Physical properties of glass

Glass typically has a tensile strength of 7 megapascals (1,000 psi).[1] However, the theoretical upper bound on its strength is orders of magnitude higher: 17 gigapascals (2,500,000 psi). This high value is due to the strong chemical Si–O bonds of silicon dioxide. Imperfections of the glass, such as bubbles, and in particular surface flaws, such as scratches, have a great effect on the strength of glass and decrease it even more than for other brittle materials.[2][1] The chemical composition of the glass also impacts its tensile strength.[3] The processes of thermal and chemical toughening can increase the tensile strength of glass.[4]

Glass has a compressive strength of 1,000 megapascals (150,000 psi).[5][6]

Strength of glass fiber

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Glass fibers have a much higher tensile strength than regular glass (200-500 times stronger than regular glass).[7] This is due to the reduction of flaws in glass fibers[8] and that glass fibers have a small cross sectional area, constraining maximum defect size (Size effect on structural strength).[2]

Strength of fiberglass

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Fiberglass's strength depends on the type. S-glass has a strength of 700,000 pounds per square inch (4,800 MPa) while E-glass and C-glass have a strength of 500,000 pounds per square inch (3,400 MPa).[9]

Hardness

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Glass has a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.[10][11]

References

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What Is the Difference Between Impact Glass, Tempered Glass, and Laminated?

Depending on where you live, the type of glass you have installed on your home windows can make a substantial difference to your safety. While some homeowners understandably may not give their window glass too much thought, it’s actually very important to consider what type is best suited for your home, especially if you live in an area with frequent storms, such as a city or state on the coast, as in South Carolina or South Florida. Below, we’re going to walk you through some of the main types of window glass to consider for those living in such areas, including impact-resistant glass and hurricane windows.

What Is Impact Glass?

Impact Glass is quite literally what it sounds like. It’s glass that is built with the intention to resist heavy impact. This impact may come from sleet or hail, or even from flying limbs and other debris during a storm.

To get technical for a moment, impact-resistant windows usually blend laminated and tempered glass together with a substance like polyvinyl butyral (PVB), producing an incredibly safe and secure glass that’s able to handle direct “attacks”.

What’s more, impact-resistant windows are also frequently made with a heavy-duty frame that’s meant to offer even more structural support than a window would normally have.