Hot Selling Tpu Optical Interlayer Films

From November 19th to 22nd, the finals of the "2019 China Advanced Technology Transformation and Application Competition" were held in Nanchang, Jiangxi. Our company's "Optical-grade Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer TPU Intermediate Film R&D and Industrialization Project" won the winning prize with advanced technology and outstanding performance of contestants, and achieved excellent results in the advanced materials technology innovation group.

The competition was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the People's Government of Jiangxi Province. Focusing on the six fields of new generation information technology, advanced materials, aerospace, intelligent manufacturing, new energy and energy conservation and environmental protection, and biotechnology, a total of 1,034 projects were collected from various innovation entities across the country. It was officially launched in June. After the preliminary, semi-final and final rounds, it ended successfully in Nanchang on November 22 and an award ceremony was held.

Our company focuses on the research and development, production, sales and services of laminated glass intermediate films. The award-winning "Optical Grade Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer (TPU) Intermediate Film R&D and Industrialization Project" is at the international advanced level.

This is the first time to participate in the competition. The honor is both an affirmation and an encouragement and spur for the company. Through participating in the competition and competing with many central enterprises and listed companies, we have learned experience, seen shortcomings, and gained confidence. During the finals, we accepted an exclusive interview with the organizing committee media, conducted a project roadshow, met business partners, and gained the attention of investors. We personally realized that blindly "working hard" is not feasible. We must truly "go out" to compete and experience, and go further.
In the future, the company will continue to work hard to provide integrated material solutions for glass deep processing companies, and contribute more to the fields of military industry, aerospace, bulletproof and explosion-proof, high-end construction, new energy vehicles, etc.

In the field of ballistic protection, the conflict between "safety" and "portability" has long plagued the industry. Traditional bulletproof materials often carry a heavy weight burden to meet protection standards. Data shows that early metal bulletproof panels had a surface density of 15-20 kg/m², and individual body armor typically weighed over 5 kg. Long-term wear can reduce mobility by over 30% and even cause muscle strain. While ceramic bulletproof materials are lighter than metal, they are highly brittle and require a thick substrate for support, resulting in a surface density of 8-12 kg/m². As a professional manufacturer of TPU interlayers, we leverage innovative material properties and application technologies to reduce the weight of bulletproof materials while simultaneously improving safety performance.

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1. Molecular Structure Empowers: The Innate Advantages of High Strength and Low Density


The molecular chain of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is composed of alternating rigid urethane hard segments and flexible polyether/polyester soft segments. This "hard segment reinforcement, soft segment toughening" structure provides excellent mechanical properties despite its low density. Scientific testing shows that the density of high-quality TPU film is only 1.1-1.2g/cm³, significantly lower than metal (steel, approximately 7.8g/cm³) and ceramic (aluminum oxide, approximately 3.8g/cm³), and even over 15% lighter than traditional bulletproof PVC film (1.4g/cm³). Furthermore, TPU film boasts a tensile strength of 50-70MPa and an impact resistance 3-5 times that of ordinary polymer films. When a bullet strikes, the hard segments quickly dissipate the impact force, while the soft segments absorb energy through deformation, preventing material fracture. This achieves a molecular-level balance of "light weight and high protection."


2. Composite Synergy: Reducing Base Material Usage and Improving Protection Efficiency


In a ballistic composite system, the TPU interlayer does not solely perform protective functions, but rather acts as a "bonding and reinforcing medium," optimizing the overall weight ratio of the structure. In traditional bulletproof composite panels (such as aramid fiber + epoxy resin), the resin matrix requires 30%-40% of the weight to ensure bond strength, but suffers from insufficient impact toughness. However, the TPU interlayer boasts a bond strength of 8-12N/25mm, requiring only 15%-20% to achieve a tight bond between the fiber layers, significantly reducing the matrix's weight. Test data from a military enterprise shows that aramid bulletproof panels laminated with a TPU interlayer have reduced their areal density from the traditional 7.2kg/m² to 5.5kg/m², achieving a 23.6% weight reduction. This in turn improves ballistic performance—it can withstand 9mm pistol bullets at impact velocities increased from 380m/s to 420m/s, meeting NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection standards.


III. Process Innovation: Performance Stability in an Ultra-Thin Form


To compensate for local performance deficiencies, traditional ballistic materials often require increased thickness or multi-layer construction, further increasing weight. However, TPU films, through precision extrusion, can achieve ultra-thin specifications of 0.05-0.2mm, with a thickness uniformity error of ≤5%. More importantly, TPU films exhibit excellent weather and corrosion resistance, maintaining over 90% of their mechanical properties in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 80°C, eliminating the need for additional anti-corrosion or anti-aging coatings (which typically account for approximately 5%-8% of the weight of traditional materials). For example, in the field of bulletproof glass, replacing traditional PVB film with TPU interlayer not only reduces the overall weight of the glass by 10%-15%, but also prevents glass shattering after bullet impact, achieving a balance between lightweighting and secondary protection.


As a company specializing in the research and development and production of TPU interlayers, our ballistic-grade TPU films are dual-certified according to ISO 16603 (Testing Standards for Polymer Ballistic Materials) and GB/T 24556 (Requirements for Ballistic Composite Films). We can customize hardness (80A-95D), thickness, and UV resistance based on customer needs. Currently, our products are used in applications such as individual body armor, vehicle bulletproof glass, and bank bulletproof counters, helping customers achieve an average weight reduction of 18%-25% while meeting safety standards.


If you would like to learn more about the specific application of TPU interlayers in bulletproof materials or request free samples for performance testing, please contact our technical team to explore more possibilities for lightweight protection.

As architecture strives for both transparency and structural strength, automobiles crave both impact resistance and noise reduction, and homes anticipate a balance between aesthetics and safety—EVA interlayer glass is reshaping our understanding of glass applications as an "invisible powerhouse." It is far more than just an ordinary adhesive; it is a core material that integrates safety protection, performance enhancement, and scenario adaptation, becoming a technological cornerstone in fields such as architecture, automobiles, and smart homes.


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EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) glass interlayer stands out for its superior adhesion, toughness, and compatibility. Compared with traditional materials, it solves the problems of being brittle and having poor weather resistance. Under high temperature and pressure, it is bonded to glass to form a composite structure, which not only maintains transparency, but also provides multiple advantages such as impact resistance, penetration resistance, sound insulation and heat insulation. It also offers greater customization potential, enabling the development of sub-products such as UV protection, bulletproof and explosion-proof, and intelligent dimming, suitable for diverse scenarios including curtain walls of ultra-high-rise buildings, sunroofs of new energy vehicles, and partitions for infant rooms.


Its core advantages are particularly prominent: In terms of safety, its high toughness firmly adheres broken glass fragments, preventing secondary injuries and meeting the needs of high-risk scenarios such as banks and jewelry stores; in terms of performance, it can block low- and mid-frequency noise, reflect more than 70% of infrared heat, and block 99% of ultraviolet rays, balancing quietness and energy saving; in terms of durability, it does not age or yellow in extreme environments of -40℃ to 80℃, with a service life exceeding 15 years, far surpassing traditional materials.


In the future, EVA interlayer films will advance towards intelligent dimming, environmentally friendly bio-based materials, and special high-performance applications, unlocking more possibilities for high-end scenarios. Its rise reflects people's pursuit of a safe and comfortable life, solving the pain points of traditional glass while making glass both beautiful and practical, transparent and safe, becoming a "dual guarantee" for modern scenarios.

When you look at bulletproof glass, you see more than just thick glass—you see a carefully designed laminated structure. The real performance difference comes from the materials between the glass layers. Unlike traditional materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films can stretch and absorb energy, rather than simply bonding the glass together . It is this fundamental difference that makes modern high-security applications increasingly reliant on TPU-based systems.













The core principle is simple: during impact, TPU converts the bullet's kinetic energy into controllable elastic deformation , thus distributing the impact force across the entire glass surface, rather than concentrating it at the point of impact. This is similar to catching a baseball with a net versus catching it with a plank—the net absorbs the impact, while the plank resists the impact until it breaks.





How do the material properties of TPU contribute to its excellent impact resistance?
The protective performance of TPU film is mainly reflected in three measurable characteristics : elastic recovery rate (90-95% after deformation), tensile strength (35-52 MPa), and elongation at break (400-600%). These values ​​demonstrate specific performance characteristics in practical applications.



When a projectile strikes bulletproof glass, the outer layer shatters almost instantly. But the properties of TPU play a crucial role here: this film can be stretched significantly—sometimes up to five times its original length—without tearing. This extreme tensile strength converts the localized penetrating force into dispersed surface stress, enabling the multilayered glass structure to withstand this stress. Traditional rigid materials cannot achieve this energy conversion; they either remain rigid and transmit the impact force directly into the structure, or they fail catastrophically.



Temperature stability is more important than most people realize. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) maintains stable performance across a temperature range of -40°C to 90°C , meaning the same bulletproof glass can reliably protect vehicles whether in the frigid Arctic checkpoints or the scorching desert. In contrast, traditional alternatives like PVB (polyvinyl butyral) become brittle below freezing and lose structural integrity at high temperatures. This isn't just a theoretical issue—it's precisely why certain climatic conditions necessitate the use of specific interlayer materials.

Three-stage energy absorption process in TPU-based glass
To understand how TPU prevents penetration, it is necessary to observe what happens within the critical 15 milliseconds after the impact.

The first stage (0-5 milliseconds) is the initial impact absorption stage. The outer glass breaks, but the TPU film immediately begins to elastically deform, creating what engineers call the "trapping net" effect. The film does not directly resist the forward motion of the projectile, but rather converts linear energy into radial tension.



The second stage (5-15 milliseconds) involves lateral energy distribution. Due to the extremely high ductility of TPU, the impact force diffuses outward to the membrane surface, rather than penetrating directly. This reduces stress concentration points that would otherwise lead to penetration. The membrane effectively transforms concentrated impact forces into dispersed loads, allowing the multiple layers of glass fibers to work together to resist impacts.



The third stage is fragment retention. Even if the outer glass breaks, the adhesive properties of TPU ensure that glass fragments adhere firmly to the film, preventing them from flying backward and injuring the protected personnel. This is not only to stop bullets, but also to ensure that no other safety hazards arise.



The film itself cannot stop projectiles. The effectiveness of TPU lies in its ability to transform localized penetrating force into dispersed stress that the overall laminated structure can withstand.

When is TPU superior to PVB, and when is it inferior to PVB?
The choice between TPU and PVB is not always clear, but certain performance factors can provide a significant advantage.

TPU exhibits significant advantages under extreme conditions : at -40°C, PVB hardens, while TPU retains its flexibility; its elongation before fracture is 3-5 times that of PVB; and it maintains over 80% of its adhesive strength even under impact. Perhaps most importantly, TPU's elastic memory properties allow it to absorb multiple impacts from the same area —crucial in scenarios involving active threats that may be subjected to multiple attacks.



PVB remains suitable for certain applications. When optical clarity is the primary requirement and the impact threat is low, PVB can provide excellent transparency at a lower cost. For installations with limited budgets and moderate security needs, PVB-based systems can provide sufficient protection.

The decisive factor is the threat level : low to medium security applications may not require the advanced features of TPUs, but high-consequence scenarios (armored vehicles, diplomatic facilities, critical infrastructure) can greatly benefit from the superior energy absorption and multi-strike resistance capabilities of TPUs.



In practical applications, manufacturers serving the demanding security market typically use TPU films from specialized producers like Shengding , whose formulations are specifically designed for ballistic applications. These are not general-purpose TPU films, but rather optimized for the precise elasticity and adhesion properties required by multi-layered glass systems. This approach reduces risk compared to sourcing standard TPU and attempting to independently validate its ballistic performance.

Common performance issues and practical limitations
No intermediate layer material can make glass indestructible ; understanding the limitations of TPU is just as important as recognizing its advantages.

If the TPU film does not adhere firmly during lamination, delamination may occur. This is usually due to improper temperature control or contamination during production, rather than a problem with the material itself. Once properly installed, TPU can maintain adhesive integrity even under extreme temperature cycling , but the initial lamination process requires precise control.



Thickness specifications are crucial. Thinner TPU films (0.38-0.76 mm) are suitable for lower-level threats but cannot stop high-velocity rifle bullets. To achieve higher levels of protection, a multi-layered structure using thicker TPU films (1.52 mm or thicker) is required, but this increases cost and weight.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation degrades all polymer interlayers over time. While TPU formulations typically include UV stabilizers, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will eventually reduce their elasticity . This doesn't mean TPU-based bulletproof glass has a short lifespan—a properly formulated film can maintain its performance for 10-15 years in typical installation environments—but it does mean that material selection should take into account the expected UV exposure.



Is TPU absolutely superior to bulletproof glass? Not necessarily. When impact resistance, repeated impact capability, and extreme temperature performance are primary requirements, TPU's advantages are obvious . However, for applications where these factors are not primary considerations, traditional interlayer materials may provide sufficient performance at a lower cost.



Frequently Asked Questions: Common Issues Regarding TPU in Bulletproof Glass

What exactly is the TPU film in bulletproof glass?
It is a flexible polymer film sandwiched between glass layers that absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance.



Can TPU completely prevent glass from breaking?
No—it prevents dangerous peeling (shards flying backward) by bonding broken glass to the film, but the outer glass can still break upon impact.



Can TPU-based bulletproof glass withstand multiple impacts?

The answer is yes—TPU's elastic recovery properties allow it to maintain structural integrity after the initial impact, unlike other materials that undergo permanent deformation or delamination after the first impact.



Are there any application scenarios where PVB is superior to TPU?
When optical clarity is critical, the threat is relatively small, and extreme temperatures are not expected, PVB can provide good performance at a lower cost.



What is the typical lifespan of a TPU interlayer?
A properly formulated TPU film with added UV stabilizers can typically maintain its performance for 10-15 years under standard installation conditions, but extreme conditions may shorten this time.

Shengding High-Tech’s optical-grade TPU film is a high-performance laminate interlayer. With its excellent low-temperature resistance, high adhesion, and strong impact resistance, it serves five core application areas: military and security, aviation and marine, rail transportation, high-end construction, and photovoltaic integration.

In the military and security sector, it is used in bulletproof glass for armored vehicles and blast-resistant vehicles. Its multi-layer composite structure cushions the impact of gunfire, prevents glass shards from scattering, and meets military protection standards. In the aviation and marine sectors, it is suitable for military aircraft portholes, helicopter windshields, and ship bridge observation windows. It withstands marine salt fog corrosion and resists UV-induced aging, remaining flexible and stable even in extreme low-temperature environments.

In the rail transit sector, it is used for laminated windshields and side windows on high-speed trains, withstanding high-speed gravel impacts while providing both noise reduction and light transmission. In the construction industry, it is used for high-end curtain walls, skylights, and security glass for bank and jewelry counters, resisting hail and typhoon impacts and remaining resistant to yellowing and delamination over long-term use. It is also compatible with Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, offering excellent adhesion to curved surfaces to ensure both light transmission for power generation and structural safety.