Method for providing mirror surfaces with protective strippable polymeric film

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:863564

Edwards, Charlene C ^[1]; Day, Jack R ^[2]

---

1. Powell, TN
2. Oak Ridge, TN

This invention is a method for forming a protective, strippable, elastomeric film on a highly reflective surface. The method is especially well suited for protecting diamond-machined metallic mirrors, which are susceptible not only to abrasion and mechanical damage but also to contamination and corrosion by various fluids. In a typical use of the invention, a diamond-machined copper mirror surface is coated uniformly with a solution comprising a completely polymerized and completely cured thermoplastic urethane elastomer dissolved in tetrahydrofuran. The applied coating is evaporated to dryness, forming a tough, adherent, impermeable, and transparent film which encapsulates dust and other particulates on the surface. The film may be left in place for many months. When desired, the film may be stripped intact, removing the entrapped particulates and leaving no residue on the mirror surface.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4199620
• OSTI ID: 863564
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
providing
mirror
surfaces
protective
strippable
polymeric
film
forming
elastomeric
highly
reflective
surface
especially
suited
protecting
diamond-machined
metallic
mirrors
susceptible
abrasion
mechanical
damage
contamination
corrosion
various
fluids
typical
copper
coated
uniformly
solution
comprising
completely
polymerized
cured
thermoplastic
urethane
elastomer
dissolved
tetrahydrofuran
applied
coating
evaporated
dryness
tough
adherent
impermeable
transparent
encapsulates
dust
particulates
left
months
desired
stripped
intact
removing
entrapped
leaving
residue
mirror surfaces
highly reflective
polymeric film
solution comprising
reflective surface
mirror surface
coated uniformly
various fluid
trapped particulate
/427/134/359/428/