SGP Film: A Revolutionary Material in the Glass Industry​

In the world of glass and construction materials, SGP film has emerged as a game - changing innovation. SGP, which stands for a specific type of ionomeric interlayer, has been making waves due to its unique properties and wide - ranging applications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of SGP film, from its basic characteristics to its uses in various industries, helping you make informed decisions if you are considering its application.​
What is SGP Film?​
SGP film is an ionomeric interlayer. It is a copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate with about 1% metal sodium ions. The key to its remarkable performance lies in the nature of its bonding with glass. While traditional PVB (polyvinyl butyral) film bonds to glass through hydrogen bonds between the -OH groups in the PVB and the -SiOH groups in the glass, SGP film forms a much stronger bond via ionic bonds. This fundamental difference in bonding mechanism gives SGP film distinct advantages over other similar materials.​
Key Properties of SGP Film​
High Strength and Toughness​
One of the most prominent features of SGP film is its exceptional strength. Its tear strength is five times that of ordinary PVB film, and its hardness is a staggering one hundred times greater. This high strength makes SGP - laminated glass an ideal choice for applications where durability and resistance to breakage are crucial. For example, in high - rise buildings, the glass needs to withstand strong winds and potential impacts. SGP - laminated glass can better endure these forces, reducing the risk of glass breakage and subsequent safety hazards.​
Superior Transparency​
SGP film is highly transparent, which is essential for applications where clear visibility is required. It has a low yellowness index, typically less than 1.5. This means that when used in laminated glass, it does not significantly affect the clarity or color of the glass. Whether it is used in windows, glass facades, or glass partitions, SGP - laminated glass can provide a clear and unobstructed view, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building or structure.​
Excellent Adhesion to Glass​
Thanks to its ionic bond formation with glass, SGP film has an extremely strong adhesion to glass surfaces. This strong adhesion ensures that the laminated glass remains intact even under harsh conditions. In the event of an impact, the glass may crack, but the SGP film will hold the broken pieces together, preventing them from shattering and causing harm. This property is particularly important in areas prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes, where glass integrity is vital for safety.​
Good Weather Resistance​
SGP film is highly resistant to weathering effects. It can withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature variations without significant degradation in performance. This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. In outdoor applications, such as glass facades and skylights, it can maintain its adhesion, strength, and transparency over long periods, reducing the need for frequent replacement and maintenance.​
Applications of SGP Film​
In the Construction Industry​
High - Rise Buildings​
In high - rise buildings, SGP - laminated glass is increasingly being used for curtain walls. The high strength and wind resistance of SGP - laminated glass make it capable of withstanding the strong winds that are common at higher altitudes. For example, in cities like Dubai or Shanghai, where there are numerous skyscrapers, SGP - laminated glass provides the necessary structural integrity and safety.​
It is also used in the construction of large - scale glass atriums and skylights. The transparency of SGP - laminated glass allows for maximum natural light penetration, creating bright and inviting interior spaces. At the same time, its strength ensures the safety of the structure, protecting against potential impacts from falling objects or extreme weather conditions.​
Residential Buildings​
In residential construction, SGP - laminated glass can be used for windows, balcony railings, and glass doors. For windows, it not only provides enhanced security but also improves energy efficiency. The strong bond between the SGP film and the glass helps to create a better - insulated unit, reducing heat transfer and lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling.​
Balcony railings made of SGP - laminated glass offer a modern and elegant look while ensuring the safety of residents. The film's ability to hold the glass together in case of breakage provides an added layer of protection.​
Public Buildings​
In public buildings such as airports, train stations, and shopping malls, SGP - laminated glass is used for large - scale glass installations. In airports, for instance, the large glass walls and partitions made with SGP - laminated glass need to be both strong and transparent. The strength of the glass protects against potential impacts from luggage carts or accidental collisions, while the transparency allows for clear visibility and a spacious feel.​
In shopping malls, SGP - laminated glass can be used for skylights, providing natural light to the interior spaces and creating an inviting shopping environment. The durability of the glass ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear of a busy public space.​
In the Automotive Industry​

Automobile Side Windows​
SGP film's hardness and toughness make it an excellent choice for automobile side windows. In the event of an accident, the SGP - laminated side windows are more likely to stay intact, reducing the risk of passengers being injured by flying glass shards. The high - strength film can hold the broken glass pieces together, providing an additional safety barrier.​
Automobile Sunroofs and Skylights​
For sunroofs and skylights in cars, SGP - laminated glass offers both safety and aesthetics. The transparency of the glass allows for a clear view of the sky, while the strength of the SGP film ensures that the glass can withstand the forces exerted during driving, such as wind pressure and vibrations. It also provides protection against potential impacts from small objects on the road.​
In Security - Sensitive Applications​
Banks and Jewelry Stores​
In banks and jewelry stores, security is of utmost importance. SGP - laminated glass is used for windows and display cases. The high - strength and anti - breakage properties of SGP - laminated glass make it difficult for burglars to break in. Even if the glass is attacked with tools, the SGP film will hold the glass together, preventing easy access and providing time for security measures to be activated.​
Prisons and Secure Facilities​
Prisons and other secure facilities use SGP - laminated glass for windows and partitions. The glass needs to be extremely strong to prevent inmates from breaking out. SGP - laminated glass, with its high tear strength and hardness, can withstand significant force and attempts at vandalism, ensuring the security of the facility.​
In Specialized Applications​
Glass Walkways and Bridges​
SGP - laminated glass is used in the construction of glass walkways and bridges, such as the famous glass 栈道 in Zhangjiajie, China. These structures need to be able to support the weight of pedestrians while also providing a clear and safe walking surface. The high strength of SGP - laminated glass ensures the structural integrity of the walkway, and the transparency of the glass allows for a unique and thrilling walking experience.​
Aquariums and Underwater Viewing Areas​
In aquariums and underwater viewing areas, SGP - laminated glass is used to create large, clear viewing panels. The glass needs to be strong enough to withstand the water pressure and also provide a clear view of the aquatic life. SGP - laminated glass's high transparency and strength make it an ideal choice for these applications, ensuring the safety of both the viewers and the aquatic animals.​
SGP Film vs. PVB Film​
Strength Comparison​
As mentioned earlier, SGP film has a much higher tear strength and hardness compared to PVB film. In a laboratory test, a SGP - laminated glass sample was able to withstand a much greater force before tearing or breaking compared to a PVB - laminated glass sample of the same thickness. This difference in strength is crucial in applications where high - impact resistance is required, such as in security - sensitive areas or high - rise building facades.​
Transparency and Aesthetic Appeal​
Both SGP and PVB films are transparent, but SGP film has a lower yellowness index. Over time, PVB - laminated glass may develop a slight yellow tint, which can affect the clarity of the view. SGP - laminated glass, on the other hand, maintains its high transparency and clarity for a longer period. This makes SGP - laminated glass more suitable for applications where a clear and unobstructed view is essential, such as in luxury residential windows or high - end commercial buildings.​
Adhesion and Durability​
SGP film's ionic bond with glass results in a stronger adhesion compared to PVB film's hydrogen bond. This stronger adhesion means that SGP - laminated glass is more resistant to delamination, especially in harsh environmental conditions. In areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, SGP - laminated glass is less likely to experience issues such as the film separating from the glass, ensuring a longer lifespan and better performance.​
Handling and Storage of SGP Film​
Storage Conditions​
SGP film should be stored in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should be maintained at 25 - 30%. Under these conditions, the film can be stored for an extended period without significant degradation in performance. It is important to avoid storing SGP film in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures, as this can affect its adhesion properties and overall quality.​
Cutting and Installation​
When cutting SGP film, it is recommended to use sharp cutting tools to ensure a clean cut. The film has a certain level of hardness, so care should be taken during the cutting process to avoid any damage or fraying of the edges. During installation, the glass surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper adhesion. Any dirt, dust, or moisture on the glass can reduce the effectiveness of the SGP film's bond with the glass.​
Conclusion​
SGP film has proven to be a revolutionary material in the glass industry. Its unique combination of high strength, transparency, adhesion, and weather resistance makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from construction and automotive to security - sensitive and specialized areas. When compared to traditional materials like PVB film, SGP film offers significant advantages in terms of performance and durability. By understanding the properties, applications, and handling requirements of SGP film, you can make better decisions when it comes to choosing the right glass - related materials for your projects. Whether you are a builder, architect, or simply someone interested in advanced building materials, SGP film is definitely a material worth considering for its ability to enhance safety, aesthetics, and functionality.