How Does Bulletproof Glass Work?
Bulletproof glass is typically constructed in one of two ways, either by using a strong, transparent material called polycarbonate thermoplastic, or with many layers of what is called laminated glass. Each of these two materials gives off the appearance of standard glass. They are both transparent like glas and allow light to pass through the same way standard glass does, but are many degrees sturdier.
The polycarbonate thermoplastic, as well as the layers of laminated glass, are often placed in between layers of regular glass. These separate layers are then bonded together to form one piece of what is traditionally considered to be bulletproof glass. With the thermoplastic or the laminated glass placed in between regular glass, this creates a compound that has tremendous impact resistance. This absorbs a lot of the energy of any incoming projectiles, which can be a bullet or something smaller like a hammer applied with force.
As is the intention with both the polycarbonate material and the laminated glass, the "bulletproof" part of the process comes when the hard compounds flatten the bullet, stopping it's energy and inertia, and completely prevent penetration. It is important to note that most bulletproof glass only works with small arms fire and will be less effective as the gun that is firing the bullets get bigger and bigger.
