DuPont SentryGlas Plus Sets Standards in Automotive Side Windows

DETROIT, Aug. 5, 2003 -- The opportunity for advanced laminated safety glass to offer motorists greater vehicle security and safety is getting another vote of confidence with the latest application of DuPont SentryGlas(R) Plus interlayer for optional side windows on the new BMW 5 Series. Designed to fit in existing window frames, DuPont SentryGlas(R) Plus lessens the need for door redesign while offering added strength and stiffness to deter "smash and grab" theft from vehicles. The technology also passes initial testing criteria by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mitigate injury in side impact crashes and occupant ejection in a rollover accident.

SentryGlas(R) Plus is composed of a tough plastic interlayer or film composite that is factory laminated between two layers of tempered glass. The intrusion-resistant side window laminated glass provides four key benefits including security, safety, solar (ultraviolet) protection, sound reduction and dampening. The technology was first introduced on the 2002 BMW 7 Series and is now available on the 2003 BMW 5 Series.

"Experience has shown that laminated side windows with DuPont SentryGlas(R) Plus provide a better solution to previously used polycarbonate applications," said Dr. Katrin Ludwig, director of glazing technologies, BMW. "The ionoplast interlayer achieves equal intrusion resistance, reduces cost by using standard window frames and doesn't yellow with age."

SentryGlas(R) Plus increases security by providing five times the tear strength for intrusion resistance and 100 times the rigidity of conventional automotive glass to keep the window secure in its frame. Compared to polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which can resist intrusion for about 20 seconds, SentryGlas(R) Plus provides a significant increase in intrusion resistance by resisting more than two minutes of attack with a break-in instrument. According to FBI statistics, theft of vehicles and contents result in a loss of $7.76 billion in the U.S. annually.

"SentryGlas(R) Plus satisfies consumers' requests for break-resistant windows by providing added security and safety, even in accidents," said Michael L. Sanders, automotive marketing manager, DuPont Glass Laminating Products. "The adhesive interlayer increases occupant safety during an accident by providing a better reaction surface for side or roof airbags and reduces the risk of lacerations from flying pieces of broken glass."

An additional benefit of SentryGlas(R) Plus is durability -- needed to meet BMW's security requirements. The benefit also addresses safety issues such as occupant full or partial ejection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when safety glass is combined with seatbelt use, it could save between 500 and 1,300 lives per year in the U.S. alone.

In addition to outstanding safety and security benefits, BMW customers experience a significant reduction in wind and road noise. Acoustic studies suggest that laminated glass may reduce interior noise by three to four decibels, providing a more enjoyable experience for vehicle occupants.

Other qualities of SentryGlas(R) Plus include high adhesion to glass, excellent optical quality, toughness and the expected scratch resistance provided by the inner and outer surfaces of window glass. The application allows for thinner glass, which can be fitted for standard door designs and sealing systems. Using thinner glass also results in weight reduction, which may help improve vehicle fuel economy. The tough plastic interlayer even meets demanding hurricane codes in southern Florida by allowing for protection from wind-driven debris and flying glass.

BMW was originally founded in 1916 under the name Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (Bavarian Aircraft Works) in Oberwiesnfeld, to the north of Munich (Bavaria State, in the south of Germany). This town was home to the two companies that were to become Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) GmbH, in 1917. The legendary engineer Max Friz joined the company in that year, which also saw the production of the company's first motorcycle, shortly to be followed by its first motorcar, the Dixie, in 1918. The BMW emblem is a circle with two white and two blue quadrants, symbolizing a rotating propeller standing for the early BMW aircraft engines, in the colours of the Bavarian coat of arms.

DuPont offers more than 60 product lines in fibers, glass laminating materials, electronic materials technologies, plastics, elastomers and technical services to enable virtually every automotive injury mitigation or collision avoidance safety system.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

DuPont(TM) is a trademark and SentryGlas(R) Plus is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.