Development of thin and lightweight bulletproof windows using strengthened SLS glass by ion exchange

Abstract

Soda-lime silicate (SLS) glass was strengthened by ion exchange for application of thin and lightweight bulletproof windows. The optimal conditions for ion exchanged SLS glass (thickness of 3 and 10 mm) at 480°C were 10 and 17 min, respectively. The Vickers hardness values of the strengthened SLS glass samples with thicknesses of 3 and 10 mm were 5.9 ± 0.22 and 6.7 ± 0.17 GPa, respectively, which values were about 22% higher than those of parent SLS glass. By laminating a multilayer defense film and polycarbonate sheet with ion exchanged SLS glass, we were able to make a thin and lightweight bulletproof window (24.25 mm, 4.57 kg, 50.06 kg/m2, V50 901.8 m/s). As a result, the thickness of the bulletproof window was decreased by about 39% from 40 to 24.25 mm. The light transmittance in the visible range satisfied the standard (over 76%) for bulletproof windows.