{"id":1381,"date":"2025-01-03T10:03:44","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T09:03:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.viewtec.be\/viewtec-agr-validation-for-ballistic-laminates\/"},"modified":"2025-01-03T10:29:45","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T09:29:45","slug":"viewtec-agr-validation-for-ballistic-laminates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.viewtec.be\/de\/viewtec-agr-validation-for-ballistic-laminates\/","title":{"rendered":"ViewTec AGR: Validation for ballistic laminates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Over the past months, we have been rigorously validating our ViewTec AGR abrasion-resistant coating for use as a spall shield in ballistic glazing. In this blog, we share the process, the results, and the key advantages of our latest innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Ballistic Glazing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ballistic glazing is a multi-layered transparent laminate designed to stop bullets and protect occupants or valuables behind it. These laminates are constructed by combining glass and polycarbonate layers, bonded with specialized interlayers like Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) for glass-to-glass adhesion or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) for glass-to-polycarbonate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The composition of ballistic glazing works as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Adapted from Merill, Thomas and Pogue, 2014 p.3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The glass layer: When a bullet strikes, the glass deforms the projectile and disperses its energy over a wider area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The polycarbonate layer: Positioned behind the glass, the polycarbonate absorbs the residual energy while containing any glass or bullet fragments to prevent them from entering the protected space.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These laminates are extensively used in vehicles (military, police, or armored cars), building windows, counters, and similar protective applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why Coating Matters in Ballistic Glazing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While polycarbonate provides excellent impact resistance, it is susceptible to scratches and chemical damage over time, especially in demanding applications. To ensure a longer useful life and reliable performance, the polycarbonate surface requires a high-performance coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A suitable coating must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Be highly abrasion-resistant to extend the lifespan of the laminate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Maintain impact resistance and avoid affecting the polycarbonate\u2019s energy absorption properties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Be chemically resistant to prevent whitening from cleaning agents and environmental exposure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Offer flexibility to accommodate the inherent strain introduced during the lamination process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      For years, we have been supplying our ViewTec AIRF coating for this application. Recently, we validated our next-generation coating\u2014ViewTec AGR\u2014which offers improved hardness, abrasion resistance, and chemical durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Validation Process: Rigorous Testing and Excellent Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      To confirm the performance of ViewTec AGR, we subjected the coating and polycarbonate laminates to extensive testing. Below are the key tests and outcomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Energy Absorption Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      We performed notched impact, dart impact, and tensile testing to assess the coating\u2019s effect on the polycarbonate\u2019s ability to absorb impact energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A projectile test was conducted, where a 2.5 kg projectile was launched at a 12mm coated polycarbonate sheet at a speed of 230 km\/h.<\/p>\n\n\n\n