FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: disclosed is a method of making a heat treated coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. The method includes a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer consisting of or containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film consisting of zinc oxide which is subjected to ion beam treatment with at least carbon ions. It has been found that the ion beam treatment improves the shelf-life of the product prior to heat treatment. After and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like), the protective film may be removed. The invention also relates to a coated article consisting of or containing DLC and a protective film consisting of zinc oxide.
EFFECT: longer shelf life of the article.
19 cl, 4 dwg
