Layeredglass

Layeredglass describes glass products made by bonding two or more glass panes with interlayers. The most common form is laminated glass, where panes are bonded by a plastic interlayer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast. Layered glass also includes insulated glazing units in which layers are separated by air or gas-filled pockets to improve thermal performance.

Manufacturing usually involves aligning the panes with their interlayer and laminating them with heat and pressure, typically in an autoclave. Interlayers may be tinted or contain solar-control properties, and additional coatings or electrochromic films can be added.

Layered glass offers enhanced safety because the interlayer holds shards, and it can provide acoustic damping, UV protection, and reduced solar gain. It is widely used in architectural façades, skylights, interior partitions, and automotive windshields, as well as in security glazing such as bullet- or blast-resistant systems.

Limitations include weight, cost, and potential delamination if edge seals fail or interlayers degrade. Standards and testing vary by region, with examples including ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 in the United States, and EN 12543 and EN 14449 in Europe.