Analysis of Environmental Stresses on the Mechanical Properties of Laminated Glass Composites: A Review of Experimental Results and Outlook

Abstract

Laminated glass composites are composed of two or more layers of glass and a thermoplastic elastomeric interlayer securely glued together in an autoclave at high temperature and pressure. This composite material which significantly enhances the performance of glass before and after breakage, is desirable for various engineering applications. The main elastomeric interlayer comprises Polyvinyl butyral (PVB), SentryGlas (SG), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and Thermoplastic Polyethylene (TPU). These interlayer materials have different unique features which offer a variety of performance benefits for engineering purposes. However, the structural response of laminated glass composites' elements and polymeric interlayers is typically prone to structural modifications relative to temperature applications and other environmental actions such as humidity and solar irradiation. This review compares the weathering resistance of the most common interlayers used in laminated glass composites based on available experimental literature findings. The main mechanical and accelerated ageing tests of laminates with different interlayer materials are summarised, giving evidence of the impact of these environmental actions on the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of laminated glass composites plates. This research provides valuable references for predicting the long-term behaviour and risk evaluation of laminated glass composites under diverse ageing conditions.