1. What is laminated glass?
Laminated glass is a remarkable innovation in the field of safety glass, created by sandwiching a core layer between two layers of glass. This unique construction not only enhances the durability of the glass but also significantly increases its strength compared to conventional glass. The interlayer used for laminated glass is commonly Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas Plus (SGP). Laminated glass serves as a multifaceted shield, providing protection against harmful UV rays, disruptive noise, and potential impacts.
Each type of laminated glass offers distinct properties and advantages that cater to various needs and applications. PVB and SGP interlayers are the two leading choices for laminated glass solutions, here we will explore the differences between PVB and SGP laminated glass, covering their features, advantages, applications and etc.
2. PVB Interlayer vs. SGP Interlayer
- PVB Interlayer
PVB, an acronym for Polyvinyl Butyral, is a thermoplastic material that serves as the interlayer in PVB laminated glass. This transparent, flexible, and robust material thrives in high-impact scenarios and endures extreme temperatures. PVB has been continuously improved over the past 67 years and has become the favorite material for safety laminated glass. It provides many advantages for laminated glass: safety, anti-theft and anti-riot, noise reduction, energy-saving and sunlight control, aesthetics, preventing interior furniture color fading, etc.
The thickness of the PVB interlayer varies, usually measured in millimeters (mm). The standard thickness sits at 0.38mm, 0.76mm, 1.14mm, 1.52mm and etc.
- SGP Interlayer
DuPont SentryGlas@Plus (SGP) interlayer film is a laminated glass interlayer film with significant innovation developed by DuPont. SGP film greatly expands the performance of laminated glass. SGP is specifically designed to meet the needs of today's construction industry. It has the same crushing safety and fragment retention ability asl PVB film, but can greatly improve the anti-collision performance, anti-theft and anti-riot performance, and anti-disaster performance of safety glass.
The thickness of the SGP interlayer are commonly in 0.89mm, 1.52mm, 2.28mm, 2.53mm, and 3.04mm, etc.
MIGO Laminated Glass Workshop & equipment
3. The Differences Between PVB and SGP Laminated Glass
- Strength and Stiffness
SGP laminated glass is five times stronger and up to 100 times stiffer than PVB laminated glass. At the same thickness, the SGP interlayer film has a tear strength of 5 times that of PVB and can be bonded to the glass in the case of tearing without causing the entire glass to fall. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high structural integrity.
- Safety and Security
The SGP laminated glass is five times stronger and up to 100 times stiffer than PVB laminated glass. The SGP glass will stay standing when both sides are broken as compared to "PVB" it will fall or break when both sides have become damaged. That's why designers like to use SGP laminated glass for applications that face bad weather like storms, hurricanes, and cyclones, and also for some places with war or need high security.
- Weather Resistance
SGP laminated glass offers excellent weatherability, making it suitable for exterior applications. It is highly resistant to moisture and UV exposure. PVB laminated glass is also UV resistant but tends to absorb moisture over time, which can lead to delamination, especially in exposed edges.
- Clarity and Stability
The SGP yellow index is smaller than 1.5, while normally the PVB yellow index is 6-12, which means that after long-term use, especially under the sun and rain circumstances, the PVB glass more easily becomes yellow than SGP glass. So the SGP laminated glass is much clearer than PVB laminated glass.
- Cost
SGP laminated glass is generally more expensive than PVB laminated glass due to its superior properties. While PVB laminated glass is more cost-effective and widely used in standard applications.
- Applications
SGP laminated glass is ideal for high-stress applications like hurricane-resistant windows, skylights, and structural glass walls. And some buildings need high aesthetic performance, so the SGP laminated glass with ultra-clear glass is the first choice. While, PVB laminated glass is commonly used in automotive windshields, interior applications, and areas where sound insulation is important.
4. Choosing the Right Laminated Glass
When selecting between PVB and SGP laminated glass, consider your project's specific needs. Key factors include:
- Safety
SGP is preferable for windows and public spaces for high-impact resistance.
- Security
SGP provides superior protection against forced entry and threats, ideal for secure facilities.
- Environmental Factors
SGP excels in extreme weather, while PVB is better for sound insulation and UV protection.
- Aesthetics
PVB offers more design flexibility with colors and textures.
- Budget
PVB is typically more cost-effective, making it a good choice for budget-conscious projects without sacrificing essential features.
5. Conclusion
SGP laminated glass boasts a tear strength that is five times greater than standard PVB and a hardness that is 100 times higher. Its superior strength, high transparency, durability, diverse structures, and flexible installation make it well-suited for the demanding standards of today's construction market. SGP also enhances bulletproof glass performance while reducing thickness compared to regular PVB laminated glass.
For applications where retaining the glass within the frame is crucial, SGP laminated glass is ideal. It remains intact even after impact, making it suitable for zeniths, canopies, and similar structures. Additionally, SGP offers greater stability, a longer lifespan, and excellent weather resistance and edge stability.
