The way fire-resistant glass achieves its fire resistance limit through a multi-layer structure depends mainly on its special construction and material selection.

Multi-layer structure

The basic structure of fire-resistant glass usually includes multiple layers of glass and interlayer materials in the middle. These layered structures can work together to effectively prevent the spread of flames and smoke when a fire occurs.

• Multi-layered glass

Fireproof glass can be composed of two or more layers of glass sheets, which can be tempered glass, laminated glass, etc., which have high strength and heat resistance. In a fire, the multi-layer glass structure can be deformed to a certain extent, causing the glass to partially break and form a transparent hole, so that hot air and smoke can escape through the glass hole, so as to prevent the spread of smoke and reduce the fire.

• Intermediate layer material

The interlayer materials between the multiple layers of glass are the key to achieving the fire resistance limit of fire-resistant glass. These interlayer materials will expand at high temperatures, seal the holes, and prevent the flame from passing through the glass holes to the inside. At the same time, they can also absorb heat and slow down the rate of temperature rise, thereby protecting people and property inside the building.

Material selection and fire protection mechanism

Expanding flame retardant adhesive: In composite fireproof glass, two or more layers of glass are bonded together using expanding flame retardant adhesive. This adhesive will rapidly expand and foam at high temperatures to form a dense fireproof layer, preventing the transfer of flames and high temperatures.

Fire retardant liquid or fire retardant glue: In the infusion type fire retardant glass, fire retardant liquid or fire retardant glue is poured through the infusion port and sealed by glue. These substances will also rapidly expand and foam at high temperatures to form a fireproof and heat-insulating layer.

Nano-silicon fireproof adhesive: Some advanced fireproof glass uses nano-silicon fireproof adhesive as a barrier material. This adhesive can form a hard fireproof adhesive board at high temperature, effectively isolating flames, smoke and toxic gases, while blocking the heat caused by flames.

Wire Mesh: In wired fireproof glass, the fire resistance is enhanced by adding wire mesh to the glass. The wire mesh can fix the glass fragments and prevent the flames from penetrating, thus playing a role in preventing the spread of fire.

Achievement of fire resistance

The fire resistance limit of fire rated glass refers to the time period from when the glass component is exposed to fire to when it loses its integrity or thermal insulation under standard fire resistance test conditions. Through reasonable multi-layer structure design and material selection, fire-resistant glass can achieve different levels of fire resistance limits, ranging from 0.5 hours to 3 hours, to meet different fire protection needs.

Specifically, fireproof glass can:

• Prevent flame penetration: Through the synergistic effect of multi-layer glass and intermediate interlayer materials, flames can be effectively prevented from penetrating the glass.

• Slow down the temperature rise: The intermediate interlayer material can absorb heat and slow down the temperature rise on the back of the glass, thereby protecting people and property inside the building.

• Prevent smoke from spreading: The multi-layer glass structure allows smoke to escape through transparent holes, preventing smoke from spreading inside the building.