There are four viable types of glazing for use in motor vehicles: (1) laminated; (2) tempered; (3) laminated glass-plastic; and (4) tempered glass-plastic. Laminated and laminated glass-plastic glazing will pass the MVSS Standard 205 for windshields, and all four types can now be used in side and rear windows. Laminated and to a limited extent laminated glass-plastic windshield glazing has been used in production, but the glass-plastic was not durable enough so it has been discontinued. Tempered glass has been used exclusively in side and rear windows since the early 1960's due to the strength requirements, and is the best choice for these locations. Recent experimental attempts to use tempered glass-plastic attempts to use tempered glass-plastic glazing in side windows have been unsuccessful due to high neck loads, and additional hazards in the designs. Even more important is the lack of durability due to more severe exposure than the glass-plastic windshield experienced. (A)
Abstract