Common Laminated Glass (Triplex Glass) is a type of safety glass that consists of two or more glass layers bonded by an interlayer, commonly made of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). Originally developed in 1903, laminated glass was patented in 1910 and has evolved significantly, especially with advancements by companies like Saint Gobain and Dupont. The laminated structure keeps the glass layers together upon impact, providing an added level of safety by preventing shattering into sharp fragments.
Triplex Glass Composition and Production
Material: Laminated glass is created by bonding layers of glass with a PVB interlayer, which holds the glass in place if broken.
Process: The glass layers are combined with PVB in an autoclave, where heat and pressure form a strong bond between the layers.
Structure Options: Laminated glass is coded based on thickness and number of interlayers (e.g., 33.1 for two 3mm glass layers with one 0.38mm PVB layer).
Variability: Laminated glass can incorporate different types of glass (e.g., colored, low-emissivity, extra-clear) and various PVB colors for aesthetic and functional customization.
Common Laminated Glass Key Advantages
Safety:
Upon impact, laminated glass breaks without scattering, as the PVB holds fragments in place, reducing injury risk.
This makes laminated glass suitable for applications in high-traffic areas, vehicles, and spaces requiring shatter-resistant barriers.
Protection:
Laminated glass offers passive security by delaying break-ins, as the glass remains intact after initial impact. The PVB layer makes it harder to fully penetrate, deterring burglars.
It helps protect property and interiors from weather exposure even after breakage.
Sound Insulation:
The PVB interlayer provides sound-dampening properties, making laminated glass effective at reducing noise from traffic, airplanes, and other sources.
This acoustic benefit is valuable in residential, commercial, and public buildings near high-noise areas.
UV Protection:
Laminated glass can block up to 99% of UV radiation, protecting interiors from fading and potential health hazards.
This UV barrier makes laminated glass ideal for storefronts, homes, and spaces with valuable furnishings or artwork.
Properties
Impact Resistance: Laminated glass is not necessarily stronger than standard glass in terms of fracture resistance but holds together when broken.
Thermal and UV Stability: It maintains stability between -10°C to +45°C, with UV resistance that prevents discoloration over time.
Sound and Thermal Insulation: PVB interlayers improve sound insulation, and laminated glass can be combined with insulating glass to enhance thermal efficiency.
Aesthetic Flexibility: Laminated glass is available in a variety of colors and transparencies, enabling decorative uses while maintaining safety features.
Applications of Common Laminated Glass
Architectural Glazing: Curtain walls, balustrades, and skylights.
Public Spaces: Schools, gyms, hospitals, and transportation terminals.
Security-Sensitive Locations: Banks, embassies, and prisons.
Residential and Commercial Interiors: Windows, partitions, staircases, and shower enclosures.
Soundproofing Applications: Ideal for buildings near busy roads or airports.
Common laminated glass (Triplex) combines safety, durability, and design flexibility. Its unique PVB interlayer keeps fragments together upon impact, provides sound insulation, and blocks UV radiation. Widely used across architectural, residential, and commercial applications, laminated glass meets security and aesthetic demands, ensuring safety while offering diverse design options.
