What is laminated glass composed of?

Laminated glass is composed of two sheets of ordinary glass that are bonded together with a plastic film, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This construction provides significant safety advantages, as the plastic layer acts as a strong adhesive that holds the glass pieces together even when shattered, reducing the risk of injury from sharp glass fragments. This property makes laminated glass particularly valuable in applications where safety and security are paramount, such as in car windshields and some building windows.

The bonding of the two glass sheets with a plastic interlayer enhances not only safety but also acoustic insulation and even UV resistance, further contributing to its utility in both automotive and architectural designs. This unique composition is what distinguishes laminated glass from other types, such as tempered glass, which is a single sheet treated with heat to improve its strength but lacks the same protective qualities against shattering.