Laminated glass

Laminated glass (LG) is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. The interlayer, made through heat and pressure, 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. The thermoset EVA offers a complete bounding (cross-linking) with the material whether it is glass, polycarbonate, PC, or other types of products.

Laminated glass is used for architecture, glazing, automobile safety, photovoltaic, UV protection, and artistic expression. The most common use of laminated glass is skylight glazing and automobile windshields. 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 because it significantly improves sound attenuation compared to monolithic glass panes of the same thickness. For this purpose, a special "acoustic PVB" compound is used for the interlayer. In the case of the EVA material, no additional acoustic material is required, since the EVA provides sound insulation. TPU is an elastic material, so sound absorption is intrinsic to its nature. ;

What is PDLC smart glass?

PDLC stands for polymer-dispersed liquid crystals which can be engineered into end-products such as smart windows, smart glass displays, and smart consumer electronics, giving privacy, security, and energy efficiency.

The smartness of PDLCs is a result of their ability to change their transparency (technically called the "transmittance" when an electrical stimulus is applied to them. This is normally by way of an alternating voltage, which exerts an alternating electric field across the PDLC material. Nevertheless, the PDLC is only as smart as the control system which stimulates the change, which can be driven by a push-button switch, a light sensor, or a building automation system.

What are the major reasons for using PDLC smart glass?

Enhanced security (since the glass is shatter-proof thanks to the internal plastic lamination)

Privacy (thanks to the scattering of light, essentially hiding whatever is behind the smart glass)

Glare reduction (again thanks to the scattering effect)

Reduction of the carbon footprint of the building thanks to the solar control, which reduces HVAC needs, both in summer and winter

Reduced color fading of interior furnishings and artworks, thanks to the rejection of UV

Creative marketing, since when the PDLC smart glass is off, the scattering effect creates a screen upon which you can project images.