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ViewTec AGR: Validatie voor ballistische laminaten

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.

What is Ballistic Glazing?

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.

The composition of ballistic glazing works as follows:

Source: Adapted from Merill, Thomas and Pogue, 2014 p.3

1. The glass layer: When a bullet strikes, the glass deforms the projectile and disperses its energy over a wider area.
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.

These laminates are extensively used in vehicles (military, police, or armored cars), building windows, counters, and similar protective applications.

Why Coating Matters in Ballistic Glazing

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.

A suitable coating must:

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

For years, we have been supplying our ViewTec AIRF coating for this application. Recently, we validated our next-generation coating—ViewTec AGR—which offers improved hardness, abrasion resistance, and chemical durability.

Validation Process: Rigorous Testing and Excellent Results

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

1. Energy Absorption Testing

We performed notched impact, dart impact, and tensile testing to assess the coating’s effect on the polycarbonate’s ability to absorb impact energy.

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.

Results: The coated sheet effectively absorbed the impact, with no loss of energy absorption properties.

2. Flexibility and Fiber Strain Testing

To determine how much strain the coating can endure without damage, we used custom-designed jigs to bend samples to a fiber strain of 0.3% to 1%.

By applying acetone—known for attacking bare polycarbonate—we checked for cracks or coating failure.

Results: ViewTec AGR withstood up to 1% fiber strain without any damage, proving its suitability for large laminates and their inherent high strain from the lamination process.

3. Abrasion and Hardness Testing

Abrasion resistance was measured using the Taber abrasion test (ASTM D1044, CS10F, 0.5 kg, 500 rotations).

• Results: The ViewTec AGR coating achieved excellent results with Delta haze <10%.

To evaluate hardness, nano-scratch tests were performed using an Anton Paar nano-indenter.

• Results: ViewTec AGR significantly outperformed the AS4000 coating system in hardness.

4. Ballistic Testing and Chemical Exposure

To validate real-world performance, we produced laminates designed to meet BR3 classification (able to withstand .357 Magnum rounds) together with a partner.

• After production, laminates were heated to 80°C and exposed to gasoline to test chemical durability.
• Results: No visual defects were observed. Laminates were then successfully shot three times, and the spall shield absorbed the energy completely while containing all glass and bullet fragments.

Key Benefits of ViewTec AGR

Based on these tests, ViewTec AGR delivers exceptional performance across all critical parameters:

• Very high abrasion resistance for maximum durability.
• Excellent chemical resistance to withstand cleaning agents and harsh conditions.
• Superior flexibility to accommodate lamination strain without cracking.
• No reduction in impact performance of the polycarbonate layer.

Why Partner with ViewTec?

With over 30 years of experience and extensive expertise in coatings, plastics, and ballistic applications, ViewTec is your ideal partner for spall shield solutions. We offer:

• Unmatched technical expertise and R&D capabilities.
• Short communication lines for efficient collaboration.
• Automated production processes ensuring high efficiency and consistency.
• Flexible planning and short lead times to meet your needs.

By choosing ViewTec AGR, you gain access to a coating solution that enhances the durability and performance of ballistic laminates, backed by a team dedicated to excellence.

ViewTec AGR sets a new standard for spall shield coatings in ballistic glazing. It combines advanced abrasion resistance, flexibility, and chemical durability without compromising the impact performance of polycarbonate. Whether for armored vehicles, protective windows, or industrial applications, ViewTec AGR ensures your laminates are ready for the toughest challenges.

Partner with ViewTec and take your ballistic protection to the next level.