Laminated safety glass: the origins of a revolutionary discovery

16/01/2024



The history of laminated safety glass goes back more than a century, when in 1903 the French chemist Edouard Benedictus had a revelation that would change forever the glass and safety market.
After an accident in the laboratory in which a bottle containing solvents broke, Benedictus noticed that the glass inside did not break into small fragments, but remained attached to it. This event inspired his work on laminated glass, a technology that combines several layers of glass with an intermediate layer of plastic.

Evolution and functioning

Laminated safety glass is produced through a process involving the assembly of at least two layers of glass with an intermediate layer of polymeric material, generally polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This intermediate layer gives the glass considerable resistance to impact and penetration.
In case of breakage, the glass fragments remain adherent to the PVB, reducing the risk of injury and preventing the passage of dangerous objects. This feature is particularly crucial in situations where safety is a priority, such as building partitions, vehicles and industrial applications.

The various areas of application of such a particular glass

Laminated safety glass has become a key element in ensuring the safety of people and property in a wide range of industries. In the field of architecture and shipping, it is widely used for the construction of facades, windows and partitions.
These applications provide a higher level of safety, protecting against impacts and reducing the risk of injury in the event of breakage.
In vehicles, laminated glass is essential for the safety of occupants, as it reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision and prevents unauthorised access. In addition, laminated glass is used in industry, where it protects against chemical agents and adverse environmental conditions. The discovery and evolution of laminated glass represent a turning point in the safety of things and people. Thanks to its innovative structure and its ability to provide an impact resistant barrier, this technology has become indispensable in many applications.
The widespread use of laminated glass in areas such as architecture, automotive and industry highlights the crucial role it plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities around the world.