Optical member with layer having a coating geometry and composition that enhance cleaning properties

Abstract

An improved transparent optical member, preferably a glass sheet, comprising a nanostructure layer with an enhanced geometry and a balance of chemical (hydrophobic and hydrophilic) characteristics can be formed on a surface. The geometry and chemistry of the layer combine to obtain improved washability. The layer can be manufactured by forming a layer comprising a silicon compound coating, including a silicon oxide coating, a silicon carbide coating, a silicon nitride coating or mixtures thereof. The coating can have a having a thickness of about 1 to 100 nm (10 meter). The layer has a preferred roughens from a random or ordered array of structure. The layer can be doped with di tri or polyvalent metal compounds. Such coatings have been found to have increased washability and such coatings have been found to preferentially bind to aqueous solutions applied to the glass. The hydrophilicity and preferential binding to aqueous solutions (wetability) tends to displace any soil deposited or contacted with the glass surface. As a result, the glass tends to associate with aqueous solutions and to disassociate soil when contacted with aqueous solutions substantially increasing the ease of cleaning the glass surface using water, aqueous cleaning solutions, etc.