How many protective films are there on polycarbonate? What errors occur during installation? How much clearance should be left for thermal expansion?
By its nature, polycarbonate is not resistant to ultraviolet rays (UV), therefore, to ensure the durability of polycarbonate sheets, manufacturers cover them with a protective UV layer and introduce special additives into the polymer mass.
The second threat to polycarbonate sheets is ordinary dust that gets into the mass during production. The smallest specks of dust, perhaps even invisible to the human eye, can cause serious “burns” of the sheets and lead to a reduction in the service life of the material.
An analogy can be drawn with the melting of snow in the spring. Dirty snow melts faster, since grains of sand in the snow mass intensively absorb solar heat. It’s the same with polycarbonate: when heated in the sun, dust particles caught in the polymer mass during production literally burn through the polycarbonate from the inside. As a result, the sheet “opens up”, bursts, and gradually loses its aesthetic appearance, bearing capacity and tightness.
Since cellular polycarbonate sheets are found for the most part applications for creating structures on the street (for the construction of greenhouses, canopies and canopies, translucent roofs, etc.), it is very important to carefully select a supplier who, already at the production stage, will be able to ensure the durability of the consumer properties of their products. Including cleanliness of production.
Cleanliness is the key to maintaining the necessary properties of polycarbonate sheets.
The production of cellular polycarbonate must always be as clean as a surgical room. This requirement has a very practical significance - the smallest particles of dirt that get into the polycarbonate mass during production not only spoil the outer sheet, but also significantly reduce its durability. Specks of dust can be so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye, and the damage resulting from the carelessness of the manufacturer can be serious.
The raw material for the production of honeycomb sheets is granulated polycarbonate. To ensure that no dust, dirt or moisture gets into it, granules are carefully packed in multi-layer bags when transported from raw material production to processing plants. On the processor’s premises, raw materials must be stored in special tanks.
Before the start of the production cycle, the granules are cleaned of dust and moisture in special centrifuges. Despite all these precautions, it is wise to organized production Very much attention is paid to cleanliness in the workshops. The main sources of dust in production are dirty floors and dust on equipment. Therefore, wet cleaning is an integral part production process, which is performed repeatedly throughout the entire work shift.
But this is not enough - to ensure cleanliness, a competent manufacturer installs a special anti-dust floor already at the construction stage of the workshop, and much attention is paid to the functioning of the filters supply ventilation and many other activities related to clean production.
The responsibility to maintain cleanliness lies not only with the manufacturer, but also with the builders who install the polycarbonate sheets. If polycarbonate sheets are stored under open air, then under such storage conditions there is a danger that the polycarbonate sheet will be turned towards the sun with the side on which there is no ultraviolet protection (in the case of sheets with one-sided UV protection). Subsequently, this will inevitably lead to a decrease in its performance characteristics. On the other hand, there is a danger that in hot weather, under the influence of the sun, the protective film will stick tightly to the sheet, which in turn will make it difficult to remove the protective film from the surface of the slab.
But the main problem- storage of polycarbonate sheets with unprotected ends. Open ends allow dust, dirt, and moisture to enter the honeycombs of the polycarbonate plate. These factors contribute to a decrease in the durability of polycarbonate and compromise its strength. So storing sheets on the street is extremely undesirable.
During the installation process (if it is carried out according to all the rules), the builders will close the ends of the polycarbonate panels, and translucent structures made from this wonderful material will delight the owners for many years.
Let's summarize: - the reliability of a structure coated with polycarbonate sheets largely depends on the conditions under which they were manufactured. A decrease in the performance characteristics of polycarbonate sheets, and therefore the reliability of the entire structure, can occur due to the fault tiny particles dust that no consumer usually thinks about.
Construction errors when using cellular polycarbonate
All construction errors can be divided into design errors and errors associated with improper use of materials.
Let us dwell in more detail on the errors associated with incorrect use of the sheet.
Mistake #1. The sheet is fixed to the sun with the side that does not contain surface UV protection. As a result, the leaf will turn yellow. The advice in this case is simple: do not remove the protective film with markings before installation. Otherwise, you can simply confuse the sides, because The presence or absence of UV protection cannot be determined by eye.
Mistake #2. No special thermal washers were used. Simple self-tapping screws can damage the sheet during thermal expansion, and dirt will accumulate in places of damage. Special washers are necessary to close the mounting hole from moisture and dirt and prevent them from entering the cells.
Mistake #3 . The ends of the cellular polycarbonate sheet are not closed (or incorrectly closed). If the ends are not closed, the sheet becomes dirty and loses its appearance and light transmitting properties. There is a second option: the ends are closed “tightly” and the condensation formed in the honeycombs as a result of temperature changes does not come out. It is optimal to cover the ends with a special perforated tape, and then with a profile, which provide protection from dust, but does not prevent moisture from escaping.
Mistake #4. Incorrect use of sheet class. All sheets of cellular polycarbonate are divided into classes: sheets for greenhouses (4 and 6 mm) and sheets for construction (from 8 mm). For example, you can often find that in the construction of bus stops, a 4 mm thick sheet is used, and a lightweight one at that. Such a sheet may not withstand snow load, and as a result such construction error people may get hurt. The same applies to translucent roofing and small architectural forms.
Many users complain about polycarbonate becoming cloudy over time, even if they turn to professional installers, does the material sometimes turn yellow? Who is guilty?
Cellular polycarbonate turns yellow (cloudy) for several reasons: exposure external environment(in particular the sun); low quality raw materials; poor organization of production, lack of cleanliness in production; high percentage of recycled materials used, their low quality and purity; violation of the extrusion modes of cellular polycarbonate sheets.
Surface UV protection (applied by coextrusion) slows down the process of degradation of cellular polycarbonate under the influence of the sun. The presence of these components must be indicated in the labeling and passport for the cellular polycarbonate sheet.
Let us dwell in more detail on the reason for the clouding of cellular polycarbonate as a result of violation of the sheet extrusion modes during production. Extruding a cellular polycarbonate sheet is a complex process for which it is very important to maintain the same parameters, including a constant extrusion temperature. Here the leading role is played by the class of equipment installed in production. If the accuracy class of the equipment is low, then the fluctuation of its parameters will occur in waves. The sheet will be extruded in an expanded temperature range, and underformation of the polymer may occur. And the result: a cloudy sheet with a lot of internal tension. Equipment accuracy class is an indicator that demonstrates how the equipment can perform its task within a given range. Accordingly, with some equipment you can produce a spaceship, but with some equipment you can only produce a clay pot
Thus, to avoid clouding of cellular polycarbonate, you need to choose a sheet produced on Italian or German equipment with a high level of accuracy.
How to deal with moisture inside cells?
To ensure free exit of condensate from the cells during installation, they should be oriented in the direction of the slope. It is also necessary to use the correct perforated tape and profile, which will allow moisture to escape.
1. What is cellular polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate as a substance is a solid, colorless polymer plastic used in production in the form of granules. It is durable, lightweight, optically transparent, plastic, frost-resistant, a good dielectric, environmentally friendly and durable. Cellular or, as it is also called, cellular polycarbonate- plastic produced by extrusion is a hollow panel of various thicknesses and structures, which are connected to each other by longitudinal bridges - stiffeners. Polycarbonate belongs to the class of synthetic polymers and is a complex linear polyester of carbonic acid and phenols.
2. What is UV protection?
Cellular polycarbonate despite its strength, it is destroyed under the influence ultraviolet radiation. For most manufacturers, protection against ultraviolet radiation is “in bulk”. In addition to this protection, traditionally all products have a protective UV layer applied by coextrusion, and it is this layer that prevents the sheet from being destroyed under the influence of sunlight. The layer can be applied on one or both sides. Without this technology, the service life of cellular polycarbonate does not exceed 2-3 years.
3. How flexible is cellular polycarbonate sheet?
The panels can be either slightly bent or twisted to the minimum permissible radius, eliminating the need for heat treatment sheets, and are used only natural properties polycarbonates. Compression and twisting of the panel exceeding the minimum permissible radius leads to high blood pressure and surface deformation. As a result, bursting or breaking of the sheet, which is not covered under warranty
4. How to properly care for the coating?
The panels will last much longer if you keep them clean. Usually rainwater is enough for the panels to clean themselves. Individual areas can be cleaned using weakly concentrated cleaning agents. Make sure the cleaning product you choose does not contain abrasives or solvents. Wet with warm water, then wipe dirty areas with a soft sponge or brush, preferably hot water. When the dirt has disappeared, rinse the panel with water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Grease or tar stains can be removed using diluted ethyl alcohol. Rub the stain gently with a soft cloth. Next, rinse as described above, with big amount water. Avoid rubbing the panels against each other, even if they are still under the protective film. This creates static electricity, which attracts dust and dirt and makes cleaning difficult.
5. What are the main advantages of cellular polycarbonate?
- Ease
Polycarbonate is 16 times lighter than glass. This means that it will allow you to significantly save on delivery and installation, because you will not have to build complex designs. - Transparency
Cellular polycarbonate transmits up to 90% of light, dispersing it evenly. At the same time, it has the ability to block harmful ultraviolet rays, which makes this material indispensable for covering greenhouses. - Thermal insulation
According to this characteristic, polycarbonate is not inferior to double-glazed windows. At the same time, its price is much more affordable. - Soundproofing
Sheets of cellular polycarbonate perfectly retain not only temperature, but also sound. This makes them indispensable for glazing production premises With high level noise. - Heat and fire resistance
Polycarbonate does not change its properties to a great extent temperature conditions: at -50 and +120 degrees it retains its flexibility, ability to retain heat and others General characteristics. And in the event of a fire, the polycarbonate material simply melts, preventing the fire from spreading. - Strength
Cellular polycarbonate is not afraid of even strong impacts. Therefore, it is actively used to create shop windows and internal office partitions. In addition, polycarbonate can easily withstand heavy loads. For example, it can be used to create a roof, and the sheets do not deform under the weight of snow. Considering the long service life of polycarbonate, its prices are very competitive. - Attractive view
Cellular polycarbonate is available in various color variations and has a beautiful glossy surface, which allows it to be used in the decoration of any modern buildings.
6. Where can polycarbonate be used?
- In greenhouses and conservatories
Even the most capricious plants will be under the reliable protection of this material. Cellular polycarbonate creates a stable temperature and protects against aggressive ultraviolet radiation. In this case, landings will receive required amount Sveta. In polycarbonate greenhouses you can create an optimal microclimate for a wide variety of plants. - For showcases and pavilions
This material has an attractive appearance and a wide variety of shades. In addition, cellular polycarbonate is highly flexible, which means it allows the construction of complex structures, including curved shapes. As a result, you get the opportunity to implement any design ideas that will highlight your outlet among others. - In the glazing of industrial buildings
An important feature of cellular polycarbonate is its strength and resistance to various influences. Even in the most extreme temperature conditions or with strong impacts, the glazing will not be damaged, maintaining its thermal insulation properties. This stability of polycarbonate is indispensable in industrial buildings where the glass does not support the load properly. - In creating office partitions
Polycarbonate fits perfectly into modern design offices. Its flexibility will allow you to create partitions of any complexity. At the same time, due to the strength of cellular polycarbonate, such office design will not require frequent repairs. Quick care and resistance to any cleaning products will provide you with additional benefits. - In swimming pools and showers
Cellular polycarbonate shows excellent moisture-resistant properties. It does not lose strength and appearance even from constant contact with water of different temperatures.
7. Why are thermal washers needed?
They are needed to neutralize thermal expansion. With large temperature differences, cellular polycarbonate is subject to thermal deformation. The thermal washer provides reliable point fastening of a sheet of cellular polycarbonate due to large area supports, provides reliable fastening, prevents the formation of “waves” in summer and breaks in winter.
8. What are the dimensions of polycarbonate sheets?
Standard sizes are 2100x6000 mm or 2100x12000 mm.
9. What colors are cellular polycarbonate available?
Cellular polycarbonate 13 is produced standard colors: transparent, yellow, red, green, turquoise, bronze, burgundy, brown, blue, milky, crushed ice, crushed ice bronze, silver.
10. How many chambers are there in polycarbonate?
one-, two-, three-, four-chamber
12. Why cover the ends of polycarbonate?
In order for polycarbonate to remain clean and transparent, it is necessary to cover the ends of the sheets. The ends are closed as follows: the upper open ends - with a sealing tape and an end profile to prevent the ingress of water, dust and snow, the lower ends - with a special perforated tape that does not impede air circulation and an end profile.
13. Is it necessary to remove the protective film from the surface of the cellular polycarbonate sheet?
You remove the protective film from the surface of the sheet after installation is completed. It is necessary to protect sheets during loading and unloading, transportation and installation. If you leave it, then under the influence of the sun after some time it can “stick” to the leaf, and removing it in the future will be problematic.
14. Will polycarbonate turn yellow over time?
To ensure that the polycarbonate does not turn yellow or become cloudy, a uniform special UV is applied to the cellular polycarbonate. protective layer, which protects the material from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation (hard short-wave radiation harmful to both people and plants). This protective layer is located under the marking film. At correct installation The sheets must be installed with the UV protective layer facing outwards.
15. How to determine, after removing the protective film, on which side of the cellular polycarbonate sheet there is a protective layer against ultraviolet radiation?
When installing polycarbonate, it is important to remember that the protective film must be removed only after cutting the sheets and installing it. During installation, the film must be removed at the fastening points. If you have removed the film from the sheet, then you can determine the side of the sheet with the protective UV layer on a fresh cut of the transparent sheet - a slightly bluish thin layer will be visible there.
16. Is cellular polycarbonate used to make awnings and protective canopies over basement floors?
Due to its impact-resistant properties, cellular polycarbonate is most suitable for making canopies and canopies over entrances and protecting pits for ground floors. Polycarbonate sheets are vandal-resistant and have an aesthetically attractive appearance. However, even durable polycarbonate sheets can be destroyed when large icicles from roofs hit them.
17. Is it possible to install polycarbonate in honeycombs along the roof and not across it?
It’s not possible, because honeycombs located parallel to the ground will prevent the removal of condensing moisture. It also increases the likelihood of snow bags on a polycarbonate sheet winter time. And when installing an arched roof, this can lead to a break in the sheet.
18. Is it possible to install cellular polycarbonate in winter?
Yes, you can. Cellular polycarbonate can also be bent in a cold state. However, at temperatures below -25 degrees, installation is not advisable.
19. Can polycarbonate be used instead of glass?
Cellular polycarbonate is 200 times stronger and 8 times lighter than glass and can be used as its substitute. Thus, polycarbonate panels are resistant to hail impacts and provide safe glazing. Polycarbonate panels do not break or crack, and, therefore, there are no sharp fragments upon impact.
20. How resistant is polycarbonate to the external environment?
Cellular polycarbonate feels great in the temperature range from -40°C to +120°C, completely retaining all mechanical and optical properties. Cellular polycarbonate panels can withstand significant wind and snow loads.
21. What are thermal insulation characteristics polycarbonate?
The air gap in cellular polycarbonate panels is an excellent heat insulator. Even the thinnest panels of cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 mm are almost twice as thermally insulating as simple glazing. Panels with a thickness of 8mm are comparable to double-glazed windows, and 16-25mm panels exceed the thermal insulation performance of triple-glazed double-glazed windows.
22. How well does light penetrate polycarbonate?
The light transmission of transparent two-layer cellular polycarbonate panels reaches 86%. The light transmittance of cellular polycarbonate panels practically does not decrease when long-term operation on the street. Hard ultraviolet radiation (range less than 400 nanometers), which has a harmful effect on humans, plants and equipment, practically does not pass through the polycarbonate sheet. The transmission of useful rays is optimal. The transmission of rays located in the extreme part of the infrared zone of the spectrum (more than 5000 nm) by cellular polycarbonate is minimal, as a result of which the heat emitted by objects inside the enclosed room remains inside, creating a “greenhouse effect”, which is additional benefit when using this material as glazing for greenhouses, greenhouses, winter gardens, etc. All types of cellular polycarbonate panels favorably diffuse light, repeatedly reflecting rays of penetrating light from all surfaces ( upper layer, stiffeners, bottom layer).
23. Is polycarbonate a fireproof material?
Cellular polycarbonate has a certificate fire safety, which confirms the compliance of this product with established requirements, and belongs to the group of low-flammable materials. It burns only in an open flame and is self-extinguishing, does not contribute to the spread of combustion, does not form burning drops, during combustion only swelling of the material occurs and light threads are formed that have time to cool before falling. And finally, the holes formed when the polycarbonate panels are melted help remove smoke in the event of a fire.
24. What is the service life of polycarbonate?
The warranty period for cellular polycarbonate panels is more than 10 years. In practice, the service life of cellular polycarbonate panels as roofing material is not limited to 10 years and in stable weather conditions reaches 15-20 years. Please note that the most important condition for the long service life of cellular polycarbonate is compliance with all rules for storage, transportation, installation and subsequent operation of the material. The buyer is solely responsible for deciding what ready product made of cellular polycarbonate is suitable for the specific purpose and that the actual operating conditions are acceptable for the product.
25. Is it possible to cut polycarbonate, and how to do it?
Cutting polycarbonate panels with a thickness of 4 mm can be carried out with a special construction or breadboard knife with a retractable blade. When cutting a sheet of cellular polycarbonate, the protective film must remain intact, preventing the formation of scratches. For cutting thicker sheets, use high-speed a circular saw with a stop, equipped with blades with small, non-spaced teeth, reinforced with hard alloys. It is recommended to use saws with a speed of at least 3200 rpm. The sheets must be firmly fixed to prevent vibration. After completing the procedure, remove any remaining dust and small chips from the cut edges of the sheet compressed air or a vacuum cleaner.
26. How to join polycarbonate sheets?
Installation of polycarbonate panels is carried out using original HP polycarbonate connecting one-piece profiles, as well as detachable profiles (base, cover) HCP of our own production.
27. There is a protective film on the sheets of cellular polycarbonate, is it worth removing it?
Sheets of cellular polycarbonate have a special one- or two-sided UV protective coating. The side or sides with this coating are usually marked with a film. The protective film must be removed during installation, otherwise it will “stick” to the material in the sun.
28. Is it worth installing polycarbonate fences?
For those who want to build a light, attractive, modern-looking fence around their territory, we can recommend a fence made of polycarbonate. This material not only looks great, but can also be easily combined with any other materials such as metal, concrete, brick, wood and many others. You can easily create a structure with decorative elements, supports and lighting. When it comes to color and design, polycarbonate structures have the widest range of options. A fence made of cellular polycarbonate has several excellent qualities. It has ultra-high impact resistance (cellular polycarbonate with low weight is 200 times stronger than glass, 8 times stronger than acrylic plastics and PVC). This material will not be affected by heat or cold (cellular polycarbonate is suitable for use in the temperature range from -40 ºС to +120 ºС). It is also environmentally friendly inert material, does not throw away harmful substances into the environment and is absolutely safe for people. Fences made of this material have high sound insulation properties. Installation takes a little time.
Considering the huge variety of frame designs and polycarbonate itself, you can show unprecedented imagination and translate it into the manufacture of fencing, thereby obtaining an exclusive product. Thus, the answer to the question posed is quite obvious - polycarbonate enclosing structures are extremely interesting option, and those who are ready for beautiful and original solutions, a polycarbonate fence is definitely WORTH IT!!
29. In what area and what thickness is it better to use polycarbonate?
The thickness of polycarbonate is an important factor when choosing a material for transparent structures. There are two most common types of polycarbonate - cellular and monolithic.
Cellular polycarbonate - polymer material in the form of sheets with a cellular structure. A sheet of such polycarbonate consists of two special layers that have special stiffeners (in the form of honeycombs). The most commonly used polycarbonate sheets range in thickness from 4 to 25mm. There is also reinforced polycarbonate (4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm), which is a unique material, the only manufacturer of which in Russia is KARBOGLASS CJSC. Its peculiarity is the presence of additional stiffening ribs, which significantly increases the strength of the structure and increases its resistance to natural environmental factors.
The thicker the polycarbonate sheet, the lower its thermal conductivity, and this accordingly leads to a reduction in the consumption of electricity and heat (heating or cooling), and therefore financial resources.
Cellular polycarbonate, depending on thickness, is used in the following areas:
6-8 mm- wide use (greenhouses, greenhouses, sheds).
10 mm- overlapping horizontal and vertical surfaces (barriers on highways, high-rise lamps)
16- 25 mm- transparent roofs of houses.
32 mm- roofing with special requirements (for large impacts and loads)
It should be noted that 4 mm thick sheets are not intended for use as transparent roofs, houses or canopies in areas where strong gusty winds and snowfalls are possible.
What is polycarbonate? This is a colorless solid polymer plastic that is used in production in the form of granules. It is strong, lightweight, optically transparent, plastic, frost-resistant, a good dielectric, durable and environmentally friendly. Cellular (otherwise known as cellular) polycarbonate is produced by extrusion; it consists of hollow panels with different structures and thicknesses. These panels are connected to each other by special jumpers, also called stiffeners. Polycarbonate belongs to the class of synthetic polymers; it is a complex linear polyester of phenols and carbonic acid.
To work with polycarbonate, you will need ordinary cutting tools.
Despite all its strength, cellular polycarbonate is destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Most manufacturers place UV protection in the “mass”. But there is also a protective UV layer, which is applied by coextrusion. This layer ensures the integrity of the sheet under the influence of sunlight. The layer is applied either on both sides or only on one. Without this protective measure, the actual service life of cellular polycarbonate will not exceed a couple of years.
How to prepare cellular polycarbonate for work
Before using polycarbonate, you need to unpack it, remove the film and all paper wrappers, and treat the edges of the tiles with end tape intended for this purpose. Using perforated tape, protect the end facing down. And the end facing upward is treated with an end profile and sealing tape. You can also use wide adhesive tape instead of expensive tape, if in the future the upper end of the polycarbonate plate is not expected to come into contact with environment. If the upper end is covered with a monolith, then you can completely abandon the use of tape. If it has already been applied, you can safely remove the film. It is not recommended to cover the lower end with anything. Since it must be installed openly so that condensation can drain freely. They provide additional protection to the perforated tape using a U- or L-shaped profile. It must be mounted in such a way that the condensate can escape freely. In this case, it is recommended to use a U-shaped profile with holes with a diameter of 1.5 - 3 mm, which are located 40-60 cm from each other.
Return to contents
How to remove film from the surface of a cellular polycarbonate sheet
It is recommended to remove the protective film coating from the polycarbonate sheet after all work on its installation, since the purpose of such a film is to protect the surface of the polycarbonate sheet during loading and unloading, during transportation and installation. If you do not remove the film and leave it, then over time under the influence solar heat, it will melt and “stick” to the polycarbonate surface of the sheet, removing it will be quite problematic. This situation occurs especially often when it is done in the summer and the protective film layer was not removed immediately.
What can you do if the film coating is welded to the polycarbonate? There are several options for resolving this issue. Which one to use, choose yourself, based on the current situation:
On outside the sheet has a special marking
- If polycarbonate sheets have been stored in the sun for a long time and the film has become baked to the surface, then it would be better to leave everything as is. Don't shoot anything. After one season, the film on the outside should come off on its own. And with inside it will take longer for it to self-destruct. Under no circumstances should you scrape or scratch the polycarbonate surface - you will only make the situation worse by damaging the material. And if you scrape from the UV-protective side, you will also damage the ultraviolet protection.
Violation of the integrity of the UV protective layer can negatively affect the light transmission of the sheet. And subsequently this will lead to the surface becoming cloudy and beginning to crack;
By the way, it is quite simple to determine which side the UV protective layer is located on: packaging with cellular polycarbonate on the UV protection side always contains inscriptions or service pictograms. There is no need to heat the film coating with anything (for example, some try to heat the film with a hairdryer), it will stick even stronger;
- if the presence of a film is confirmed by visual inspection, then you can use the following method: wet the surface with ordinary warm water with the addition of household detergent for dishes. And slowly start removing the film layer.
Return to contents
What else you need to know when working with polycarbonate
- In hot sunny weather, cellular polycarbonate is capable of thermal expansion. For colored polycarbonate, the expansion rate will be 4-5 mm, for transparent - 2-3 mm. The temperature at which carbonate can be used without reducing its original qualities and properties is from -40 to +120°C. When installing the material, it is important to take these features into account. If installation is carried out in cool weather, then the slab must be installed further from the lock of the joining profile; if installed in hot weather, it must be installed very close.
- A one-piece profile of 4-10 mm cannot fully ensure reliability. Such profiles cannot be attached to the sheathing. Their purpose is to join the edges of vertical structures with a minimum of loads.
Reliable tightness of joints is created by profiles over 10 mm. This will avoid the need to use other fasteners.
The connecting profiles are mounted with support on the arcs and secured with self-tapping screws.
Transparent hard polymer plastic, or polycarbonate, is widely used in various fields of activity, in particular in construction and agriculture. Today we will tell you how to remove film from polycarbonate.
Why do you need film?
Monolithic and cellular polycarbonate has good light transmittance, which is important for the growth and development of fruit and vegetables grown in greenhouses. vegetable crops. Lack or deficiency solar lighting negatively affects fruiting, and sudden changes in temperature lead to the death of plants. Polymer plastic casing supports favorable microclimate inside the greenhouse.
Many gardeners are interested in the purpose of the special protective coating on the surface of the canvas. It is worth noting that various chips, microcracks, scratches, dents and other mechanical damage lead to deterioration or complete loss of the original physical properties and qualities of the material. It is not advisable to use such a fabric for lining a greenhouse.
The light transmittance of polycarbonate is considered one of the main parameters
A special protective surface coating is necessary during loading and unloading operations, transportation and installation of polymer plastic.
High-quality cellular polycarbonate should be protected on both sides. In this case, one side is covered with a transparent colorless film, and the other is colored. Colored polyethylene indicates the UV protected side.
Responsible manufacturers apply the following markings to the film:
- name and specifications material;
- information about the manufacturing plant and brand;
- Recommendations for the installation of polymer plastic.
Video “Protective film on polycarbonate”
From this video you will learn how to properly remove film from cellular polycarbonate:
Coating on the inside
The protective layer from the inside of the sheet must be removed after installation of the polymer plastic is completed. If construction works are carried out on a hot summer day, you should hurry with withdrawal protective coating. Otherwise, the polyethylene will “stick” to the canvas.
The protective film is removed from the edge to the center, while movements should be careful and leisurely. Scrape the special coating various instruments, devices and even nails are prohibited - there is a high risk of damaging the integrity of the surface of the material.
If the film still sticks to the polymer plastic sheet, you can use one of traditional methods: wet the surface of the sheet with warm water with added liquid baby soap or dishwashing detergent, leave for a few minutes, remove the protective layer with a soft foam sponge.
Coating on the outside
The back side of cellular polycarbonate can have a colorless or colored film. A colorless special coating indicates that this sheet of polymer plastic does not have UV protection. Accordingly, the service life of such material is no more than 2–3 years.
If the film is transparent on the outside, then this polycarbonate sheet does not have UV protection It is necessary to remove the protective layer. Residues of polyethylene will damage the UV protection layer and deteriorate technical qualities polycarbonate.
Working with sheets of cellular polycarbonate is not difficult if you follow the advice of more experienced farmers and the recommendations of the manufacturer.
What are the consequences of untimely removal of the protective film from the surface of polycarbonate sheets? The strength of the structure, which is made of polycarbonate sheets, largely depends on the specific conditions in which the material was stored. A decrease in its performance characteristics in the future will jeopardize the durability of the structure and its reliability. Company - official dealer many manufacturers of this building material guarantees that when purchasing ready-made designs or polycarbonate sheets from us, you will receive a quality product that has been 100% properly stored and transported from its manufacturer.If you are planning to manufacture any structures from a material such as polycarbonate, for example, awnings and canopies, then you should know that the protective film is attached to the polycarbonate sheet using a special glue. Prolonged exposure of a polycarbonate sheet, for example, under direct sunlight or in the open air, directly provokes very strong adhesion of the surface of the material and the film, and this makes it much more difficult to remove in the future. It is best to remove the protective film immediately after installing the structure.
The use of various methods for installing sheets of polycarbonate not provided by the manufacturer of polycarbonate, for example, such as: welding, bending along stiffeners, bending with a notch, gluing - all these techniques relieve the polycarbonate manufacturer of all responsibility for the reliability and strength of the material used, even if you were able to buy monolithic polycarbonate High Quality.
When storing polycarbonate sheets in the open air, there is a danger that the sheet will be turned towards the sun on the very side on which there is no ultraviolet protection at all. This, ultimately, in addition to the strong adhesion of the protective film, as mentioned above, will also lead to yellowing of the sheet, a decrease in its performance characteristics, or even its complete destruction. In addition, it is impossible to store polycarbonate sheets with unprotected ends - it is its open ends that significantly contribute to the penetration of moisture, dust and dirt into the honeycombs of the polycarbonate sheet. All these factors significantly contribute to a significant reduction in the durability of a polycarbonate product and, naturally, put its strength at risk.
In addition, there are quite significant mistakes that are made when transporting polycarbonate sheets. The main and most common mistake today in the process of transporting polycarbonate products is rolling them into rolls of a much smaller radius than allowed for the thickness of a particular sheet. This, naturally, provokes the appearance of breaks and cracks on the surface of the sheet and significantly reduces the ability of the polycarbonate sheet to bear a certain load during the construction process made from it.
Popular articles:
