Over the past twenty-five years, SentryGlas® has made a lasting impact on the architectural world, redefining the possibilities of laminated glass interlayers and paving the way for innovative and structurally-sound architectural projects. Unlike its predecessor, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin, which dates back to the 1930s, SentryGlas® brought a new level of sophistication and performance to the industry, particularly for designers and engineers looking to move beyond traditional glazing systems.
Originally marketed as SentryGlas® Plus or SGP, the interlayer quickly gained recognition for its exceptional properties. As time went on, the product evolved, dropping the “Plus” to become known simply as SentryGlas® or SG® interlayer. The versatility of SentryGlas® was demonstrated through the introduction of various thickness options, including 60- and 90-mil sheets initially, followed by the development of 35-mil sheets tailored for both hurricane resistance and architectural applications. The introduction of 35-mil rolls was a significant milestone, showcasing the product’s versatility in different formats. Furthermore, the addition of SentryGlas® White in 2012 expanded the range of applications, especially in vertical and overhead settings.
One of the key distinguishing features of SentryGlas® is its stiffness, a critical property that played a vital role in supporting minimally supported glass structures and ensuring post-breakage performance. By being extruded without plasticizers, the interlayer could be used in open-edge applications without the risk of delamination, providing architects with newfound freedom in designing bold and innovative structures. Dr. Stephen Bennison, a Technical Fellow at Kuraray and a member of the SentryGlas® Venture team, highlighted how the stiffness of SentryGlas® facilitated efficient glass coupling, resulting in stronger and more structurally-efficient laminates. This structural integrity extended even to elevated temperatures, surpassing 50°C (122°F), offering opportunities for thinner, lighter, and larger laminates with superior performance.
A significant collaboration that emerged in the mid-2000s was the partnership between SentryGlas® and Pilkington’s Planar™ System, a collaborative effort between Pilkington and DuPont™ Glass Laminating Solutions. This partnership blended Pilkington’s engineering expertise with DuPont’s scientific knowledge to create a cutting-edge bolted glass system. W&W Glass, the exclusive North American distributor of the Pilkington Planar™ system, played a pivotal role in introducing this innovative system to the market.
Jeff Haber, Managing Partner of W&W Glass, reflected on the impact of SentryGlas® and the Planar™/SentryGlas® System, noting how it met the evolving demands of the architectural community, enabling the creation of larger frameless glass panels with exposed edges that were previously challenging to achieve. The superior strength and durability of the Planar™/SentryGlas® System, even under extreme conditions, set a new benchmark in glass architecture. Haber also highlighted the remarkable performance of SentryGlas® laminates compared to PVB, showcasing a 15% reduction in thickness and weight and a 66% increase in strength.
One of the standout projects that exemplified the capabilities of the Planar™/SentryGlas® System was the Yorkdale Mall in Toronto, featuring a stunning 60-ft high, 300 ft long barrel-vaulted skylight that transformed the original atrium space with abundant natural light. This project, along with many others around the world, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of SentryGlas® in shaping the future of architectural design.
In conclusion, the twenty-five-year journey of SentryGlas® has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass architecture. As we look ahead, the legacy of SentryGlas® continues to inspire architects, engineers, and designers to create structures that blend beauty with strength, setting new standards for architectural excellence.
Source:Kuraray Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan
