Glass clad polycarbonate, did anyone use it? Longevity?

[Franziska]

Hi,



when I had my morning coffee, I looked out of our Polycarbonate windows and was wondering if there is a combination of scratch resistant glass backed with super strong Polycarbonate.



Seems like the ideal material for a boat window at first glance.

It actually exists.



https://blog.newanglebeveling.com/glass-clad-polycarbonate


Costa aside.
As its a laminate, I am wondering though, how well it really lasts in the marine environment.
I've seen a lot of film tinted or mirror film applied boat windows with delaminations.



So, did anyone here use it? How well does it last over time?

[GordMay]

Glass-Clad Polycarbonate [Ballistic] Glazing consists of layers of polycarbonate and glass, laminated together, to create a single sheet of material.
The polycarbonate layer provides impact resistance and flexibility, while the glass layer adds hardness, optical clarity, and additional strength.

Most bullet-resistant glazing products are made of polycarbonate, acrylic, or polycarbonate, coated with glass.
Because these products contain glass, they must be manufactured to size, and cannot be stocked, but the benefit of “made to size” is no yield loss from stock sheets. Also, because of their glass makeup, many of these products can be insulated, providing much better thermal performance, for exterior applications.
➥ https://www.tssbulletproof.com/produ...polycarbonate/
➥ https://www.insulgard.com/bulletbloc...polycarbonate/

[MWGDVC]

Franziska,
I have contemplated a similar solution, perhaps acquiring a flat glass automotive windscreen from something like a Jeep or Rover or Samurai/Jimny, and having it cut to size to replace the fixed portlights on my boat. So far, not crazed badly enough to seriously pursue this option for me, but I am curious if anyone has tried this.


Or how about a product like Gorilla Glass used for phone screens? When it gets too scratched, peel and replace.

[Benz]

I just use tempered glass on my boat. It's not super expensive, will not craze, and is impervious to soaps, chemicals, sunlight, etc. It's cut from flat panels, and every glass and mirror shop has it.
Only downside is the weight--it's pretty heavy.

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by MWGDVC

Franziska,
I have contemplated a similar solution, perhaps acquiring a flat glass automotive windscreen from something like a Jeep or Rover or Samurai/Jimny, and having it cut to size to replace the fixed portlights on my boat. So far, not crazed badly enough to seriously pursue this option for me, but I am curious if anyone has tried this.


Or how about a product like Gorilla Glass used for phone screens? When it gets too scratched, peel and replace.

Why not use toughened glass like production boat builders do?
Hallberg-Rassy 53 Standard specification


Hallberg-Rassy
https://www.hallberg-rassy.com › downloads

5 May 2024 — Windshield with toughened glass, aluminium frames and mid panel which opens. Sprayhood with window and stable aluminum pipes. Hard top is available as an ...
3 pages


Glass


Lewmar
https://www.lewmar.com › Glass

An entirely new range of glass glazing products. From flat to curved, monolithic to laminated, fixed to opening and clear to full-colour frit printing.

[MWGDVC]

Or if you want something really spectacular, and cost is no object, Raytheon manufactures transparent aluminum for tank windshields. Last pricing I saw was around $1000.00 US per square inch.