Glass Question

[ROMAD]

Would that meet Federal safety standard 49 CFR § 571.205 – Standard No. 205, Glazing materials. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.205

• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by  Dennis Swaney. Reason: Removed html formatting

[bruce-mengler]

UV (Ultraviolet) radiation can have a detrimental effect on polycarbonate materials. Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic known for its strength, transparency, and impact resistance. However, it is susceptible to UV degradation when exposed to sunlight or other sources of UV radiation over time.

UV radiation can cause the following effects on polycarbonate:

1. Yellowing and Discoloration: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause polycarbonate to turn yellow or develop a brownish tint. This yellowing affects the clarity and aesthetics of the material, making it less suitable for applications that require optical transparency.

2. Reduced Mechanical Properties: UV radiation can weaken the mechanical properties of polycarbonate. It can lead to reduced impact resistance, lower tensile strength, and decreased overall durability. This degradation can compromise the performance and structural integrity of polycarbonate components.

3. Surface Degradation: UV exposure can cause surface degradation, including the formation of fine cracks or crazing on the surface of polycarbonate. These cracks can propagate over time, further compromising the material’s strength and integrity.

To mitigate the effects of UV radiation on polycarbonate, manufacturers often incorporate UV stabilizers or additives during the manufacturing process. These additives help to absorb or reflect UV radiation, reducing its impact on the material. However, even with UV stabilizers, polycarbonate materials may still experience some degree of UV degradation over an extended period.

To protect polycarbonate from UV radiation, various methods can be employed, such as applying UV-protective coatings or using protective films that block or absorb UV rays. Additionally, proper maintenance and periodic inspection can help identify signs of UV degradation in polycarbonate components, allowing for timely replacements or protective measures to be implemented.

[len]

Actually “ some time ago” a team member said that thin protective glass “ like we have on our mobile smart devices was being considered too … I “ believe” all we have been seeing is the solar cells encapsulated in PC. Final choices/ testing will tell! ( All my homes’ PV solar panels had/have a glass outer panels). It was almost bullet-proof as they did have tests , back in the early 2000, that my installer said help give some assurance that the shells, dropped from a great height from a passing coastal bird… would not damage the panels. 😞

Aptera has a neat tester for their protective solar panel choice !

[ImAlwaysMIA]

No, although I’m pretty sure those standards don’t apply to autocycles. That said I’d stay with safety glass tyvm, had to pull myself from a rollover back in the day and despite shattered safety glass everywhere not a single injury due to moving on top of it.

[ROMAD]

Actually it does considering that autocycles are commonly included as motorcycles. Here is Section 3 of Standard 205:

S3. Application.

(a) This standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks designed to carry at least one person, buses, motorcycles, slide-in campers, pickup covers designed to carry persons while in motion and low speed vehicles, and to glazing materials for use in those vehicles.