LAMINATED GlASS

Laminated glass is a type of glass that consists of two or more layers of glass with a special layer in between called polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This PVB layer acts as a sort of glue, holding the glass layers together. The glass can be regular glass or stronger versions like tempered or heat-strengthened glass.

The special thing about laminated glass is that if it breaks, the pieces of glass tend to stick to the PVB layer instead of falling apart. This reduces the risk of getting injured by falling glass and also helps to prevent further damage from impacts or bad weather. Laminated glass is commonly used in places where safety, security, noise control, or protection from harmful UV rays is important.

The most common use of laminated glass is in car windshields, which helps to keep passengers safe in case of an accident.

ADVANTAGES

Laminated glass has several advantages compared to regular glass:

• Safety: Laminated glass doesn't shatter into sharp pieces like regular glass. Instead, it absorbs impact and remains intact even if it breaks. This helps to prevent injuries and keeps the glass in place.
• Security: Laminated glass provides a barrier against forced entry. Even if someone tries to break the glass with a hammer or other objects, the inner layer of the glass resists penetration, making it difficult for intruders to enter quickly and quietly.
• Noise Control: Glass is a good barrier to noise, and laminated glass can help reduce unwanted sounds from outside. It provides better sound insulation compared to regular glass, making it suitable for places where noise reduction is important, such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and residences.
• UV Protection: Laminated glass blocks around 90% of the sun's harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and damage to interior furnishings. Reducing UV radiation helps protect furniture and other items inside buildings from fading.
• Durability: Laminated glass retains its color and strength for a long time. It is resistant to deterioration and can withstand various weather conditions. It is also easy to clean, just like regular glass.
• Fire Resistance: While standard laminated glass is not fire-resistant, it doesn't disintegrate easily when exposed to heat. This means it can help confine a fire for a longer time, giving people more time to evacuate and control the fire.

APPLICATIONS

Laminated glass is used in various applications, including curtain walls, overhead glazing, aquariums, and windows in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, libraries, museums, airport terminals, and residential and apartment buildings. It can also be specially designed to provide bullet resistance, meeting specific ballistic tests for security purposes.