Bulletproof glass

[2][3] Bulletproof glass is used in windows of buildings that require such security, such as jewelry stores and embassies, and of military and private vehicles.

The aim is to make a material with the appearance and clarity of standard glass but with effective protection from small arms.

[4] The plastic in laminate designs also provides resistance to impact from physical assault from blunt and sharp objects.

[5] Some researchers have developed mathematical models based on results of this kind of testing to help them design bulletproof glass to resist specific anticipated threats.

[12] The properties of bullet-resistant glass can be affected by temperature and by exposure to solvents or UV radiation, usually from sunlight.

[4] In 2005, it was reported that U.S. military researchers were developing a class of transparent armor incorporating aluminum oxynitride (ALON) as the outside "strike plate" layer.

Aluminum oxynitride "glass" can defeat threats like the .50 caliber armor-piercing rounds using material that is not prohibitively heavy.

[14][15] Certain types of ceramics can also be used for transparent armor due to their properties of increased density and hardness when compared to traditional glass.