GLASS LAMINATION

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by an interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), 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. Skylight glazing and automobile windshields typically use laminated glass. 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 is significantly improves sound attenuation compared to unlaminated glass panes of the same thickness. For this purpose a special “acoustic PVB” compound is used for the interlayer. An additional property of laminated glass for windows is that a PVB interlayer blocks essentially all ultraviolet radiation.