Which material can be up to 250x stronger than safety glass of the same thickness?

Which material can be up to 250x stronger than safety glass of the same thickness?

• A. Fiberglass
• B. Aluminum
• C. Thermoplastics
• D. Carbon Fiber

Answer: (C)

Impact resistance is what this item is testing in glazing materials. Thermoplastics like polycarbonate have exceptional ability to absorb energy from impacts without cracking, and they stay clear instead of shattering. When you compare a sheet of thermoplastic to safety glass at the same thickness, the thermoplastic can be up to about 250 times more resistant to impact. That combination of high impact resistance and transparency makes thermoplastics ideal for safety glazing where visibility is important, such as in skylights, storefronts, and protective glazing. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are strong composites but not transparent, so they don’t serve as clear glazing. Aluminum is a metal and is opaque as well. So, among these options, thermoplastics best fit the idea of providing far greater impact resistance while remaining visually clear.

Impact resistance is what this item is testing in glazing materials. Thermoplastics like polycarbonate have exceptional ability to absorb energy from impacts without cracking, and they stay clear instead of shattering. When you compare a sheet of thermoplastic to safety glass at the same thickness, the thermoplastic can be up to about 250 times more resistant to impact. That combination of high impact resistance and transparency makes thermoplastics ideal for safety glazing where visibility is important, such as in skylights, storefronts, and protective glazing.

Fiberglass and carbon fiber are strong composites but not transparent, so they don’t serve as clear glazing. Aluminum is a metal and is opaque as well. So, among these options, thermoplastics best fit the idea of providing far greater impact resistance while remaining visually clear.