Difference between PVB,EVA ,SGP interlayer

Home ꄲ Difference between PVB,EVA ,SGP interlayer

As the demand for laminated glass products rises, there are still many questions surrounding the variety of interlayers such as; What is available? What distinguishes the interlayers? What interlayers are appropriate for certain applications?

There are various interlayers used worldwide, suitable for the building & construction and automotive industries. We have gathered key information on the most common used laminates in the Australian market for building applications including PVB, SGP, and EVA.

Each of the mentioned interlayers have specific benefits. Considerations must be made to guarantee the interlayer selection is appropriate for the application.

POLYVINYL BUTYRAL (PVB)

PVB is the most common interlayer used around the world in laminated glass make ups. PVB is by far the most commonly used and specified interlayer for a wide variety of applications in construction. This is primarily because it is a compliant and cost effective product. Its optical clarity, flexibility and ability to adhere to many surfaces make it a primary interlayer for glass manufacturers.

Stock standard PVB laminated glass make ups combined with annealed glass such as; 6.38/8.38/10.38/12.38 allow glass processors and glaziers to cut the glass after lamination. This range is extremely popular for urgent glass repairs that require A Grade safety glass replacement due to less processing requirements when compared to a toughened glass solution.

More complex selections combining toughened, heat strengthened glass or specific PVB interlayers in the laminated make up will generally have a longer lead time as it is custom made to specification and size. These options will often restrict the ability of cutting the glass after it has been manufactured.

Common Applications:

Residential Doors & Windows (when A Grade safety glass is required)
Shop Fronts and Windows
Internal Glass Balustrades
Schools, Hospitals & Government Buildings
Overhead Glazing – Skylights or Canopies
Internal Glass Partitioning – Offices, Board Rooms or Meeting Rooms

PVB Interlayers:

Acoustic PVB
Tinted PVB
Solar performance PVB
Coloured PVB
Structural PVB

Internal glass partitions using PVB laminate

Benefits:

99% filtering of harmful UV rays
Available in a variety of thicknesses
Acoustic performance
Customisable- mix and match PVB interlayers
Cost-effective laminate

Considerations:

It is not advisable to use common PVB interlayers where the laminate will have prolonged exposure to moisture or water as it can cause de-lamination over time. PVB interlayers used in internal balustrades are not considered structural, and therefore generally require handrails.

SENTRYGLAS PLUS (SGP)

SGP is 100 times more rigid and 5 times more resistant to tearing when comparing to PVB. This means that in the unlikely event of both panes of toughened glass breaking then the SGP will, in most applications, hold the glass in an upright position. Comparitively, if both panels of glass smashed with a PVB interlayer (it is very important to understand that this is an extremely unlikely occurrence) then the interlayer would not hold the panel in an upright position.

When frameless, laminated glass applications are required externally such as; balustrades & canopies, the SGP interlayer is a superior selection due to its ability to withstand weather conditions and resist moisture where other laminates cannot.

SGP is an ionoplast interlayer which means it is not compatible with other interlayers, you cannot combine SGP with PVB/EVA based interlayers when manufacturing custom laminated glass.

Frameless balustrade using a structural interlayer – SGP

Common Applications:

Internal & External Balustrades
Security Glass
Floors, Stairs, and Landing Panels
Facades
Zoo Enclosures and Aquariums
Overhead Glazing – Skylights or Canopies

SGP Interlayers:

Clear SGP
Translucent SGP

Benefits:

Can be used in external, exposed edge applications
Superior edge stability
Offers the highest level of structural performance

Considerations:

Due to limited colour availabilities, glass selections or ceramic print options may need to be factored for specific design requirements.
Depending on the application, engineering certification prior to glass order may be required.
More expensive to other laminates.

ETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE (EVA)

EVA interlayers are considered an alternate interlayer for safety glass. EVA is not as commonly used as PVB throughout Australia and offers different solutions. EVA interlayers are high in moisture resistance and can be used in both external and internal glazed applications when the edges are exposed. EVA adheres to glass and other materials better than PVB and is available in many colours making it the ultimate selection when design innovations are a requirement. EVA allows distinctive products such as fabrics, paper, decorative wire mesh, printed PET films and photovoltaic cells (solar panels) be combined in the glass build up. EVA is combined in ToughSwitch™ laminate with a PDLC film providing switchable privacy glass.