What type of glass is most commonly found in windshields?

Laminated glass is most commonly used in windshields due to its safety features and structural integrity. This type of glass consists of two layers of glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between. This construction provides significant advantages: it holds the glass together even when shattered, reducing the risk of shattering and protecting passengers by preventing glass from breaking into dangerous shards. Additionally, laminated glass offers improved sound insulation and UV protection, making it an ideal choice for automotive applications.

The other types of glass listed have different characteristics. Tempered glass is known for its strength and is typically used in side and rear windows due to its ability to withstand impact. However, when tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces, which is not ideal for a windshield designed to provide a protective barrier. Annealed glass is less durable and tends to break into sharp shards, making it unsuitable for situations where passenger safety is a concern. Composite glass is a term that can refer to various materials but is not specifically attributed to windshields in the same way that laminated glass is. Therefore, laminated glass is the correct and commonly used material for windshields.