Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas Plus (SGP) between two layers of glass. Laminated glass is stronger and lasts longer than regular glass because of how it is put together. It also protects against UV light and keeps out noise.

PVB and SGP are the two most commonly used materials for laminated glass, but they have different properties and are used in different applications. In this article, we’ll look at the main differences between PVB laminated glass and SGP laminated glass, including their advantages, uses, and physical properties. We’ll also compare the two kinds of laminated glass and give advice on how to choose the right one for a given use.

Properties of PVB Laminated Glass

PVB, or polyvinyl butyral, is a thermoplastic material that is used as the interlayer in laminated glass. It is a transparent, flexible, and durable material that is able to withstand high impacts and extreme temperatures. 

The thickness of the PVB interlayer can vary, and it is usually measured in millimeters (mm). The standard thickness of the PVB interlayer is 0.38mm, but it can be as thick as 1.52mm. The thicker the PVB interlayer, the stronger the laminated glass will be.

<

The advantages of PVB laminated glass include:

• UV protection: PVB laminated glass can block up to 99% of UV rays, which can help protect interiors from fading and deterioration.
• Sound insulation: PVB interlayer can dampen sound waves, which can help reduce noise pollution and improve the acoustics of a space.
• Impact resistance: PVB laminated glass can hold the glass together even if it is broken, which can increase safety in the event of an accident.
• Enhanced security: PVB laminated glass can be made to be resistant to bullets, bombs, and being broken into.

Applications of PVB laminated glass include:

• Automotive industry: PVB laminated glass is used in car windshields, side windows, and rear windows to provide added safety in the event of a collision.
• Architectural glazing: PVB laminated glass is used in skylights, curtain walls, and other building applications to provide natural light while also protecting against UV rays and reducing noise.
• Safety glazing: PVB laminated glass is used in schools, hospitals, and other public buildings to provide added protection against accidental injury.
• Decorative and artistic applications: PVB laminated glass can be used to create unique, intricate designs and patterns that can be used in a variety of settings.

Properties of SGP Laminated Glass

SGP, or SentryGlas Plus, is a material that is used as the interlayer in laminated glass. It is a clear, strong, and durable material that can withstand high impacts and extreme temperatures. The thickness of the SGP interlayer can vary, but the standard thickness of the SGP interlayer is 125 µm. However, it can be as thick as 250 µm.

The key advantages of SGP laminated glass include:

• Impact resistance: SGP laminated glass can hold the glass together even if it is broken, which can increase safety in the event of an accident, making it the perfect choice for use in vehicle windows.
• Enhanced security: SGP laminated glass can be designed to be bullet-resistant, bomb-resistant, and forced entry-resistant.
• Increased strength: SGP laminated glass is five times stronger than PVB laminated glass, which allows for thinner and more transparent laminates.

• Temperature resistance: SGP laminated glass can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in environments with extreme temperatures.

Applications of SGP laminated glass include:

• Safety glazing: SGP laminated glass is used in safety glazing applications where increased strength and impact resistance are required, such as in skyscrapers, high-rise buildings, and public transportation systems.
• Balustrades: SGP laminated glass is used in balustrades and handrails to provide added safety and security.
• Decorative and artistic applications: SGP laminated glass can be used to create unique, intricate designs and patterns that can be used in a variety of settings, with increased strength and durability.
• Industrial applications: The glass can be used in industrial settings where increased strength and impact resistance are required, such as in machinery and equipment.

Comparison of PVB and SGP Laminated Glass

PVB and SGP laminated glass are both widely used in a variety of applications, but they have different properties and characteristics that make them suitable for different uses. Let’s compare both types of laminated glasses based on various factors:

• Physical properties

PVB laminated glass typically has a thickness of 0.38mm, while SGP laminated glass has a standard thickness of 125 µm. PVB laminated glass is more flexible than SGP laminated glass, which allows for more design options and is easier to shape.

SGP laminated glass is five times stronger than PVB laminated glass. This makes it possible to make laminates that are thinner and more transparent, and they can keep their shape even in harsh conditions. SGP laminated glass has better temperature resistance than PVB laminated glass, making it a better choice for applications in extreme weather conditions.

• Advantages

PVB laminated glass offers UV protection and sound insulation, while SGP laminated glass offers increased strength, impact resistance, temperature resistance, and added security features. PVB laminated glass is more cost-effective than SGP laminated glass. 

SGP laminated glass offers increased security features like bullet resistance and bomb resistance, which makes it more suitable for high-security and military applications.

• Applications

PVB laminated glass is often used in car windshields, skylights, and architectural glazing. SGP laminated glass is often used in safety glazing, balustrades, and industrial settings.

PVB laminated glass is suitable for applications where UV protection and sound insulation are important, while SGP laminated glass is suitable for applications where increased strength, impact resistance, temperature resistance, and security features are important, such as in skyscrapers, high-rise buildings, public transportation systems, along with military applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PVB laminated glass and SGP laminated glass are two types of laminated glass that are different and have different properties, benefits, and uses. PVB laminated glass is known for its UV protection and sound insulation, while SGP laminated glass is known for its strength, impact resistance, and temperature resistance features. 

When choosing between PVB and SGP laminated glass, it’s important to think about the needs of the application and the level of safety, security, design, and cost that you want. Both types of laminated glass are widely used in a variety of applications and offer a high level of durability and safety. Sourcing either PVB or SGP laminated glass from China can be a complicated process for foreign entities without experience of the processes in China. Therefore, we offer a Full Sourcing Solution for our clients, who rarely want to procure just the glass, but rather a whole range of products.