Revolutionising the future of EVA interlayers: A comprehensive analysis of interlayer properties

Abstract

The use of interlayers as performance enhancing materials in the glass industry is standard practice. The introduction of the central layer between glass panes is used to substitute and/or dispense with the need for gases such as argon. Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and SentryGlas Plus/ Sentry Glass Plus Ionoplast (SGP) are the three most common interlayers used worldwide. They each boast numerous advantages such as increased strength, water resistance and good UV resistance, respectively. The most popular type of interlayer used in glass production is PVB. This is due to properties such as transparency, strength, good sound insulation and it is considered cost effective. This research looks at one of the other alternatives, EVA. It investigates the possibility of manufacturing altered EVA to change its properties, with the aim of comparing the enhanced EVA with PVB, EVA and SGP used in the industry on a competitive scale. Numerous tests were carried out to examine the properties of the new EVA samples, these included the crosslinking percentage, the adhesion strength and UV properties. It was found that of the ten samples fabricated for the research, the percentage of crosslinking was high for the majority of samples, with the highest level observed at 93%. The adhesion strength values for most of the samples were above the minimum value, with the highest value for the adhesion strength recorded as 47 N/cm. The UV tests conducted for the transmittance of light indicated favourable results, for three of the samples, with the highest percentage recorded as 99%. The results of these tests were directly compared with previous studies and products manufactured in the industry. The results achieved from performing the tests on the samples yielded a promising outcome for the suitability of possible future use.