Controlling solar heat gain in buildings is an ongoing challenge for design professionals, but a new PVB interlayer from Eastman Chemical Company, called Saflex® SG, offers significant advantages for those designing projects in hot climates.
SaflexSG solar interlayer employs a proprietary IR absorbing technology designed to enhance solar heat gain performance as compared to monolithic glass and clear monolithic glass laminates made with standard clear polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. And it does so while maintaining high levels of visible light transmittance.
"Saflex SG is the best performing IR absorbing PVB interlayer on the market," says John Meade, Eastman Market Development Manager. The product offers a 0.55 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and greater than 70 percent Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) when used with 3mm clear glass.
Saflex SG can be used to meet or exceed many regulations for laminated safety glazing when properly selected, laminated and installed. The company expects to see the product used in both residential and commercial construction, including specialty applications such as bent glass, point fixed glass systems, overhead awnings, and glazing for non-conditioned spaces. Saflex SG is suitable for large glass facades, curtain walls, storefronts, windows and skylights. As with all Saflex interlayers, Saflex SG has been formulated to provide exceptional durability when exposed to natural weathering.
"While the initial investment for Saflex SG is higher than clear PVB, mechanical downsizing, and operational savings offset initial incremental costs, while the dividends of improved occupant comfort and productivity are enjoyed from day one," says Doug Marren, Eastman Architectural Business Manager.
"Until now, architectural options for solar control in monolithic glass applications had some drawbacks," says Meade. "IR reflective coated glass can be effective, but typically needs to edge deleted - Saflex SG does not. Additionally, coated glass products have a short shelf life, which can be problematic for fabricators in many world areas forcing them to order on a job by job basis, with resultant storage issues for unused glass. SG is ordered and handled like ordinary PVB, so there are fewer shelf life limitations and potentially less supply chain issues for the fabricator." Saflex SG interlayer also provides all the benefits of safety glazing, glass shard retention, structural integrity, sound abatement, security and storm protection. In hot, humid climates where severe weather is a concern, Saflex SG can meet or exceed strict hurricane codes.
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion.
