Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by a clear vinyl interlayer between its two or more layers of glass. The interlayer keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces. This produces a characteristic spider web cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass. Laminated glass is normally used when there is a possibility of human impact or where the glass could fall if shattered and also for architectural applications such as in skylight glazing. In geographical areas requiring hurricane-resistant construction, laminated glass is often used in exterior storefronts, curtain walls and windows. Laminated glass is also used to increase the sound insulation rating of a window, where it significantly improves sound deadening compared to non-laminated glass panes of the same thickness. An additional property of laminated glass for windows is that the interlayer can block up to 99.9% of UV rays.
How is laminated glass produced?
The set of glass is treated through a process intended to expel air pockets and then it is heated for an initial round of melting. After this, the glass is heated under pressure to create a finished bound product. Laminated glass can be made stronger by adding layers making the end product thicker. The plastic layer of the film does give the glass a stretchable quality: The laminated glass has just enough give and stick in it to hold the glass in place if it were to break. When laminated glass was originally invented it was designed for use in car windshields to reduce the number of injuries in car accidents. If the glass is dealt a high-intensity impact, one side of the glass can shatter without causing the other side to shatter. Even if the glass does break on either side the pieces will stay together. Laminated glass is probably best known as “safety glas”.
