Thermomechanical high strain rate behavior of LG polymeric interlayer materials

Enhancing the structural integrity of laminated glass (LG) systems, particularly in explosion-resistant windows and building envelope applications, requires a deep understanding of how polymeric interlayer materials respond. A clear understanding of the thermal behavior and its impact on the mechanical performance of polymeric interlayer materials under dynamic conditions remains limited and inadequate, particularly when considering the combined effects of temperature and strain rate . This gap is critical for applications where these materials are subjected to rapid deformation, such as in blast-resistant laminated glass systems. To address this, an experimental investigation was conducted into the thermo-mechanical behavior of processed polymeric interlayer materials, including PVB, SG, EVA, EVGuard, and TPU , under varying strain rates and temperatures. Static and dynamic tests were conducted to assess the influence of these factors on material performance, using strain rates of 2, 20, and 45 s⁻¹ at temperatures of 0°C, room temperature, and 60°C. The study highlights the distinct mechanical responses of each interlayer, including softening or stiffening effects, as influenced by temperature and loading speed. The results demonstrate that temperature plays a more significant role at lower strain rates, while higher strain rates primarily affect the initial stiffness and stress response of the materials. PVB and TPU show strong dynamic performance, particularly in blast scenarios, due to their sensitivity to strain rate, while SG exhibits superior toughness and failure stress under dynamic loading, despite becoming brittle at low temperatures. • The overall material responses of the interlayers were significantly influenced by strain rate and temperature. • The strain rate predominantly affects the initial phase of the mechanical response of interlayers. • The stiffness of polymeric interlayers exhibits a pronounced sensitivity to both strain rate and temperature. • The findings of this study provide valuable information for materials models used in numerical simulations.