A Novel Transparent Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Interlayer for Blast Resistant Windows

Abstract

An optically transparent woven glass fiberreinforced polyester composite has been fabricated. This composite has been used as an interlayer in the fabrication of a laminated glasscomposite window panel for application in blastresistant windows. The transparency of the glass fiberreinforced composite was achieved by matching the refractive index of the polyester matrix with that of glass fibers. Various chemical additives have been investigated for their effectiveness in modifying the refractive index of the polyester matrix. The composite interlayer's mechanical properties under both quasistatic and dynamic loading conditions have been characterized in this study. The window panels were tested under various blast loading conditions. The panels perform well under U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) specified C, D, and E blast loading levels.