Difference between revisions of "Glazing comparison"

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***Record in progress
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==Description== 
 +
Any optically transparent thermoplastic sheet that may be used as a replacement for window glass.  In general, the polymers are stronger than glass, block more UV light, and are lighter weight and easier to install.  Additionally, most plastic brands have numerous options to provide optimum strength, impact resistance, clarity and transparency that are produced using various additives and or coatings. The current most common polymer types include acrylics, polycarbonates, and polyesters. Drawbacks for the using polymers can include aging characteristics (yellowing or brittleness), poor resistance to scratching and cleaners, as will as a susceptibility to bacteria and fungi.
 +
 +
Glass is recycled at a rate of 76%, while the average rate for plastics is 41%.  This is not solely based on glazing as the recycling for both products is highest for containers.  For glazing, tempered and laminated glass are never recycled. In the environment, however, glass and its degradation products are non-toxic while plastics break down to micro-plastics that easily spread.
  
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==Description==  
+
Some more recent developments in transparent polymers include the following materials (not included in the tables below). For more information see Omnexus [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/tech-library/article/comprehensive-list-of-transparent-polymers list of transparent polymers]
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Any optically transparent thermoplastic sheet that may be used as a replacement for window glass.  Most commonly used polymer types include acrylics, polycarbonates, and polyesters.
+
* Liquid silicone rubber (LSR): a thermoset elastomer with high clarity
 +
* Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC): has the best properties of polyethylene and polypropylene
 +
* Ionomer resin: an ethylene polymer that high clarity, scratch resistance and chemical resistance
 +
* Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP): chemically inert with high transmission of UV, visible and infrared radiation
 +
* Styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA): a high clarity, glossy copolymer with excellent processing and mechanical properties
 +
* [[Styrene-acrylonitrile]] resin (SAN): a clear rigid polymer with better impact strength
 +
* [[Polystyrene]] (general purpose - GPPS): a crystal clear polymer that is inexpensive and easy to process; commonly used for plastic cups.
  
 
{| class="wikitable"  
 
{| class="wikitable"  
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Polymer
 
! Polymer
−
! Advantages
+
! Advantages/Strengths
 +
! Limitations
 
! Applications
 
! Applications
−
! Commercial brands
+
! Brand names
 
|-
 
|-
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| Acrylic (PMMA)
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| [[Acrylic resin|Acrylic]]  (PMMA)
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| Optically clear, lightweight, high resistance to UV light and weathering  can be obtained in many sizes and shapes, forming does not affect clarity; shatter resistant
+
| Optically clear; lightweight;  good dimensional stability; available in many sizes and shapes; forming does   not affect clarity; resistant to UV light and weathering; good moldability; not recyclable (symbol #7)
−
| Display cases, light fixtures,  transparent shelves for lightweight materials, indoor and outdoor signage
+
| Shelves can sag/crack under  weight;  can be broken, scratched,  shattered; not resistant to aromatic HCs
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| Optix, Plexiglas, Acrylite
+
| Display cases, light fixtures,  transparent shelves for lightweight materials, indoor and outdoor signage; UV  grades available
 +
| Acrylite; Altuglas; Duraplex; Lucite; Optium; Optix; Plexiglas;  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polymethyl-methacrylate-pmma-acrylic-plastic/brands  PMMA Brands]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Polycarbonate (PC)
+
| [[Polycarbonate |Polycarbonate]]  (PC)
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| High strength and stiffness (more than 200 times stronger than glass);  lighter than glass; easy to machine, impact resistant, may be exposed to high  heat
+
| High strength and stiffness;  lightweight; easy to machine; impact resistant; heat resistant to 135C; flame  retardant; abrasion resistant; can accept printing temps to 260-300C;  not recyclable (symbol #7)
−
| Bullet proof windows and doors,   windshields and protective barriers, eyewear, visors in sporting gear, cell phones, signage; furniture; UV grades available
+
| Attacked by hydrocarbons, oils,  and bases; hot water immersion reduces physical properties; UV stabilizers  needed to minimize UV degradation; poor stress cracking performance
−
| Lexan; Tuffak (formerly  Makrolon); Palsun; Trizod
+
| Bullet proof windows, doors, and windshields; headlamps; safety helmets, visors in sporting gear, signage;   UV grade signs for outdoor use
 +
| Lexan; Tuffak (formerly  Makrolon); Palsun; Sunlite; Trizod;  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polycarbonate-pc-plastic/brands  PC brands]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Polyethylene Terephphthalate (PET)
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| [[Polyethylene terephthalate]] (PET)
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| General purpose; inexpensive; high strength; resistant to chemicals
+
| Low gas permeability; strong;   lightweight; doesn’t break or fracture; safe for foods and beverages;  excellent resistance to alcohols, oils, and acids; most often used for 3D  printing; fire resistant; recyclable (symbol #1)
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| Water bottles, Fibers, films
+
| Low impact strength, low  moldability; easily degrades in UV light
−
| Vivak, Dartex
+
| Films and sheets; fibers; food  and beverage containers; geotextiles, electronics
 +
| Mylar; Melinex;  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polyethylene-terephthalate-pet-plastic/brands  PET Brands]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Amorphous Copolyester (PETG)
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| [[Low density polyethylene|Polyethylene]]  (LDPE)
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| Wide range of properties with excellent clarity; high strength; resistant to chemicals and heat.
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| Very lightweight; flexible; good  transparency; high impact strength; resistant to acids and bases; good  weathering resistance; very low water absorption; special recycle (symbol #4)
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| Often used as a substitute for PC or PMMA
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| Low strength, stiffness;  susceptible to stress cracking; high gas permeability; highly flammable;  cannot be welded using high frequency
−
|  
+
| Films, bags, bottles, tubing,  laminates, extrusion molding
 +
| [[Volara]]; [[Tyvek]];  [[Tupperware]]; [[Plastazote]]; [[Correx]]; [[Polythene]];  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polyethylene-plastic/brands  PE brands]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
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| [[High density polyethylene|Polyethylene]]  (HDPE)
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| Water-clear clarity; high impact strength ; excellent chemical resistance; fire resistant
+
| Excellent chemical resistance;   high tensile strength; semi-flexible; good weathering resistance, low water  absorption; excellent moisture barrier; recyclable (symbol #2)
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| Safety glazing (sneeze guards for COVID); windows; packaging, bags, connectors, valves; UV grades available
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| Translucent to opaque;   susceptible to stress cracking; high mold shrinkage; cannot be welded using  high frequency
−
|  
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| Hollow plastic products, pipes;  crates; ice boxes, trash cans, wiring and cables ; ropes and nets
 +
| [[Volara]]; [[Tyvek]];  [[Tupperware]];  [[Plastazote]];  [[Correx]]; [[Polythene]]; Sanalite;  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polyethylene-plastic/brands  PE brands]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
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| Transparent  [[Polypropylene]] (PP)
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| Low viscosity elastomer with excellent optical clarity and durability; lightweight; easy to process, heat and UV resistant
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| Inexpensive but difficult to  obtain transparent sheets unless clarifying additives are used; good  stiffness and barrier properties; durable; resistant to stress cracking;  recyclable (symbol #5)
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| Lighting, electronics
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| Highly flammable; sensitive to  UV and  microbes; poor resistance to  impact and scratches; poor paint adhesion; adversely affected by contact with  metals
−
|  
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| Packaging, storage boxes;  textiles, pipes, automobiles;
 +
| [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polypropylene-pp-plastic/brands  PP Brands]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC)
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| Rigid [[Polyvinyl chloride|PVC]]  (Clear), unplasticized
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| Transparent thermoplastic with good mechanical and moisture barrier properties; high stiffness and strength; may be streilized
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| Lightweight; 'water clear'  clarity; optional high-impact and UV resistance with additives; formable;  abrasion resistant; high fire rating; not recyclable (symbol #3)
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| Packaging, optical discs, lenses, medical applications
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| Not easy to recycle; only  flexible when plasticized; poor heat stability; releases chlorine with  degradation; difficult to melt
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|  
+
| Window frames, house siding;  pipes, laminates car seats, backs credit cards, traffic signs
 +
| Geon; Dural; Komacel; Komatex;  Forex; sintra; PALIGHT;  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polyvinyl-chloride-pvc-plastic/brands  PVC brands]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Polyethylene (PE)
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| Transparent  [[Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene|ABS]]  (MABS)
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| LDPE has good transparency and toughness; very durable
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| High rigidity and dimensional  stability; good weldability; high impact and abrasion resistance; good  insulating properties; often used in 3d printing;  special recycle (symbol #9)
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| Bags, films, plastic parts; tubes
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| Poor weathering resistant; burns  easily; poor solvent resistance; low continuous service temperature; often  blended with other polymers
−
|  
+
| Usually reinforced with fibers  or minerals or blended with other polymers; used in autos, appliances,   household goods,  and electronics
 +
| Abson; Cycolac; Primeco;  [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-abs-plastic/brands  ABS brands]
 
|-
 
|-
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| Ionomer Resin
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! Glass
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| Outstanding clarity and toughness; very lightweight
+
! Advantages/Strengths
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| Luxury decorative items that are transparent and scratch resistant; packaging; medical devices, bottles
+
! Limitations
−
|
+
! Applications
 +
! Brand names
 
|-
 
|-
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| Transparent Polypropylene (PP)
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| [[Soda glass|Soda-lime glass]]
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| Contains additives called clarifiers; have design flexibility, inexpensive and are recyclable
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| Most common and least expensive; high light transmission; chemically stable; resistant to chemicals, abrasion and electrical current; durable; fire resistant; excellent volatile barrier; recyclable  
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| Storage boxes, packaging
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| Brittle; will shatter when hit; twice as heavy as polymers; requires strong support frames
 +
| Standard material for windows and glassware;
 
|  
 
|  
 
|-
 
|-
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| Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
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| Laminated [[Glass]]
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| Excellent optical properties (transmits UV, Visible, and IR radiation); most chemically inert; outstanding weathering properties
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| Crystal clear with almost no reflections; abrasion and shatter resistant; anti-reflective, 99% UV protection; durable; fire resistant; excellent volatile barrier
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|
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| Glass will break unless held in place with polymer layer; twice as heavy as polymers; requires strong support frames; cannot be recycled
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|
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| Usually two layers of glass with interior polymer layer and a polymer coating on both exterior sides
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|-
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| [https://tru-vue.com/solution/ultravue-laminated-glass/ UltraVue laminated glass]
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| Styrene Methyl Methacrylate (SMMA)
 
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| High clarity with glossy surface; excellent thermal stability; scratch resistant; strong and stiff
 
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| Household products, glassware, medical devices
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
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| Styrene Acrylonitrile Resins (SAN)
 
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| Transparent and durable, high resistance to chemicals, breakage and scratches
 
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| Appliances, furniture, automotive parts
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
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| Polystyrene (General Purpose - GPPS)
 
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| Inexpensive with good clarity; high stiffness and good dimensional stability; excellent heat resistance; good electrical insulation
 
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| Toys, CD cases, shower enclosure panels, boxes, refrigerator shelves; plastic cups; disposable products; easily cracks
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
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| MABS (Methyl methacrylate ABS)
 
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| High light transmittance with low haze; introduced as an alternative to PC
 
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| appliances, sporting goods, medical devices
 
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|
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
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== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
 
==Physical and Chemical Properties==
 
==Physical and Chemical Properties==
 
{| class="wikitable"  
 
{| class="wikitable"  
Line 104: Line 104:
 
! Tensile strength Mpa
 
! Tensile strength Mpa
 
! Izod impact J/m
 
! Izod impact J/m
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! Coeffiient of Linear  Thermal Expansion X105/C
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! Thermal Expansion X10-5/C
 
! Fire Resistance (LOI)  %
 
! Fire Resistance (LOI)  %
 
! Link
 
! Link
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| 19
 
| 19
 
| [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-abs-plastic/key-properties  ABS Properties]
 
| [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-abs-plastic/key-properties  ABS Properties]
 +
|-
 +
! Glass
 +
! Melt Temperature C
 +
! Extrusion Temperature  C
 +
! Density g/ml
 +
! RI
 +
! Visible light  transmission (%)
 +
! Haze (%)
 +
! Shrinkage %
 +
! Water absorption %
 +
! Hardness Shore D
 +
! Flex. Mod. Gpa  (Bending stiffness)
 +
! Tensile strength Mpa
 +
! Izod impact J/m
 +
! Thermal Expansion X10-5/C
 +
! Fire Resistance (LOI)  %
 +
! Link
 +
|-
 +
| Soda-lime glass
 +
| 1040
 +
| <600  (working pt)
 +
| 3.4-2.5
 +
| 1.513-1.523
 +
| 99
 +
| variable
 +
| slight expansion until >500C
 +
| 0.001
 +
| 6-7
 +
| 72
 +
| 7-90
 +
| Izod impact J/m
 +
| 0.3-0.6
 +
| Non-flammable
 +
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_physical_properties_of_glass Physical properties of glass]
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Resources and Citations==
 
==Resources and Citations==
−
* Omnexus Materials Selection: [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/tech-library/article/comprehensive-list-of-transparent-polymers List of Tranaparent Polymers]
+
* Omnexus Materials Selection: [https://omnexus.specialchem.com/tech-library/article/comprehensive-list-of-transparent-polymers List of Transparent Polymers]
−
 
+
* Abrisa Technologies: [www.abrisatechnologies.com Soda-lime glass]
 +
* Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_physical_properties_of_glass Properties of Glass]
 +
* Kopp Glass: [https://www.koppglass.com/blog/glass-thermal-properties-and-their-role-product-design Glass Thermal Properties]
 +
* R. Razouk and A. Salem, 'The Adsorption of Water Vapor on Glass ' J. Phys. Chem. 1948, 52, 7, 1208–1227 [J. Phys. Chem. 1948, 52, 7, 1208–1227 Link]
  
 
[[Category:Materials database]] [[Category:MWG]][[Category:Sheet/Film, Plastic]][[Category:Glazing]][[Category:Board/Panel, Plastic]][[Category:Comparisons]]
 
[[Category:Materials database]] [[Category:MWG]][[Category:Sheet/Film, Plastic]][[Category:Glazing]][[Category:Board/Panel, Plastic]][[Category:Comparisons]]

Latest revision as of 12:49, 25 October 2023

Description

Any optically transparent thermoplastic sheet that may be used as a replacement for window glass. In general, the polymers are stronger than glass, block more UV light, and are lighter weight and easier to install. Additionally, most plastic brands have numerous options to provide optimum strength, impact resistance, clarity and transparency that are produced using various additives and or coatings. The current most common polymer types include acrylics, polycarbonates, and polyesters. Drawbacks for the using polymers can include aging characteristics (yellowing or brittleness), poor resistance to scratching and cleaners, as will as a susceptibility to bacteria and fungi.

Glass is recycled at a rate of 76%, while the average rate for plastics is 41%. This is not solely based on glazing as the recycling for both products is highest for containers. For glazing, tempered and laminated glass are never recycled. In the environment, however, glass and its degradation products are non-toxic while plastics break down to micro-plastics that easily spread.

Some more recent developments in transparent polymers include the following materials (not included in the tables below). For more information see Omnexus list of transparent polymers

  • Liquid silicone rubber (LSR): a thermoset elastomer with high clarity
  • Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC): has the best properties of polyethylene and polypropylene
  • Ionomer resin: an ethylene polymer that high clarity, scratch resistance and chemical resistance
  • Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP): chemically inert with high transmission of UV, visible and infrared radiation
  • Styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA): a high clarity, glossy copolymer with excellent processing and mechanical properties
  • Styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN): a clear rigid polymer with better impact strength
  • Polystyrene (general purpose - GPPS): a crystal clear polymer that is inexpensive and easy to process; commonly used for plastic cups.
Polymer Advantages/Strengths Limitations Applications Brand names
Acrylic (PMMA) Optically clear; lightweight; good dimensional stability; available in many sizes and shapes; forming does not affect clarity; resistant to UV light and weathering; good moldability; not recyclable (symbol #7) Shelves can sag/crack under weight; can be broken, scratched, shattered; not resistant to aromatic HCs Display cases, light fixtures, transparent shelves for lightweight materials, indoor and outdoor signage; UV grades available Acrylite; Altuglas; Duraplex; Lucite; Optium; Optix; Plexiglas; PMMA Brands
Polycarbonate (PC) High strength and stiffness; lightweight; easy to machine; impact resistant; heat resistant to 135C; flame retardant; abrasion resistant; can accept printing temps to 260-300C; not recyclable (symbol #7) Attacked by hydrocarbons, oils, and bases; hot water immersion reduces physical properties; UV stabilizers needed to minimize UV degradation; poor stress cracking performance Bullet proof windows, doors, and windshields; headlamps; safety helmets, visors in sporting gear, signage; UV grade signs for outdoor use Lexan; Tuffak (formerly Makrolon); Palsun; Sunlite; Trizod; PC brands
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Low gas permeability; strong; lightweight; doesn’t break or fracture; safe for foods and beverages; excellent resistance to alcohols, oils, and acids; most often used for 3D printing; fire resistant; recyclable (symbol #1) Low impact strength, low moldability; easily degrades in UV light Films and sheets; fibers; food and beverage containers; geotextiles, electronics Mylar; Melinex; PET Brands
Polyethylene (LDPE) Very lightweight; flexible; good transparency; high impact strength; resistant to acids and bases; good weathering resistance; very low water absorption; special recycle (symbol #4) Low strength, stiffness; susceptible to stress cracking; high gas permeability; highly flammable; cannot be welded using high frequency Films, bags, bottles, tubing, laminates, extrusion molding Volara; Tyvek; Tupperware; Plastazote; Correx; Polythene; PE brands
Polyethylene (HDPE) Excellent chemical resistance; high tensile strength; semi-flexible; good weathering resistance, low water absorption; excellent moisture barrier; recyclable (symbol #2) Translucent to opaque; susceptible to stress cracking; high mold shrinkage; cannot be welded using high frequency Hollow plastic products, pipes; crates; ice boxes, trash cans, wiring and cables ; ropes and nets Volara; Tyvek; Tupperware; Plastazote; Correx; Polythene; Sanalite; PE brands
Transparent Polypropylene (PP) Inexpensive but difficult to obtain transparent sheets unless clarifying additives are used; good stiffness and barrier properties; durable; resistant to stress cracking; recyclable (symbol #5) Highly flammable; sensitive to UV and microbes; poor resistance to impact and scratches; poor paint adhesion; adversely affected by contact with metals Packaging, storage boxes; textiles, pipes, automobiles; PP Brands
Rigid PVC (Clear), unplasticized Lightweight; 'water clear' clarity; optional high-impact and UV resistance with additives; formable; abrasion resistant; high fire rating; not recyclable (symbol #3) Not easy to recycle; only flexible when plasticized; poor heat stability; releases chlorine with degradation; difficult to melt Window frames, house siding; pipes, laminates car seats, backs credit cards, traffic signs Geon; Dural; Komacel; Komatex; Forex; sintra; PALIGHT; PVC brands
Transparent ABS (MABS) High rigidity and dimensional stability; good weldability; high impact and abrasion resistance; good insulating properties; often used in 3d printing; special recycle (symbol #9) Poor weathering resistant; burns easily; poor solvent resistance; low continuous service temperature; often blended with other polymers Usually reinforced with fibers or minerals or blended with other polymers; used in autos, appliances, household goods, and electronics Abson; Cycolac; Primeco; ABS brands
Glass Advantages/Strengths Limitations Applications Brand names
Soda-lime glass Most common and least expensive; high light transmission; chemically stable; resistant to chemicals, abrasion and electrical current; durable; fire resistant; excellent volatile barrier; recyclable Brittle; will shatter when hit; twice as heavy as polymers; requires strong support frames Standard material for windows and glassware;
Laminated Glass Crystal clear with almost no reflections; abrasion and shatter resistant; anti-reflective, 99% UV protection; durable; fire resistant; excellent volatile barrier Glass will break unless held in place with polymer layer; twice as heavy as polymers; requires strong support frames; cannot be recycled Usually two layers of glass with interior polymer layer and a polymer coating on both exterior sides UltraVue laminated glass

Physical and Chemical Properties

Polymer Melt Temperature C Extrusion Temperature C Density g/ml RI Visible light transmission (%) Haze (%) Shrinkage % Water absorption % Hardness Shore D Flex. Mod. Gpa (Bending stiffness) Tensile strength Mpa Izod impact J/m Thermal Expansion X10-5/C Fire Resistance (LOI) % Link
Acrylic (PMMA) 200-250 180-250 1.17 1.49 80-93 0.1-2.6 0.2-0.8 0.29-0.42 90-99 2.5-3.5 38-70 10-25 5-9 19-20 PMMA Properties
Polycarbonate (PC) 230-260 260-300 1.2 1.585 86-91 0.2-2.7 0.7-1.0 0.1-0.2 90-95 2.2-2.5 55-77 80-650 7-9 24-25 PC Properties
Polyester Terephalate (PET) 280-310 279-290 1.3-1.4 1.575 70-92 0.20-5.1 0.2-3.0 0.1-0.2 85-95 2.8-3.5 45-70 140 6-8 23-25 PET Properties
Polyethylene (LDPE) 105-115 0.92-0.94 1.476 4.4-94 1.3-27.5 2-4 0.005-0.015 40-50 0.245-0.335 10-20 no break 10-20 17-18 PE Properties
Polyethylene (HDPE) 120-140 0.94-0.97 80 6 1.5-4 0.005-0.01 60-70 0.75-1.575 25-45 20-220 6-11 17-18 PE Properties
Tr.Polyprop (PP) 160-165 200-300 0.9 1.347 85-90 11 1-3 0.01-0.1 70-83 1.2-1.6 20-40 27-107 6-17 17-18 PP Properties
Rigid PVC (Clear), unplasticized 170-210 1.35-1.5 1.381 80-87 2.5 0.1-0.6 0.03-0.4 65-90 2.1-3.5 35-60 20-110 5-18 40-45 PVC Properties
Tr. ABS (MABS) 210-270 210-240 1.02-1.21 1.52 86 3 0.7-1.6 0.5-1.8 100 1.6-2.4 30-48 20-160 7-15 19 ABS Properties
Glass Melt Temperature C Extrusion Temperature C Density g/ml RI Visible light transmission (%) Haze (%) Shrinkage % Water absorption % Hardness Shore D Flex. Mod. Gpa (Bending stiffness) Tensile strength Mpa Izod impact J/m Thermal Expansion X10-5/C Fire Resistance (LOI) % Link
Soda-lime glass 1040 <600 (working pt) 3.4-2.5 1.513-1.523 99 variable slight expansion until >500C 0.001 6-7 72 7-90 Izod impact J/m 0.3-0.6 Non-flammable Physical properties of glass

Resources and Citations

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