Flat glass products

Abstract

In developing glass products, principal goals are esthetic appeal, reduced energy consumption, and reduced capital and operating costs. For architectural markets these are primarily obtained with well-designed, multiple-glazed heat-absorbing and heat-reflecting units. Recently developed double-glazed units with Sungate 100® coated glass for both commercial and residential markets are 30% more energy-efficient compared to triple-glazed units. Herculite II® glass, the first ion exchange glass made by the float process (PPG), produces unabraded strengths up to 75 000 psi and abraded strengths of 45 000 psi mostly for aircraft applications. Although plastics have made some inroads in the past due to lighter weight and in some cases better impact resistance, there will be no great rush to replace flat glass due to its superior abrasion resistance and substantially lower price.