with a maximum temperature of about 120°C to about 140°C for about 40 minutes, and at a pressure of between about 10 bars to about 12 bars.

[0091] According to an aspect (22) of the present disclosure, the method of any one of aspects (17)-(21) is provided, wherein a main surface of the electrochromic film comprises a length and a width that are less than a respective length and width of the first glass layer.

[0092] The present embodiment(s) have been described above with the aid of

functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

Claims

CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:

1. An electrochromic article comprising:

a first glass sheet comprising a first main surface and a second main surface;

a second glass sheet comprising a third main surface and a fourth main surface, the third main surface facing the second main surface;

an electrochromic film disposed between the second main surface and the third main surface, the electrochromic film comprising a fifth main surface facing the second main surface, a sixth main surface facing the third main surface, and a minor surface separating the fifth and sixth main surfaces;

a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer disposed on the second main surface, intermediate the second main surface and the electrochromic film;

a second PVB layer disposed on the third main surface, intermediate the third main surface and the electrochromic film; and

at least one barrier layer separating the electrochromic film from the first and second PVB layers.

2. The electrochromic article of claim 1, wherein the electrochromic film is an electrically controlled, variable transmission film configured to change an optical transmissivity of the electrochromic article from a first transmission state to a second transmission state having a different transmissivity than the first transmission state.

3. The electrochromic article of claim 2, wherein the electrochromic film comprises: a first electrode configured to receive, store, and deliver cations and electrons to be transported to a second electrode for reversible transformation of the electrochromic article into the first transmission state, the second electrode being configured to receive, store, and deliver cations and electrons to be transported to the first electrode for reversible transformation of the electrochromic article into the second transmission state; and

an electrolyte disposed between the first and second electrodes,

wherein an optical transparency of the electrochromic article in the first transmission state differs from an optical transparency in the second transmission state.

4. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one barrier layer is in physical contact with the fifth and sixth main surfaces.

5. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one barrier layer is in physical contact with the minor surface of the electrochromic film.

6. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one barrier layer comprises a first barrier layer disposed between the second main surface and the fifth main surface, and a second barrier layer disposed between the third main surface and the sixth main surface.

7. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the barrier layer is configured to block a PVB plasticizer from migrating from the first or second PVB layers to the electrochromic film.

8. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one of: a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a thin glass layer, a PVB material with a high hydroxyl content that has low plasticizer compatibility, a chemically resistant hard coat, or a metalized PET.

9. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrochromic film is configured to switch transmission states using low voltage of about 1.5 volts DC.

10. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a main surface of the electrochromic film comprises a length and a width that are less than a respective length and width of the first glass sheet.

11. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first glass sheet is selected from the group consisting of soda lime glass, an aluminosilicate glass, and a aluminoboro silicate glass.

12. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second glass sheet is selected from the group consisting of soda lime glass, an aluminosilicate glass, and a aluminoboro silicate glass.

13. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the first and second glass sheets is strengthened.

14. The electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the first and second glass sheets is chemically strengthened.

15. A vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body with at least one opening between an interior and exterior of the vehicle; and

the electrochromic article of any one of claims 1 to 14 disposed in the at least one opening.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the electrochromic article is a windshield, side window, rear window, or sunroof.

17. A method of making an electrochromic article, the method comprising:

disposing a first polymer interlayer on the second main surface of a glass sheet, the glass sheet further comprising a first main surface opposing the second main surface;

disposing a barrier layer on the first polymer interlayer;

disposing an electrochromic film on the first barrier layer;

disposing a second barrier layer on the electrochromic film;

disposing a second polymer interlayer on the second barrier layer; and

disposing a second glass sheet on the second polymer interlayer to form an assembled electrochromic article stack.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the disposing the electrochromic film on the first barrier layer and the disposing the second barrier layer on the electrochromic film comprises surrounding opposing main sides and an edge of the electrochromic film with a material of the first and second barrier layers.

19. The method of any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising applying vacuum pressure to at least the side of the assembled electrochromic article stack to remove air from within or between layers within the assembled electrochromic article stack.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising heating the assembled electrochromic article stack to about 100°C or more for a predetermined time to form a prelaminated electrochromic article.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising placing the pre laminated electrochromic article in an autoclave with a maximum temperature of about 120°C to about 140°C for about 40 minutes, and at a pressure of between about 10 bars to about 12 bars.

22. The method of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein a main surface of the electrochromic film comprises a length and a width that are less than a respective length and width of the first glass layer.