Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a well-known thermoplastic (noncross-linked) encapsulant. It has been used for a long time in architecture for safety-glass laminates as well as in the PV industry for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and for thin-film technology with a glass-to-glass configuration.

Uses

PVB is a resin mostly used for applications that require strong binding, optical clarity, adhesion to many surfaces, toughness and flexibility.Trade names for PVB-films include KB PVB, Saflex, GlasNovations, Butacite, WINLITE, S-Lec, Trosifol and EVERLAM. PVB is also available as 3D printer filament that is stronger and more heat resistant than polylactic acid (PLA). 

Laminated glass is made by pasting PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin glue film between two or more pieces of glass sheet, then heating, pressing and bonding them together to create flat or curved compound glass product. The glass sheet for making laminated glass can be ordinary glass, float glass, tempered glass, colored glass, heat-absorbing glass or heat-reflecting glass etc.

Preparation

PVB is prepared from polyvinyl alcohol by reaction with butyraldehyde. The major application is laminated safety glass for automobile windshields.