Use of PVB in Laminated Side Glass for Passenger Vehicle Interior Noise Reduction

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is used in laminated side glass on several new vehicles. One of the major benefits of PVB-laminated side glass is the reduction of interior noise. To quantify this benefit, Solutia commissioned NVH testing of an S80® passenger car from Volvo with factory-equipped laminate side glass, comparing that with factory-equipped tempered glass. The noise source was a tractor-trailer truck traveling side-by-side with the vehicle. Significant noise reduction was noted (-2-6 dB in the 2k - 6k Hz range). The dampening characteristics of the PVB laminate interlayer reduced wind noise and greatly reduced traffic noise entering the cabin. A secondary benefit is that the NVH reduction was achieved while lowering the weight of the side glass by 11%.

In this paper, results of the S80 vehicle testing will be reviewed and comparisons to conventional tempered glass shown. Also discussed will be OEMs, including Audi and Peugeot, which are marketing this benefit to customers.