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Our 10 tips about how to find and work successfully with your software development outsourcing partner
Our 10 tips about how to find and work successfully with your software development outsourcing
It would seem that nowadays everybody has an app for their business. But how did they develop it?
How much did it cost? Often SME's or startups do not have the funds for large in-house teams of
developers, testers and designers.
How to make your CFO happy and still get that new and shiny app? This is where outsourcing comes
to the rescue! But now you have to find the right team and work with them successfully.
Finding good and trustworthy partners can be a long and tiresome process, and unfortunate as it is
many outsourced software development projects end as disasters. To help you avoid problems that
can happen during search and working with partners abroad we have created our list of top 10 things
you should take in consideration based on our experience gained from projects we had with partners
who outsourced development to us.
1. What is the goal of your outsourced software development project?
Just the process of hiring a team to outsource to takes a lot of time so it is important that you know
the purpose of your project and are able to convey some information about what you want to
achieve. First things first. Let's say that you have a small business or a new startup and that business
is growing and that you want to develop a mobile application to reach out to your customers, these
are some of the questions you should ask yourself: 1. How will application help me get more
customers and increase the satisfaction of current ones? 2. Do I have a preferred list of features? 3.
Who are we targeting with the app? 4. Is app going to be cross-platform or native? 5. How should
UI/UX look like? 6. How should the payment work? It would be prudent to do a bit of market
research and feasibility check to understand what are competitors doing or if there is an application
that is trying to solve the same problem you are working on.
This are all hard questions that will take some time to figure out, and sometimes answers just open
additional questions. Don't worry if you feel puzzled over all the details. Most important thing is that
you know what the is the purpose of your application/project or that you have some general idea
what you want to achieve with it. Ideally, you will be able to find a developer who can not only code
but also give advice about the functions and is able you help you create a roadmap of future versions
of your app.
2. References and Previous work
Do they follow deadlines? Do they sign an NDA? Were you satisfied with code quality and testing?
Were they willing to accept a test job? How do they manage their projects? Have you encountered
any problems while working with them? Were there any conflicts? If yes how did they deal with
them? How does their development process look like?
This were some of the questions you should be asking references after your potential partners have
given you their contacts. If you have received multiple references and if they all give you positive
answers then your potential company might just be a keeper. To be sure you won't be scammed do a
bit of research about references as well. A simple background check on LinkedIn can help you answer
if the references are honest partner companies or bogus companies. Of course, there are no
guarantees in life but doing your homework can help you a lot and prevent a plenty of headaches,
stress and loss of money.
Your potential partner should be able to showcase their previous projects. What applications have
they developed? Do they have examples of e-commerce and website development? The more
projects that are similar to yours the better. Take a deep look in the projects. Do you like what you
see? Some of our clients even formed small teams who were tasked with finding and evaluating
software development partners. Those teams represented their company during evaluation and
negotiation and have produced a plan for RFI or request for information.
You are probably pressed by short deadlines yourself or in a hurry; but trust us, you don't want to
skip this step and rush into development before making sure you have chosen the best possible
partner. Great companies always have a portfolio to showcase.
3. Don't have selection based only on price
Costs are one of the biggest reasons why companies choose to outsource, however, if you are not
looking into a one-time short-term project then your decision should not be based only on the price.
There are companies and individuals who love to "race to the bottom" just to get a client and most
likely you will run into them while you search for partners but beware – usually if the price is way too
low so is the quality of the end product.
You expect bug-free code and highly competent developers (as you should), so invest in the time to
find partners that have the necessary skills and are professional. Remember what they say "we are
not rich enough to buy cheap things", the same goes for hiring outsourcing software development
teams. Use information from quotes and RFI as a starting point in your negotiations and try to find
win-win scenarios for both parties.
4. Bit of cultural hacking
We agree that diversity is a beautiful thing that makes our world better place and teams based in
another part of the world will most likely have different norms and behaviors in culture than ones
you are used to. This can impact you and your work in numerous ways and no matter how good the
company you work with you can expect that sooner or later you will experience some form of
Cultural differences may be reflected in differences in communications, work ethics and methods
and approaches to problem-solving among virtual teams. A collaborative culture that includes trust
and openness between outsourcing partners is important for outsourcing success. Language
differences among virtual teams in terms of accents, style and jargon can impact work so it is
important to ensure that at least your project manager with whom you are in communication speaks
English on a sufficient level. English is almost a lingua franca of outsourced software development
and you certainly do not want to be lost in translation with your team (Gurung & Prater, 2006, p.11).
Design choices and solutions can also be under the influence of culture. Solutions and systems for
Chinese, South Korean, Japanese or other markets in Asia are really different from those in America
or Europe. It is important that you understand the market for which you are designing your
application and/or website and your developers need be able to showcase you previous UI/UX design
work. You need to be sure that besides necessary technical skills your company of choice also
understands designs and is able to make changes.
So how to hack the culture?
Well, it will take time for sure. The longer you work with your overseas partners the more you will
understand. You can try using of some the models that study differences between cultures. We invite
you to explore GLOBE project and work of Geert Hofstede a Dutch scientist that created a model that
differentiates cultures based on cultural dimensions. After comparing culture of your country of
origin to culture of your software developers you might gain some useful insights on how to work
with your partners. You might not get all the answers straight away but it will for sure increase your
cultural awareness and it is a good starting point. Remember, understanding other culture will take
quite some time and patience and your partners should strive to understand you better as well.
What about Vietnamese culture?
As mentioned in Agile Vietnam, Vietnamese people usually need to build personal trust with others
outside of the office in order to increase their teamwork and collaboration. In the virtual working
environment, the key is to build a relationship with your project team. Influenced by the hierarchical
structure in Confucianism, it is often that people in higher positions are treated with high regards and
respect. This is also reflected in working with partners and at first, Vietnamese are going to be shy
and you might have difficulties in making them open up to you because they might see you as in
"higher position".
What you can do to go around this is to ask open questions during virtual meetings. Example: "Are
we going to reach the milestone on time?" Most likely the answer will just be "Yes" with no
additional information. Try something like this: "What do you think about project timeline and this
milestone in particular?" In this way, you show that you trust your team's judgement and your team
will be more confident to reach out if something is not going well.
According to Tech in Asia mutual respect is essential when communicating with Vietnamese people
and they also mention how relationship building is important. Vietnam is conflict avoid culture and
this is why sometimes you will have to "dig deeper" to get a straightforward answer. To make them
warm up to you and relax you can start your meetings with some common topics such as weather,
food, music, holidays, movies and travelling.
Generally speaking, Vietnamese developers are good listeners, friendly, perform well in a team and
they learn fast new technologies and adapt to them. They might not express directly it but they will
also be curious about learning more about you. If you are still curious, check out Vietnam culture
portal for more information.
5. Communication & Availability
Time differences affect software development depending on the country and location. Time
differences have both advantages and disadvantages. From one point of view it may add more
working hours but on the other hand, it may add problems with coordinating meetings. Imagine
having Scrum standup meeting at 2 AM. Quite often you will ask a question and receive a reply next
day due to mismatch of working hours. This is why it is important to know how the communication
flow will look like.
It is important that you and your lead developer hear and see each other and our best advice is that
both parties show a certain level of flexibility when arranging meetings and have them booked in
advance. In this way, a relationship is more personalized and there is less stress for both side since
delays are minimized. One trick of the trade is including a time buffer in estimated project timelines
to cope with delays caused with working in different time zones.
Don't let differences in time-zones deter you from hiring a specific team. If a project is longer most
often you don't really need to hear with your developers on daily basis. For you to have successful
communication it is important that everybody sticks to the communication flow and that you have a
protocol for emergency situations – like server malfunction etc. Also, good communicators will take
their time to explain you anything you do not understand so check how much time they devote to
communicating with you before you hire them.
6. Common vision, innovation and flexibility
All three things from the paragraph subject line sound important, but how do they reflect in working
with software development outsourcing? If you are looking to outsource long-term project
development than the company you are hiring should understand your company's vision and what
you want to achieve in the long haul as well. It pays in the long run because the market needs change
and your app/website will need to change as well and you'll be needing partners who are flexible
enough to make modifications on the go.
In regards to flexibility, your developers should also be flexible with project management and
communication tools and not insist on using just one solution. There are many popular tools used by
companies and developers and often you and your developers will not use the same. To make work
smoother a certain level of flexibility is to be expected. We have seen a rising trend of using tools
such as Asana, Skype, Hangout, Slack and Trello.
Your potential partners should be innovative and keep with the latest trends in software
development industry, in other words, they need to be able to show their technical competency for
technologies and tools that will be used to make the project happen.
7. Contract is (not) the king
Don't worry, it still is but there are some things you should understand when working with
outsourcing software development and that the contract is not the only king and if you rely solely on
a contract you will be exposed to some risks. The best way to minimize your risks is by having
payment models where you pay after the milestone has been accomplished and the code was
delivered to you.
If your developers ask for whole payment before they deliver a single line of code it should make you
at least feel suspicious about their motives. With this being said you can expect that you will be
asked to pay a small percentage of the project beforehand as a gesture of goodwill. After all,
scamming works both ways and there have been situations where developers were targets. This
happens more to individual freelancers but it is also a raising concern among companies as well.
Keeping your milestones short and making sure that code review is done correctly can be another
way of protecting yourself. Does your team offer you post launch maintenance? For example, in
Vmodev we offer minimum three months of free maintenance after product launch as a quality
8. Clear milestones and scope of work
Once you finally have the company you would like to work with the next logical step is to discuss
project milestones. Milestones are important because they tell you what is happening with your
project and enable you to track the activities of your developers. For your developers to have clarity
of mind and to avoid errors and assumptions the best thing is to provide detailed project description
or make sure that the same developers are hired from beginning to the end of the project.
Quite often clients do not have a full list of specifications done and are still in discovery phase; if this
is the case then it this also another opportunity to review if you have chosen the right developers.
Good developers will actively listen, ask questions and give suggestions about the project. It is crucial
that both sides are on the same page before the development starts and that all aspects of the
project are defined.
Software development projects often take months to complete. The best way to proceed is to align
calendars and milestones. Also, important thing is to have an agreement about the timeline of
communication and how are you going to receive updates about the project.
9. Build Relationship
Often companies check up on their developers, but what is also important is to show that you believe
in their capacity to deliver. Trust is the foundation of any relationship and if you have trusted your
outsourcing development partner enough to sign a contract than that trust should be visible during
all development phases.
Having friendly atmosphere and good relationship outside working hours can help boost productivity
and trust. In the beginning, this may seem hard or even waste of time because you can be a
thousand kilometers away but in the long run, this pays off. It is small things that can make a
difference such as sending birthday cards or greetings for big national holidays or simply taking a
minute or two to get to know people with whom you are working with.
As mentioned before Vietnamese people are often shy and reluctant to express their opinions but if
you show that you care and treat them as equal you will soon practically become like family. Don't
forget, you hired them because they seemed like the best solution for your project and if you respect
their opinion on the matter that will for sure build trust and strengthen your relationship. Show
transparency and honesty and expect the same in return and if things stop going in right direction try
not demoralize them but use facts to resolve the challenge and move things forward.
10. Visiting the team
Visiting the team you outsource to can be a great way to jump start the project. Spending few days
and working with the team can prove to be invaluable in the future stages of development because it
helps to build trust and human to human relationships and you can also take charge and steer the
project is something is not going well. Another great tip is that you invite a representative from the
team to work in your office for a few days and that will for sure help them understand you and the
way your company works even better.
If you have enough resources, on-site visit during selection process can also be beneficial for several
- You get to see the team first hand and see if they really understood all aspects of the project
- Learn from being in a different organizational culture and working environment
- Explore other opportunities on market that are not related directly to your project
- You have an opportunity to do in-depth due diligence
In Vmodev our partners are always welcome to join us and spend some time with us. When they are
here we provide them with a separate room for privacy where they can work or relax a bit.
Additional hidden benefit from visiting us is the great coffee place on the ground floor that serves
traditional Vietnamese coffee so delicious that will satisfy even the biggest coffee lovers.
And there you go, this were our 10 steps on how to find and work successfully with your outsourced
development partners. We hope that you have found them useful! What could we possibly add to
the list? Let us your thoughts on the matter.
Additional Resources:
Gurung, A. and Prater, E., 2006: "A research framework for the impact of cultural differences on IT
outsourcing." Journal of Global Information Technology Management, 9(1), pp.24-43


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Principal's Message
Indira Institute is an amalgamation of competent teachers, state-of-the-art infrastructure and an experienced and efficient administration. The Institute came into existence with the great vision of creating a safe and supportive environment for its students also to provide a holistic development of academics, sports, artistic with the social aspects. Learning must be a joy journey for what they strive. I feel honored to be the principal of Indira College of Engineering and Management, provides an opportunity to interact with the students, faculties, supporting staff regularly. While studying at the Indira College of Engineering and Management, the students would be groomed to become a confident, articulated and enlightened young citizen, ready to enter into global society with dignity, honor and integrity. We value individualism, creativity and innovation and strive to nurture them. In other words, our students are equipped to face the challenges of the rapidly changing world. We appreciate students who are creatively curious and strive to experiment & innovate new things on both academic and non-academic fronts. Our pedagogy is student – centric with emphasis on inquiry and project-based learning. We treasure dynamism and deem that one should be well prepared to adapt to the worldwide scenario and work on his learning accordingly. We aim not only to impart knowledge to the students but also to inculcate wisdom, compassion and a humanitarian spirit in them. We have student from a various culture, hence we teach students the importance of tolerance and respecting each other's culture. We have always closely worked with management industry & corporates and therefore offer our students close interactions with them in the form of in-house, on-site training. Discipline, values and integrity are the foremost foundation of this Institute that they would offer to the world with their excellence. It feels a great sense of community, where each member makes their own contribution as per the potential, which makes Indira Institutions a truly special place for them to work.
Dr. Sunil Admuthe
Principal , Indira College Of Engineering & Management .

subset: commoncrawl


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Philippine Airlines is the best! Plenty of legroom for tall people and the kind of service that is rare to see these days. Well okay, our flight was delayed by almost an hour which at 2am in the middle of the night is no fun at all. Our tummies were grumbling as we boarded the plane; a midnight snack was well overdue! But we were pleasantly surprised to receive immediate dinner service. And three hours later we also received breakfast! Love is ... food!
Our experience in the Philippines differs to our travels in other southeast Asian countries because we have an extended family member living near Manila. In an exceptionally generous gesture, Ronnie accompanied us everywhere, thus providing us an intimate knowledge of his country and customized transportation. It was great to finally meet him and very nice that we didn't have to think about the logistics of getting around.
Ronnie collected us from the airport and took us to our home base; a house owned by Dennis's uncle and his fiancée in nearby Marikina City. The house is a thin four stories tall with the topmost floor being an outdoor kitchen and eating area. The view is expansive in all directions and fantastic for enjoying cocktails and sunsets! The neighbourhood is lively and friendly; small houses clustered tightly together and everyone socializing in the street.
Jessie, a family member who lives in the house, took great care of us while we were there and cooked some amazing meals in this tiny kitchen!
One of the first things Ronnie did was take us to a hilltop viewpoint where we could look out toward the incredibly busy city of Manila. It was a very hazy day but the cloud of smog is typical. Manila has one of the poorest air qualities in the world and despite government intervention and various clean-up programs, there has been little improvement in the last ten years. It's very unfortunate that the poor air quality extends for miles in all directions.
Filipinos regularly do their shopping at crowded noisy, hot and humid markets, in stark contrast to what we're used to; a sterile supermarket environment. It was fascinating to move through the narrow aisles, watching people laugh and interact with the vendors. Very friendly, very helpful and very relaxed! There was an incredible variety of food and other items for sale, all housed under a massive tin roof with open sides. Much larger than any Walmart or Hypermarket!
We visited historic Rizal Park on a gorgeous day! This is a very large urban park in downtown Manila, popular with locals and tourists alike as a place to relax and meet friends. A refreshing breeze lifted the haze and cooled the temperatures sufficiently that we could appreciate the sunshine. This is winter! We succumbed to a pleasantly lazy afternoon; leisurely strolling the park, admiring the sights and impressed with the cleanliness of the place.
A monument enshrining the remains of national hero, José Rizal, is the symbolic focal point of the park. It's a flagship of freedom and courage for the Philippine nation and is protected by a 24-hour guard. Sombrely watching the changing of the guard we were reminded of a similar ceremonial routine in Washington DC - USA, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The admiration of courage and those fighting for freedom unites us all.
The park was once notorious for its public executions by the Spaniards and most famous of these was that of José Rizal. These statues depict his execution on the actual spot where it occurred.
The puffball fountains entertained us for a while!
Apparently rules are merely suggestions here too!
The park is also a popular gathering place to practice all kinds of sport, in this case a form of martial arts. The wooden sticks simulate more dangerous weapons such as swords.
Our first jeepney sightings. These colourful vehicles were initially US military jeeps left over from World War II. They are often lavishly decorated and we can't wait to have a ride in one!
Our first weekend ended with happy smiles and a good feeling about the time we were about to spend in the Philippines! We'd been warmly welcomed and the open friendliness of everyone was lovely. Looking out at the sunset over Manila Bay I quickly grabbed a passing tourist and to everyone's amusement, gave him precise directions on how to take this photograph of all of us!
From left to right:
Ronnie, Nicky, Jenica, Romalyn, Arra, Karen & Dennis
Note on current exchange rate: US$1.00 is about Philippine Peso P45 is about ZAR10.80


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I'm Therese one of the guests here at Some Odd Girl, I'm so horned to be a part in this awesome team. It's such a fabulous group of ladies with a lot of talent and encouragement.
Who am I?
I'm Therese soon 30 years old girl 😉 from Sweden. I'm living on the countryside with my husband and our two sons, Anton 6 years and Adam soon 4 years. I been crafting since forever 😉 but I bought my copics back in winter 2016 and was stuck. I love my copics and it's the best thing I bought in scrapbooking. When I scrapbook it's often cards but I also do layouts, mixed media and project life.
What I like about Some Odd Girls stamps is the variety of stamps, it's not just one character but a whole family. SOG's stamps has it all and it's hard to choose just one I like more. But right now I'm a sucker for space so this newbie from last month is a favorite.
The ones following me on different socialmedias knows I like to do galaxy/northenlights so this isn't any different. 😉
The card is colored in copics
Skin: E0000-000-00-21-11-04 R20-22-32
Eyes: YG11 B91-93-95-97
Hair: E40-41-43-44-49
Dress: B60 BV31-23 Blender
Gun/Backpack: N0-1-3 Blender
Reds: R22-29-46-59 C5
Helmet: BG0000-000 B00 (I took this over her whole face)
Sky: BG0000-000 B00 BG01 B69 BV08 C9 100 White gel pen and Distress inkpad BlackSoot
Have a great day!


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"Guy Walks Into a Bar Productions has acquired film rights to DreamCatcher Interactive's 2004 video game "Painkiller." The story centers on a character stranded between heaven and hell who's forced to become a pawn in the battle between good and evil. Ben McCaw will adapt the script, Jon Berg and Todd Komarnicki will produce…" (full details)
"Universal Pictures & Parent/Stuber have picked up former "Frasier" & "Larry Sanders" writers Peter Huyck and Alex Gregory's comedy spec "Pros." After a fire destroys a local YMCA's tennis courts, a local country club allows the kids to use its courts for the summer. Soon a rivalry develops between a hardworking blue-collar YMCA pro and a blue-blooded playboy country club pro…" (full details)
"Disney Pictures and Benderspink have picked up film rights to Scott Christian Sava's graphic novel "Pet Robots". The high-tech comedy follows futuristic robots that fall into the hands of the least likely people…" (full details)


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Patent application title: COATING COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
Naiyong Jing (Woodbury, MN, US)
Justin A. Riddle (St. Paul, MN, US)
Justin A. Riddle (St. Paul, MN, US)
Zhigang Yu (Shanghai, CN)
Zhigang Yu (Shanghai, CN)
Mingna Xiong (Shanghai, CN)
Zhengjun Wang (Shanghai, CN)
Yiwen Chu (Shanghai, CN)
Rui Pan (Hangzhou, CN)
George Van Dyke Tiers (St. Paul, MN, US)
Katherine A. Brown (Lake Elmo, MN, US)
Katherine A. Brown (Lake Elmo, MN, US)
3M Innovative Properties Company
IPC8 Class: AC09D17504FI
USPC Class:
Class name: Polymer derived from ethylenic reactants only from carboxylic acid or ester thereof monomer from ester derived from at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid and a saturated alcohol, e.g., methyl methacrylate, etc.
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Patent application number: 20130225760
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The present application is directed to a method of making an article. The
method comprises coating a composition to a surface of a substrate. The
coating composition comprises an aqueous continuous liquid phase, a
silica nano-particle dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase,
and a polymer latex dispersion. The coated substrate is then heated to at
least 300° C.
1. A method of making an article, the method comprising coating a
composition to a surface of a substrate, the composition comprising an
aqueous continuous liquid phase; a silica nano-particle dispersed in the
aqueous continuous liquid phase; and a polymer latex dispersion; and
heating the coated substrate to at least 300.degree. C.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle and the polymer latex dispersion form a core-shell particle.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle is a nominally spherical particle.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle is an elongated particle.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating composition comprises a blend of nominally spherical and elongated silica nano-particles.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle is a chain of nominally spherical particles.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle is a chain of elongated particles.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle is a chain of nominally spherical and elongated particles.
9. The method of claim 2 wherein each core-shell particle comprises a polymer core surrounded by a shell consisting essentially of nonporous nominally spherical silica particles disposed on the polymer latex core, wherein the nonporous nominally spherical silica particles have a volume average particle diameter of 60 nanometers or less.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the volume average particle diameter is 20 nanometers or less.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate surface comprises a glass panel.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the glass panel has a flat surface.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the glass panel has a structured surface.
14. The method of claim 11 comprising adding the coated glass panel to a photovoltaic cell to make a photovoltaic module.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is heated to at least 400.degree. C.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is heated to at least 500.degree. C.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is heated to at least 600.degree. C.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is heated to at least 700.degree. C.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the silica nano-particle is nonporous.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating composition has a pH of less than 6.
21. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating composition has a pH of between about 7 to about 13.
22. An article made by the method of claim 1.
[0001] The present disclosure broadly relates to compositions useful for coating a substrate, such as a glass panel.
[0002] There have been many efforts to develop compositions that can be applied to substrates to provide a beneficial protective layer with desirable properties such as one or more of easy cleaning, stain prevention, long lasting performance, antireflection, and the like. Many compositions developed for such applications rely on materials (for example, volatile organic solvents) that can present environmental issues and/or involve complex application processes. Further, problems relating to inadequate shelf-life continue to plague product developers of such compositions.
[0003] Accordingly, for many products a tradeoff of attributes is typically struck between the desired performance attributes, environmental friendliness of the materials, satisfactory shelf-life, and ease of use by a relatively unskilled user.
[0004] There remains a need for shelf-stable environmentally friendly compositions that can be coated on a substrate (for example, a glass panel) to provide long lasting protection from soil and stain accumulation and an antireflective surface, especially if they can be readily handled by a relatively unskilled user.
[0005] The present application is directed to a method of making an article. The method comprises coating a composition to a surface of a substrate. The coating composition comprises an aqueous continuous liquid phase, a silica nano-particle dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase, and a polymer latex dispersion. The coated substrate is then heated to at least 300° C.
[0006] In some embodiments, the silica nano-particle and the polymer latex dispersion form a core-shell particle.
[0007] The silica nano-particle is a nominally spherical particle, or an elongated particle, or a blend of nominally spherical and elongated silica nano-particles. In other embodiments the silica nano-particle is a chain of nominally spherical particles, a chain of elongated particles, or a chain of nominally spherical and elongated particles. There may also be a blend of chains and individual nano-particles.
[0008] In some embodiments, the substrate surface comprises a glass panel. The glass panel may have a flat surface or a structured surface. In some embodiments, the coated glass panel may be added to a photovoltaic cell to make a photovoltaic module.
[0009] Broad-band and low-cost inorganic antireflection (AR) coatings on substrates such as glass panels have been created. These coatings provide a significant increase in the transmission of glass panels, which, when used as the sun-facing surface of a photovoltaic module, translates into an increase in the sunlight received by photovoltaic cells in said photovoltaic module and an increase in the power output of the photovoltaic module. The AR coatings are wavelength independent across the entire visible region, thus showing no interference colors. These coatings exhibit dust release and dirt rinse-away by water properties, maintaining the transmission of light to the photovoltaic cell and the maintaining the power output of the photovoltaic module. Additionally, these coatings are aqueous based, and therefore environmentally friendly, and exhibit excellent weathering and environmental stability while providing improved coating uniformity.
[0010] The AR coatings of this application are made by applying aqueous dispersions of nano-particles which consist of spherical and/or non-spherical silica nano-particles combined with larger organic polymeric latex nano-particles. For the purpose of the present application, spherical includes nominally spherical particles. The resulting coatings are highly porous, especially after baking at elevated temperatures. Although highly porous, the single-layer AR coatings show excellent mechanical durability sufficient for commercial application. The nano-particles may be adhered to the larger organic polymeric latex particles, for example to form a core shell structured particle. The detailed preparation procedure and properties of these core-shell structured particles are disclosed in PCT Application US2010/027452 (Attorney Docket Number 65253WO003).
[0011] In this application:
[0012] the term "polyurethane" includes any polymeric material that has at least one polyurethane segment;
[0013] the term "polyurethane segment" refers to at least two urethane and/or urea groups that are connected by an organic group.
[0014] Compositions according to the present disclosure comprise an aqueous continuous liquid phase, a silica nano-particle dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase; and a polymer latex dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase. In certain embodiments, the silica nano-particle and the polymer latex dispersion form a core-shell particle. The core shell may be observed using techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and electron fluorescence transmission electron microscopy.
[0015] As used herein, the term "shell" refers to an assembly of nonporous nominally spherical or non-spherical silica particles disposed on and covering (for example, densely covering) the surface of a polymer core. The nonporous spherical silica particles may optionally be covalently bonded one to another.
[0016] The aqueous continuous liquid phase comprises at least 50 percent by weight of water; for example, the aqueous continuous liquid phase may comprise at least 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 percent by weight of water, or more. While the aqueous continuous liquid phase is preferably essentially free of (that is, contains less than 5 percent, for example less than 1 percent and in specific embodiments less than 0.1 percent by weight of based on the total weight of the aqueous continuous liquid phase) organic solvents, especially volatile organic solvents, organic solvents may optionally be included in a minor amount, such as 3 wt %, or 5 wt % and no more than 10 wt %, relative to the weight of the water of the aqueous phase, if desired. If present in the water of the aqueous phase, the organic solvents should preferably be water-miscible, or at least water-soluble in the amounts in which they are used, although this is not a requirement. Examples of organic solvents include acetone and lower molecular weight ethers and/or alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylene or propylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether, diethylene or dipropylene glycol methyl or ethyl ether, ethylene or propylene glycol dimethyl ether, and triethylene or tripropylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether, n-butanol, isobutanol, s-butanol, t-butanol, and methyl acetate.
[0017] Optionally the composition may comprise reactive organic compounds such as epoxysilane, mercapto silane, tetraalkoxysilane and its oligomers, and the like, intended to strengthen the coatings upon heating and curing. The weight percentages are not included in the totals for organic solvents. In order to minimize haze, the silica nano-particles have a volume average particle diameter (that is, a D50) of 60 nanometers (nm) or less, for example 20 nanometers. Generally, the silica particles have a volume average particle diameter in a range of from 2 to 60 nm, for example in a range of from 1 to 20 nm, and in specific embodiments in a range of from 2 to 10 nm. The silica particles may have any particle size distribution consistent with the above 60 nm volume average particle diameter; for example, the particle size distribution may be monomodal, bimodal or polymodal.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the silica nano-particle is nonporous. In some embodiments, the silica nano-particle is nominally spherical, and in other embodiments, the silica nano-particle is an elongated particle. In some embodiments, there is a blend of spherical and elongated particles. Nonporous spherical silica particles in aqueous media (sols) are well known in the art and are available commercially; for example, as silica sols in water or aqueous alcohol solutions under the trade designations LUDOX from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Wilmington, Del.), NYACOL from Nyacol Co. of Ashland, Mass., or NALCO from Nalco Chemical Co. of Naperville, Ill. One useful silica sol with a volume average particle size of 5 nm, a pH of 10.5, and a nominal solids content of 15 percent by weight, is available as NALCO 2326 from Nalco Chemical Co. Other useful commercially available silica sols include those available as NALCO 1115 and NALCO 1130 from Nalco Chemical Co., as REMASOL SP30 from Remet Corp. of Utica, N.Y., and as LUDOX SM from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
[0019] The nonspherical colloidal silica particles may have a uniform thickness of 5 to 25 nm, a length, D1 of 40 to 500 nm (as measured by dynamic light-scattering method) and a degree of elongation D1/D2 of 5 to 30, wherein D2 means a diameter in nm calculated by the equation D2=2720/S and S means specific surface area in m2/g of the particle, as is disclosed in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,497.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,497 discloses a method for producing acicular silica nano-particles by adding water-soluble calcium salt, magnesium salt or mixtures thereof to an aqueous colloidal solution of active silicic acid or acidic silica sol having a mean particle diameter of 3 to 30 nm in an amount of 0.15 to 1.00 wt. % based on CaO, MgO or both to silica, then adding an alkali metal hydroxide so that the molar ratio of SiO2/M2O (M: alkali metal atom) becomes 20 to 300, and heating the obtained liquid at 60 to 300° C. for 0.5 to 40 hours. The colloidal silica particles obtained by this method are elongate-shaped silica particles that have elongations of a uniform thickness within the range of 5 to 40 nm extending in only one plane.
[0021] The nonspherical silica sol may also be prepared as described by Watanabe et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,512. Briefly stated, the method comprises: (a) mixing an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble calcium salt or magnesium salt or a mixture of said calcium salt and said magnesium salt with an aqueous colloidal liquid of an active silicic acid containing from 1 to 6% (w/w) of SiO2 and having a pH in the range of from 2 to 5 in an amount of 1500 to 8500 ppm as a weight ratio of CaO or MgO or a mixture of CaO and MgO to SiO2 of the active silicic acid; (b) mixing an alkali metal hydroxide or a water-soluble organic base or a water-soluble silicate of said alkali metal hydroxide or said water-soluble organic base with the aqueous solution obtained in step (a) in a molar ratio of SiO2/M2O of from 20 to 200, where SiO2 represents the total silica content derived from the active silicic acid and the silica content of the silicate and M represents an alkali metal atom or organic base molecule; and (c) heating at least a part of the mixture obtained in step (b) to 60° C. or higher to obtain a heel solution, and preparing a feed solution by using another part of the mixture obtained in step (b) or a mixture prepared separately in accordance with step (b), and adding said feed solution to said heel solution while vaporizing water from the mixture during the adding step until the concentration of SiO2 is from 6 to 30% (w/w). The silica sol produced in step (c) typically has a pH of from 8.5 to 11.
[0022] Useful nonspherical silica particles may be obtained as an aqueous suspension under the trade name SNOWTEX-UP by Nissan Chemical Industries (Tokyo, Japan). The mixture consists of 20-21% (w/w) of acicular silica, less than 0.35% (w/w) of Na2O, and water. The particles are about 9 to 15 nanometers in diameter and have lengths of 40 to 300 nanometers. The suspension has a viscosity of <100 mPas at 25° C., a pH of about 9 to 10.5, and a specific gravity of about 1.13 at 20° C.
[0023] Other useful acicular silica particles may be obtained as an aqueous suspension under the trade name SNOWTEX-PS-S and SNOWTEX-PS-M by Nissan Chemical Industries, having a morphology of a string of pearls. The mixture consists of 20-21% (w/w) of silica, less than 0.2% (w/w) of Na2O, and water. The SNOWTEX-PS-M particles are about 18 to 25 nanometers in diameter and have lengths of 80 to 150 nanometers. The particle size is 80 to 150 by dynamic light scattering methods. The suspension has a viscosity of <100 mPas at 25° C., a pH of about 9 to 10.5, and a specific gravity of about 1.13 at 20° C. The SNOWTEX-PS-S has a particle diameter of 10-15 nm and a length of 80-120 nm.
[0024] Low- and non-aqueous silica sols (also called silica organosols) may also be used and are silica sol dispersions wherein the liquid phase is an organic solvent, or an aqueous organic solvent. In the practice of this invention, the silica sol is chosen so that its liquid phase is compatible with the intended coating composition, and is typically aqueous or organic solvent with a small amount of water. Ammonium stabilized acicular silica particles may generally be diluted and acidified in any order.
[0025] The polymer latex dispersion comprises any polymer that can be prepared as a latex, more typically as an alkaline pH stable latex. The term `latex" does not imply a rubbery character. Exemplary polymers include acrylic polymers, styrenic polymers, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene rubbers, polyurethanes (including urethane-acrylic polymers), polyesters, and polyamides. Preferably, the polymer is a film-forming polymer. The polymer may be thermosetting or thermoplastic. Preferably, the polymer comprises a polyurethane segment as in the case of a polyurethane or a urethane-acrylic polymer (which typically has polyurethane and polyacrylic segments). Suitable polymer latexes and methods for making them are widely known in the art, and many are commercially available.
[0026] Examples of commercially available polymer latexes include those aqueous aliphatic polyurethane and acrylic emulsions available as NEOREZ R-960, NEOREZ R-967, NEOREZ R-9036, and NEOREZ R-9699, NEOCRYL-A612, NEOCRYL-A6044 from DSM NeoResins, Inc. of Wilmington, Mass.; aqueous anionic polyurethane dispersions available as ESSENTIAL CC4520, ESSENTIAL CC4560, ESSENTIAL R4100, and ESSENTIAL R4188 from Essential Industries, Inc. of Merton, Wis.; polyester polyurethane dispersions available as SANCURE 843, SANCURE 898, and SANCURE 12929 from Lubrizol, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio; an aqueous aliphatic self-crosslinking polyurethane dispersion available as TURBOSET 2025 from Lubrizol, Inc.; and an aqueous anionic, co-solvent free, aliphatic self-crosslinking polyurethane dispersion, available as BAYHYDROL PR240 from Bayer Material Science, LLC of Pittsburgh, Pa.
[0027] Combinations of polymers may be included in the polymer dispersion. For example, an individual polymer core may comprise two or more polymers. Further, the composition may contain two types of polymer cores, each comprising a different type of polymer, for example, as would be obtained by mixing an acrylic latex and a polyurethane latex. Typically, the particles in the polymer latexes are substantially spherical in shape. Typically, the polymer core comprises one or more water-insoluble polymers, although this is not a requirement.
[0028] Useful polymer particle sizes include those typical of latexes and other dispersions or emulsions. Typical polymer particle sizes are in a range of from about 0.01 micrometers to 100 micrometers, preferably in a range of from 0.01 to 0.2 micrometers, (10 to 200 nm), although this is not a requirement.
[0029] Core-shell particles may typically be prepared from an alkaline pH stable polymer particle dispersion and an alkaline spherical silica sol. Some alkaline polymer particle dispersions become unstable upon acidification to pH values of 5 or less. Accordingly, it is unexpected that adding the alkaline nonporous spherical silica sol to the aqueous polymer particle dispersion, upon acidification, results in core-shell particles that are stable at low pH values.
[0030] To achieve shell formation the nonporous spherical silica particles should typically be smaller than the polymer core, although this is not a requirement. For example, the volume average particle diameter (D50) of the polymer particles may be on the order of at least about 3 times greater than the volume average particle diameter (D50) of the spherical silica particles. More typically, the volume average particle diameter of the polymer particles should typically be on the order of at least 5 times, at least 10 times, or even at least 50 times greater than the volume average particle diameter of the spherical silica particles. For typical polymer particle sizes, a weight ratio of the nonporous spherical silica particles to the one or more polymer particles is in a range of from 30:70 to 97:3, preferably 80:20 to 95:5, and more preferably 85:15 to 95:5.
[0031] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that during gradual acidification of such a dispersion of polymer particles (for example, latex particles) and nonporous spherical silica particles in the aqueous liquid vehicle, the nonporous spherical silica particles deposit on the surface of the polymer latex particles, eventually in sufficient quantity to form a shell (typically at least a monolayer of the spherical silica particles) that serves to stabilize the dispersion and to reduce or prevent agglomeration and precipitation of the polymer particles. It is further believed that upon addition of base to raise the pH, the nonporous spherical silica particles dissociate from the polymer latex particles and regenerate a mixture of the two types of particles.
[0032] Each core-shell particle comprises a polymer core surrounded by a shell that consists essentially of nonporous spherical silica particles disposed on the polymer core.
[0033] In addition, coating compositions according to the present disclosure may be acidic, basic or neutral. In certain embodiments, the coating composition has a pH of less than 6, for example less than 4, and in specific embodiments less than 3. In other embodiments, the coating composition has a pH of between 7 and 13, for example between 8 and 11. To facilitate handling, the coating compositions preferably have a pH of at most 1, more preferably at most 2. In some embodiments, for example, those involving an acid sensitive substrate, it may be preferable to adjust the pH to a value of from about 5 to about 7.5, for example 6.
[0034] The compositions may be acidified to the desired pH level with an acid having a pKa of less than 5, preferably less than 2.5, and more preferably less than 1. Useful acids include both organic and inorganic acids such as, for example, oxalic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, acetic acid, methoxyacetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, H2SO3, H3PO4, HCl, HBr, HI, HBrO3, HNO3, HClO4, H2SO4, CH3SO3H, CF3SO3H, CF3CO2H, and CH3OSO3H. Preferred acids include HCl, H2SO4, and H3PO4. Combinations of organic and inorganic acids may also be used. Using weaker acids having a pKa of greater than 5 may not result in a uniform coating having the desirable properties such as transmissivity, cleanability and/or durability.
[0035] Compositions according to the present disclosure may optionally include at least one surfactant. The term "surfactant" as used herein describes molecules with hydrophilic (polar) and hydrophobic (non-polar) segments on the same molecule, and which are capable of reducing the surface tension of the composition. Examples of useful surfactants include: anionic surfactants such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, polyethoxylated alkyl (C12) ether sulfate, ammonium salt, and salts of aliphatic hydrogen sulfates; cationic surfactants such as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides and di-tallowdimethylammonium chloride; nonionic surfactants such as block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene (7) lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene (9) lauryl ether, and polyoxyethylene (18) lauryl ether; and amphoteric surfactants such as N-coco-aminopropionic acid. Silicone surfactants and fluorochemical surfactants such as those available under the trade designation FLUORAD from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn., may also be used. If present, the amount of surfactant typically is in an amount of less than about 0.1 percent by weight of the composition, preferably between about 0.003 and 0.05 percent by weight of the composition.
[0036] The composition may also optionally contain an antimicrobial agent. Many antimicrobial agents are commercially available. Examples include those available as: Kathon CG or LX available from Rohm and Haas Co. of Philadelphia, Pa.; 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin; 2-phenoxyethanol; methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate; propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate; alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride; and benzisothiazolinone.
[0037] Compositions according to the present disclosure may be made by any suitable mixing technique. One useful technique includes combining an alkaline polymer latex with an alkaline spherical silica sol of appropriate particle size, and then adjusting the pH to the final desired level.
[0038] In some embodiments, the compositions are free of various impurities including nominally nonspherical silica particles, porous silica particles, and added crosslinkers (for example, polyaziridines or orthosilicates). Accordingly, some compositions according to the present disclosure may contain less than 0.1 weight percent or less than 0.01 weight percent of acicular silica particles, and, if desired, they may be free of acicular silica particles.
[0039] Compositions according to the present disclosure are useful, for example, for coating a substrate.
[0040] Suitable substrates may include, for example, glass and optical elements such as, for example, panels for photovoltaic modules, safety glass for motor vehicles, glass for window and architectural glazing, lenses and mirrors, ceramic (for example, ceramic tile), cement, stone, metal, and combinations thereof. Glass panels may be any glass composition that is used to produce tempered glass, including soda-lime silica glass and low-iron glass. Glass panels may have flat surfaces formed, for example by a float glass process, or they may have a surface structure that is textured, patterned or formed with a matte finish, as, for example, by roll processing. The term "heat resistant" refers to minimal temperature(s) required to provide a useful coating of this invention on the chosen substrate.
[0041] The substrates of the present application are especially useful in photovoltaic (PV) modules. In many photovoltaic module constructions, at least one photovoltaic cell is covered with a glass panel. The panel must allow transmission of sunlight in order to enable conversion of the full solar spectrum to electricity (power output). However, the reduction of light received by the PV cell is known to be as high as about 8% due to reflections at the glass-air interfaces when sunlight passes through a glass panel. Glass substrates also have a tendency to attract dirt, resulting in a further reduction in transmittance of the solar radiation. AR coatings of this application reduce reflections at a glass/air interface, and such antireflection and anti-soiling coatings on a PV module increase power output.
[0042] In some embodiments, compositions according to the present disclosure, when coated on a substrate and at least partially dried, provide improved cleanability by way of a reduced tendency to accumulate dirt and other contaminants. By "cleanable" it is meant that compositions according to the present disclosure, when dried and cured, provide a coating which is easier to clean by contacting with flowing water or a water spray to readily displace overlying contamination, thereby removing a substantial portion of the contamination from the coating. The water sheeting effect allows road spray, snow, slush dirt, and staining minerals in rainwater and in rinse water to substantially sheet out and run off the substrate surface, which significantly reduces the amount and the localized concentration of contaminants that are deposited after the water dries. Dust removal by air hosing and/or vacuum cleaning is facilitated by reduced attraction for particles.
[0043] In some embodiments, the composition provides an abrasion resistant layer that helps protect the substrate from damage from causes such as scratches, abrasion, and solvents.
[0044] The compositions are preferably coated on the article using conventional coating techniques, such as brush, bar, roll, wipe, curtain, rotogravure, spray, or dip coating techniques. Such application materials are preferably acid-resistant and may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic in nature, preferably hydrophilic. Coating techniques preferably result in a uniform coating of a controlled thickness. For example, coating thickness may be controlled in a dip coating process by various combinations of dip coating speeds and concentration and/or formulation of components in the coating composition. In another example, coating thickness may be controlled in a roll coating process by the selection of the roll, roll pressure, roll speed and concentration and /or formulation of components in the coating composition. In yet another example, coating thickness may be controlled in a rotogravure process by the selection of the gravure roll, roll speed and concentration and /or formulation of components in the coating composition. Preferably, the wet coating thickness is in the range of 0.5 to 50 micrometers, more preferably 1 to 20 micrometers. The wet coating thickness may be selected to optimize AR performance for a desired range of wavelengths, for example, the wavelength range over which a photovoltaic cell is most efficient. The coating composition generally contains between about 0.1 and 10 weight percent solids.
[0045] Dip coating studies related to coating thickness and % transmission were done with various dip coating speeds (30-50 mm/min), nano-particle concentrations (2.5-4.5%) and soak times (5-40 seconds). Soak times within these ranges had no effect on coating thickness. Coating thickness increased with increased dip speed within this range and the corresponding transmission increase shifted to longer wavelengths. Nano-particle concentration had a similar effect with increasing concentration causing increasing coating thickness and the corresponding transmission increase shifted to longer wavelengths.
[0046] The optimal average dry coating thickness is dependent upon the particular composition that is coated, but in general the average thickness of the dry composition coating thickness is between 0.05 to 5 micrometers, preferably 0.05 to 1 micrometer. In specific examples, the dry coating thickness was between about 0.1 and 0.25 micrometers.
[0047] Dry coating layer thicknesses may be higher, as high as a few microns or up to as much as 100 microns thick, depending on the application, such as for easy-clean of removal of undesired particulates, rather than antireflection. The mechanical properties may be expected to be improved when the coating thickness is increased.
[0048] For single layer coatings, it is known that in order to maximize light transmission in air through an optically transparent substrate, and minimize reflection by the substrate, the refractive index of the coating should equal as closely as possible the square root of the refractive index of the substrate and the thickness of the coating should be one-fourth (1/4) of the optical wavelength of the incident light. The voids in the coating provide a multiplicity of subwavelength interstices between the silica particles where the index of refraction (RI) abruptly changes from that of air (RI=1) to that of the metal oxide particles (e.g., for silica RI=1.44). By adjusting the porosity, a coating having a calculated index of refraction very close to the square root of the refractive index of the substrate can be created. By utilizing coatings having optimal indices of refraction, at coating thicknesses equal to approximately one-fourth the optical wavelength of the incident light, the percent transmission of light through the coated substrate is maximized and reflection is minimized.
[0049] After coating the surface of the substrate, the resultant article is heated and optionally subjected to a toughening process that includes heating at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature is generally at least 300° C., for example at least 400° C. In some embodiments, the heating process raises the temperature to a temperature equal to at least 500° C., at least 600° C., or at least 700° C. The temperature may be selected to cause the polymer latex from the dispersion to at least partially disappear, for example by thermal degradation. Generally, the substrate is heated for a time up to 30 minutes, up to 20 minutes, up to 10 minutes, or up to 5 minutes. The substrate surface may then be cooled rapidly, or variation of heating and cooling may be used to temper the substrate. For example, the optical element can be heated at a temperature in the range of 700° C. to 750° C. for about 2 to 5 minutes followed by rapid cooling.
[0050] The coating thickness after heating is in the range of 0.05 to 5 micrometer, preferably 90 to 350 nm, more preferably 100 to 250 nm. The coating thickness after heating may be selected to optimize AR performance for a desired range of wavelengths, for example, the wavelength range over which a photovoltaic cell is most efficient.
[0051] Preferably, compositions according to the present disclosure are stable when stored in the liquid form, for example, they do not gel, opacify, form precipitated or agglomerated particulates, or otherwise deteriorate significantly.
[0052] Objects and advantages of this disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this disclosure.
[0053] Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the invention intended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.
[0054] These abbreviations are used in the following examples: nm=nanometers, g=grams, min=minutes, hr=hour, mL=milliliter, hr=hour, sec=second, L=liter. All parts, percentages, or ratios specified in the examples are by weight, unless specified otherwise. If not otherwise indicated chemicals are available from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.
[0055] Spherical silica nano-particle dispersions used are commercially available from the Nalco Company, Naperville, Ill. under the trade designations "NALCO 8699" (2-4 nm) "NALCO 1115 (4 nm), "NALCO 1050" (20 nm). Nonspherical silica nano-particles dispersions used are commercially available under the trade designations "SNOWTEX OUP" and "SNOWTEX UP" from Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan). These nonspherical nano-particle dispersions are 15-16 wt. % of acicular silica, less than 0.03% wt % Na2O, and water. The particles are about 9 to 15 nm in diameter and have lengths of 40 to 100 nm. The suspensions have a viscosity of <20 mPas at 25° C., a pH of about 2-4, and a specific gravity of about 1.08-1.11 at 20° C.
[0056] 3-(glycidoxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane commercially available under the trade designation "KH560" (97%), was obtained from Zhejiang Chem-Tech Group Co., Ltd. Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, or from Dow Corning Company, Midland, Mich.
[0057] Polyurethane resins commercially available under the trade designations "NEOREZ R-960", "NEOREZ R961", "NEOREZ R9660" and acrylic resins commercially available under the trade designations "NEOCRYL A612" and "NEOCRYL A6044" were obtained from DSM Neoresins Co.
[0058] Alkyl polyglucoside surfactant commercially available under the trade designation "TRITON BG-10" was obtained from Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich. Linear alpha olefin sulfonate surfactant commercially available under the trade designation "POLYSTEP A-18" was obtained from Stepan Company (Northfield, Ill.).
[0059] Glass slides were obtained from Cardinal Glass (Eden Prarie, Minn.) and Primary low iron SOLITE glass (with smooth and rough sides) was obtained by CSG Holding Co. Ltd. (Shekou (Shenzhen), China)
Test Methods:
Glass Cleaning Procedure
[0060] Glass slides were obtained from Cardinal Glass (Eden Prarie, Minn.) and SOLITE was obtained by CSG Holding Co. Ltd. Their surfaces were cleaned with "ALCONOX" paste (Alconox, White Plains, N.Y.) by scrubbing with a paper towel and subsequently rinsed off with tap water and deionized water. The cleaned samples were then stored in deionized water ready for use.
Antireflection Coating Procedure
[0061] A clip with a freshly prepared glass slide was placed on a metal bar on a home-made dip coater (variable controlled screw-drive) or a KSV dip-coater (KSV Nima, Espoo, Finland). The slide was aligned so the sides were perpendicular to the lab bench top and the bottom was parallel to the lab bench top. The binder clips were secured with tape. The substrates were immersed in coating solutions and were gradually pulled out at an appropriate pulling speed. The coated samples were dried at room temperature for a few min and then heated at 120° C. for 5 min. Subsequently, the samples were subjected to elevated temperatures as indicated in the tables for 5 min and cooled to room temperature by air.
[0062] "SOLITE" glass was coated as with the glass slides above except that only one side was dipped (smooth side). The rough side was covered with a black adhesive tape. The taped glass was not allowed to sit in solution long or the tape would come off. After removing the tape residue was gently scrubbed away without getting the coating wet.
Transmission Measurements
[0063] Total transmittance measurements were made on a "HAZE-GARD DUAL" haze and transmittance meter (BYK-Gardner, Columbia, Md.). The % transmission was recorded or directly read from the instrument as the average of the solar daylight wavelength range (CIE D65 standard illuminant) according to ASTM D1003.
[0064] The light transmission spectrum from 400 to 1200nm was obtained with a "LAMDA 900" spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, Mass.)
Mechanical Durability Test
[0065] The mechanical durability was evaluated by a Wet Abrasion Scrub Tester (Sheen Instruments, Redhill, Surrey, England) using 1.4kg weight pressure with a crock cloth.
Pencil Hardness Test
[0066] The pencil hardness test was carried out with a test method for film hardness coating (ASTM D 3363) using an "Elcometer 3080". Abrasion was stopped when a "failure" occurs for a specific pencil hardness--a scratch or haziness. If there was no scraping trace by scratching the coating with a pencil trace, the coating was given a "pass" or else it failed. The pass and failure were further examined by microscope to determine if the pencil traces resulted from scratching.
Comparative Example 1
[0067] "NALCO 8699" silica nano-particles (40 g, 15 wt %) and deionized water (80 g) were stirred together in a glass jar for 15 min. Concentrated H3PO4 was dropped into the dispersion to adjust the pH value to 2.0. 2.12 g 3-(glycidoxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane ("KH560") was slowly added to the solution. Then the solution was heated to 60° C. and kept for 10 hrs. Coating solution concentrations were about 5 wt % and were used in the preparation of coating solutions. The modified "NALCO 8699" silica nano-particle dispersion solution (5.0 wt %, 75 mL) was diluted to 2.5 wt % with 75 mL deionized water, and subsequently mixed with "SNOWTEX OUP" dispersion (2.5 wt %, 150 mL, pH=2.5 pre-acidified with H3PO4) in a 1:1 ratio. "TRITON BG-10" surfactant (75 mg) was added to the final particle solutions. See Table 2 for % T.
Examples 1-44 in Table 1 and Examples in Tables 2-5: Preparation of Polyurethane/Silica and Acrylic/Silica Coating Solutions
[0068] Polyurethane "NEOREZ R-960", "NEOREZ 8961" and "NEOREZ R9660" latex dispersions were diluted with deionized water to 2.5 wt %, 3.0 wt %, 3.2 wt %, 4.0 wt % and 5 wt % individually. Nalco silica nano-particle dispersions "NALCO 8699" (2 nm-4 nm, 16.5%), "NALCO 1115" (4 nm, 16.5 wt %), "NALCO 1050" (22 nm, 50 wt %) and Nissan acicular nano-particle dispersions "SNOWTEX OUP" (15 wt %) and "SNOWTEX UP (15 wt %) were diluted to 2.5 wt % 3.0 wt %, 3.2 wt %, 4.0 wt % and 5 wt % with deionized water individually. The diluted polyurethane or acrylic dispersions were mixed with "NALCO 8699" (2 nm-4 nm, 16.5%), "NALCO 1115" (4 nm, 16.5 wt %), "NALCO 1050" (22 nm, 50 wt %) and Nissan nano-particle dispersions, "SNOWTEX OUP" and "SNOWTEX UP" respectively in ratios as described in the Tables. The resulting mixed dispersions were clear and their solutions were basic with pH values of 10-11. The mixed solutions were subsequently subjected to acid titration with 1N HCl, aqueous HNO3 or other aqueous inorganic acids to the desired pH values. The mixed dispersion solutions became slightly cloudy when the solution became acidic.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Antireflection Coatings Dried at 750° C. and Transmission Values Solution Average concentration Transmission transmission Example Composition (wt %) pH at 550 nm over 400-800 nm "SOLITE" glass N/A N/A N/A 91.44 91.49 with no coating 1 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 94.98 94.76 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 2 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.0 2.5 94.97 94.98 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 3 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 10.5 93.64 93.52 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 4 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 5.0 10.5 94.45 94.70 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 5 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 4.0 2.5 94.42 94.03 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 6 "NALCO 1115":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 94.21 94.00 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 7 "NALCO 1115":vSNOWTEX 3.0 2.5 95.07 94.85 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 8 "NALCO 1115":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 94.37 94.28 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 9 "NALCO 1115":"SNOWTEX 3.5 2.5 94.56 94.46 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 10 "NALCO 8699":"NEOREZ 2.5 2.5 95.02 94.84 R961" 90:10 11 "NALCO 8699":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 95.51 95.25 R961" 90:10 12 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 93.61 93.81 OUP":"NEOREZ R960" 42.5:42.5:15 13 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 93.32 93.41 OUP":"NEOREZ R960" 40:40:20 14 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 94.91 95.11 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 45:45:10 15 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 93.80 93.95 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 42.5:42.5:15 16 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 93.0 93.10 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 40:40:20 17 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 94.55 94.62 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 42.5:42.5:15 19 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 93.41 93.52 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 42.5:42.5:15 20 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 92.86 92.90 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 40:40:20 21 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 94.66 94.49 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 47.5:47.5:5 22 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 95.38 95.10 OUP:"NEOREZ R960"46.25:46.25:7.5 23 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 94.50 94.48 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 47.5:47.5:5 24 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 95.16 94.88 OUP:"NEOREZ R961"46.25:46.25:7.5 25 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 3.2 2.5 93.66 93.57 OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 27 "NALCO 1115":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 93.71 93.62 R961" 90:10 29 "NALCO 8699":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 94.25 94.31 R960" 90:10 30 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 95.55 95.15 OUP:"NEOREZ R961" 45:45:10 31 8699:Snowtex- oup:R9660 2.5 2.5 95.08 94.88 45:45:10 31 "NALCO 8699":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 95.25 94.96 R960" 45:45:.10 32 "NALCO 8699":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 95.41 95.20 R960" 63:27:10 34 "NALCO 8699":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 94.67 94.87 R960" 27:63:10 35 "NALCO 1115":"NEOREZ 3.0 2.5 94.65 94.45 R960" 80:20 36 "NALCO 1115":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 95.09 94.88 R960" 80:20 37 "NALCO1115":"NEOREZ 3.5 2.5 95.27 95.01 R960" 80:20 38 "NALCO 1115":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 94.21 94.00 R960" 90:10 39 "NALCO 1115":"NEOREZ 3.2 2.5 95.09 94.84 R960" 85:15 40 "NALCO 1115":"NALCO 2.5 2.5 94.10 93.95 1050":"NEOREZ R960" 63:27:10 41 "NALCO 1115":"NEOCRYL 3.0 2.5 94.66 94.46 A612" 90:10 42 "NALCO 1115":"SNOWTEX 3.0 2.5 94.53 94.36 OUP:"NEOCRYL A612" 45:45:10 43 "NALCO 8699":"SNOWTEX 5.0 10.5 94.79 94.22 OUP:"NEOCRYL A6044" 40:40:20 44* "NALCO1115"/"SNOWTEX 2.5 2.5 94.76 93.61 OUP"/"NEOREZ R960" NOTES: All the dispersion solutions contain 1 wt % of "POLYSTEP A-18" surfactant leveling agent, based on the solid content of the core-shell nano-particles. "POLYSTEP A-18" was added to the solutions prior to acidification. Dip Coating speed was 38 mm/min, soaking time was 20 sec. Coated samples were heated at 120° C. for 5 min and subsequently baked at 750° C. for 5 min *EXCEPT example 44 which was heated to 400° C. for 5 min. "SOLITE" glass was used for all testing
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of Polymer Latex on Coatings and Transmission Values Average increase Average increase in transmittance in transmittance Solution from 400-800 nm from 400-800 nm concentration after drying after baking at Example (wt %) at 120° C. 700° C. for 5 min. Comparative 1 2.5 2.60% 2.90% Example 1 2.5 3.60% 3.40% (with polymer latex) NOTES: Dip Coating speed was 38 mm/min, soaking time was 20 sec. "SOLITE" glass was used for all testing. Coatings dried at 120° C. for 5 min and then subsequently heated at 750° C. for 5 min.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Hardness and Transmission Values of Acrylic/Silica and Polyurethane/Silica Average transmission of 500 nm- Average 900 nm after Dip transmission Linear Speed of 500 nm- Abrasion Pencil Composition (cm/min) 900 nm test Hardness "NALCO 45 94.66 93.96 3H 1115"/"NEOCRYL A612" 90:10 (3.0 wt %) "NALCO 50 95.20 94.60 3H 1115"/"NEOREZ R960" 90:10 (2.4 wt %) NOTES: Linear Abrasion data after 20 cycles with Crock cloth at 30 cycles/mm and 1400 g. The solutions do not contain "POLYSTEP A-18". Coated samples were heated at 120° C. for 5 min and subsequently baked at 700° C. for 5 min. "SOLITE" glass was used for all testing.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Epoxysilane additive Average Average trans- transmission of Epoxy mission 500-900 nm silane over 500- after Linear Mechanical Composition additive 900 nm Abrasion Test Durability "NALCO N/A 95.06 94.46 Slightly 8699": scratched "SNOWTEX after 50 OUP:"NEOREZ cycles R960" 45:45:10 (3.2 wt %) "NALCO "KH560" 95.03 94.60 No scratch 8699": (5 wt %) after 50 "SNOWTEX cycles OUP:"NEOREZ R960" 45:45:10 (3.0 wt %) NOTES: The above experiments were conducted according to EX1 but in addition "KH560" in ethanol (10 wt %) was added to the solution. The solutions contain 1% "POLYSTEP A-18". Mechanical durability evaluated using a paper towel and hand rubbing for 50 cycles.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Effect of Heating Temperature on Coated Samples Heating Temp (° C.) of Peak Dip coated ΔT and ΔT at Avg ΔT over Formulation Ratio Speed sample nm 550 nm 500-900 nm "NALCO (9:1) 45 700 7.98, 7.44 7.13 1115"/"NEOREZ 597 R960" "NALCO (9:1) 45 250 5.87, 5.75 5.09 1115"/"NEOREZ 756 R960" "NALCO (9:1) 40 250 6.81, 6.11 5.60 1115"/"NEOREZ 656 R960" "NALCO (17:3) 45 700 7.81, 7.77 7.18 1115"/"NEOREZ 688 R960" "NALCO (17:3) 45 250 4.47, 3.29 2.65 1115"/"NEOREZ 853 R960" "NALCO (17:3) 40 250 6.29, 6.24 5.59 1115"/"NEOREZ 732 R960" "NALCO (8:2) 44 700 7.28, 4.37 3.76 1115"/"NEOREZ 899 R960" "NALCO (8:2) 40 700 7.65, 6.50 5.76 1115"/"NEOREZ 855 R960" "NALCO (8:2) 35 700 7.50, 5.98 5.31 1115"/"NEOREZ 893 R960" "NALCO (8:2) 32 700 8.00, 7.95 7.36 1115"/"NEOREZ 678 R960" "NALCO (8:2) 30 250 2.24, 2.19 1.91 1115"/"NEOREZ 674 R960" "NALCO (9:1:1%) 40 250 4.91, 4.55 3.97 1115"/"NEOREZ 671 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (9:1:1%) 45 700 6.46, 5.21 4.83 1115"/"NEOREZ 578 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (9:1:1%) 50 700 7.31, 7.29 6.70 1115"/"NEOREZ 691 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (8.5:1.5:1%) 35 250 2.43, 1.55 1.23 1115"/"NEOREZ 567 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (8.5:1.5:1%) 40 250 5.87, 5.74 5.00 1115"/"NEOREZ 766 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (8.5:1.5:1%) 45 700 7.57, 7.55 7.03 1115"/"NEOREZ 669 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (8.5:1.5:1%) 50 700 6.76, 6.18 5.58 1115"/"NEOREZ 601 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (8:2:1%) 30 250 -1.94, -1.95 -2.87 1115"/"NEOREZ 717 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" "NALCO (8:2:1%) 32 700 8.29, 8.03 7.53 1115"/"NEOREZ 627 R960"/"POLYSTEP A18" NOTES: "POLYSTEP A-18" (1% based on total solids) and glass slides coated on both sides were used in all samples. Concentration was 3.0 wt. % in all samples.
[0069] Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.
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Anyway, just a few things.
Yay! Heather Ross Far Far Away III! I could only afford 1/2-yard of each of the fabrics shown because the prices are insane, but worth it. What should I make? I'm still on the fence about having kids, and I'm convinced I'll only get boys (curses!), so I'm hesitant to make something and put it away. Any ideas? Truth be told, I'll probably just make Ice Cream tops out of them and call it a day.
Shameless, free promotion: I bought the Girls with Horses print at Pink Chalk Fabrics, and the other three are from Alewives Fabrics. I love Alewives because Rhea, the owner, is pretty much living out my dream, owning a fabric store with her mom and being awesome. Sigh. One day.
Also, in an effort to make myself feel better, I took advantage of the Ann Taylor Loft sale online last week. Did you know that I have, like, five different sizes from that dumb store in my closet right now, and they all fit? Tell me, how does that make sense?
That's me at the office today in my new embellished linen shift. I love linen but it'd be so much better if it wasn't a mess as soon as I sat down. I don't know where that pimple came from, because it wasn't there when I was doing my make up this morning. Anyway, I just wanted to show off the beading. Full disclosure: I was totally wearing Spanx under that (I said it fits, not that it fits well! Or maybe it fits a little too well...)
Anyway, I've gotta figure out what to eat that won't make me feel bad for missing out on the taste. Oatmeal? Lame.


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Our Caucasus Energy Efficiency Programme (CEEP) has been highly successful in recent years. Thousands of clients have already benefited from CEEP through EBRD partner banks. For this reason it has expanded to other countries, including Azerbaijan, where we officially launched our local programme in November 2014. The country's boom in oil and gas will not last forever, so by participating in CEEP Azerbaijan is preparing for the future and helping to boost the potential for energy savings.
High energy intensity can be a stumbling block for firms facing stiff international competition. This is where CEEP comes in: it provides credit lines totalling US$ 125 million, which local partner banks use to help companies and private households finance sustainable energy investments.
The programme is supported by the EU's Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) which offers incentive payments to those investing into energy efficiency. The Austrian Ministry of Finance is funding consultants who advise potential borrowers on the best solution for reducing their energy consumption.


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Bellamy Harrison Animal Hospital's current location consists of 5,000 square feet and was constructed in 1997.
Dental disease causes more unrecognized suffering and general ill health in pets than any other health issue. Our veterinarians and technicians have all taken advanced training in veterinary dentistry, including dental x-rays.
Recovering animals benefit from fresh air. So when weather permits hospitalized pets are allowed to exercise in outdoor kennelling.
Bellamy Harrison Animal Hospital is a mixed animal practice and takes great pride in caring for all types of animals.


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