What is cellular polycarbonate made of. Polycarbonate: what is it and what can it be used for? Garage buildings made of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate in construction is a great alternative to glass. It has very high light transmission due to 90% transparency and is also very light. In addition, polycarbonate is several hundred times stronger than glass - it is not afraid of a hammer and bullets. It is he who is preferred by gardeners in the construction of greenhouses, then no hail or hurricane can spoil it.

In addition to the installation of greenhouses, polycarbonate material is used for the construction of shop windows, billboards, in the glazing of buildings, balconies and loggias, in office partitions, as fences in playgrounds or swimming pools, and in other transparent structures. This material is aesthetic and pleasant, so it is also used as a decor.

Read more about the characteristics and benefits of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a transparent polymer plastic that is stored in the form of granules until the very moment of processing. The composition of this substance includes: diatomic phenol, water, carbonic acid, solvents and dyes. At high temperatures, it does not lose its properties, is capable of self-healing, and therefore is environmentally friendly.

Important: do not open the factory packaging until the polycarbonate sheets are used, so that condensation does not get in, and you can not tear off the protective film - dust or insects can get in, this will negatively affect the appearance of the sheet.

Two types of polycarbonate are produced - cellular and monolith. They are the same in quality. The only difference is that the structure of cellular polycarbonate is cellular (it is hollow inside, there are only partitions between the cells), and the monolith is solid without empty cells inside.

Specifications:

As already mentioned, this material is most loved when installing greenhouses - it has excellent thermal insulation.

Flame retardant and non-toxic, self-extinguishing properties.

Unrealistically shockproof - used in the construction of fences against vandalism.

Resistant to temperature changes. Not vulnerable to difficult weather conditions.

Important: although the material does not lose its properties when exposed to high temperatures, it can increase in size up to 4 mm - this must be taken into account during installation and storage.

Due to the fact that the material is very flexible, it is convenient to make arches and other structures from it, which need to be given an original geometric shape. For this, a honeycomb sheet is more often used.

Does not pass ultraviolet. The material itself is destroyed under the influence of UV, but manufacturers have taken this nuance into account and add a special protective agent to its composition.

In order not to doubt which type of polycarbonate to choose - cellular or monolith, remember that the only difference is that the cellular one has less weight than the monolith, and the cellular one also has slightly higher sound insulation due to the voids in the honeycombs.

By itself, polycarbonate is a very light material, you can work with it without the use of special power equipment. Another important advantage is that the material is safe both in installation and in everyday life. If the glass is accidentally hit, it will break and may injure someone - with polycarbonate, such cases are excluded altogether.

Description of the installation of a polycarbonate greenhouse

Building a greenhouse with your own hands from polycarbonate is much easier than from glass. In addition, the plasticity of the material allows you to give the greenhouse a more interesting shape.

Polycarbonate is not fragile, unlike glass.

It is easily cut with scissors for metal (you can use a saw or a knife).

Flexibility - you can make the roof in the form of an arch. This will help to avoid joints, which cannot be said about the installation of a glass greenhouse.

Important: despite the fact that polycarbonate is flexible enough, you need to follow the measure. Do not exceed the bending radius indicated on the package, this will lead to a violation of the special UV coating.

Foundation and frame of the greenhouse

The first step is to pour the foundation of the greenhouse. If the greenhouse will be located on soft ground, then a strapping should be done, and then a concrete foundation should be poured. You can use brick or stone. This foundation will last for many years.

The frame for the greenhouse can be wooden, profiled or metal. It is better to use metal, because the profiled one is not very durable and can bend under pressure, and the wooden one needs to be painted - it shrinks. An ideal option would be a metal corner or square fittings.

Covering the frame of the greenhouse with polycarbonate sheets

The first step is to tear off the factory film from the sheets. It is better to do this before sheathing, then it will be very inconvenient, and you will have to tinker.

Sheets are fastened to the outer side of the frame, overlapping, using thermal washers and self-tapping screws.

Make sure the side with the UV protection is on the outside.

Cellular polycarbonate can be bent only in the direction of the stiffeners.

You don’t need to tighten the fasteners too much - the sheet should hold tight, but be able to move freely so that there is room to expand when heated.

There is nothing difficult in doing the installation of the greenhouse yourself. You can, of course, purchase a ready-made frame sheathed with polycarbonate, which is then only installed on the foundation, but it will cost a little more. In addition, you can not guess with the size, which will entail unnecessary expenses, although it is up to you - both options have their pros and cons. In the first option, you spend your time and effort, but save money, in the second - on the contrary.

Service life of polycarbonate

If polycarbonate is properly cared for and all precautions are taken during installation, then it can last several decades longer than indicated by the manufacturer.

Polycarbonate Care

On the example of a greenhouse, upon the arrival of spring, polycarbonate must be cleaned of dirt that accumulates over the winter. Due to dirt, the material loses its transparency, and from this it heats up more, which leads to deformation of the sheet. Keep the building clean.

Polycarbonate is easy to clean. To do this, you can use any dishwashing detergent, if you do not have a special one, and a cotton cloth.

Important: the detergent should not contain ammonia, it destroys the material, and for greasy stains, use ethyl alcohol! Do not rub it with a brush or scraper, only with a cotton cloth! Otherwise, damage the coating that protects against ultraviolet radiation.

In conclusion, a few words about the colors of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate has a rich color range, especially cellular. The cast does not have such a wide variety of colors, because it is used less often than cellular, but there is still a choice.

The main purpose of colored polycarbonate is to give beauty and originality to the appearance of the building. But some experts argue that for the construction of a greenhouse, color matters not only in aesthetic terms. It is believed that the green color is not suitable for greenhouses, because it inhibits the growth of plants, red or orange, on the contrary, contributes. In any case, if you decide to use this material in construction, then you will have where to show your imagination.

Polycarbonate Care

On the example of a greenhouse, upon the arrival of spring, polycarbonate must be cleaned of dirt that accumulates over the winter. Due to dirt, the material loses its transparency, and from this it heats up more, which leads to deformation of the sheet. Keep the facility clean.

Polycarbonateeasy to clean. To do this, you can use any dishwashing detergent, if you do not have a special one, and a cotton cloth.

uImportant : detergent must not contain ammonia, it destroys material and for greasy stains use ethyl alcohol! Do not rub it with a brush or scraper, only with a cotton cloth! Otherwise, damage the coating that protects against ultraviolet radiation.

In conclusion, a few words about the colors of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate has a rich color range, especially cellular. The cast does not have such a wide variety of colors, because it is used less often than cellular, but there is still a choice.

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Polycarbonate is a colorless hard polymeric plastic. In production it is used in the form of granules. It is characterized by lightness, high strength, transparency, plasticity, frost resistance and durability.

Also, this material is a good dielectric. From a chemical point of view, polycarbonates are synthetic polymers.

The special properties of polycarbonate are achieved due to the unique structure of its macromolecules. Since polycarbonate is a thermoplastic (thermoplastic polymer), when it hardens, it is able to restore its properties.

It is worth noting that such material can be subjected to repeated processing, which makes it environmentally attractive. Polycarbonate is made from polycarbonate granules according to the extrusion principle. The applied UV protective layer provides reliable protection from direct sunlight.

Polycarbonate sheets are very popular for the device, due to their unique performance properties, as well as a wide range of applications. The main advantages of polycarbonate include:

• ease;
• transparency;
• simple installation;
• strength;
• flexibility;
• ease of processing;
• resistance to negative effects of the environment and chemical elements;
• sound and heat insulation;
• security.

Polycarbonate is cellular and monolithic. Cellular polycarbonate is widely used in construction, as it is quite light, but at the same time durable material. Sufficient ductility and high impact resistance make it possible to obtain products with thin walls without losing their basic properties.

Monolithic polycarbonate is considered less common. It is a solid plate, which is used when facing various building objects. The products are strong enough to withstand various impacts and eliminate the need to use a metal frame.

Due to their flexibility, polycarbonate sheets are an ideal material for covering even the most geometrically complex structures. Installation of polycarbonate plates is not difficult. Comfortable polycarbonate profiles are used, which have the same color range and mechanical properties. Sheets can be perfectly processed with ordinary cutting tools.

Polycarbonate granules are the main raw material for the manufacture of PC sheet. Resin sheet is widely used in the production of lighting technology, clutch parts, mechanical engineering parts and electrical parts.

Also, the use of polycarbonate cannot be dispensed with in construction, furniture production, the manufacture of weapons, protective equipment and sporting goods, information media, etc. Very often polycarbonate is used as a substitute for glass. Summer residents use such material for equipment and greenhouses.

Polycarbonate has high strength and can be of varying degrees of transparency and different colors. Polycarbonate products are characterized by a high degree of fire safety. During the impact of fire on the polymer, it does not burn, but melts and at the same time, without releasing toxic substances.

It is completely environmentally friendly material. It is created on the basis of salts of carbonic acid, which is unable to harm the environment. When interacting with fire, heavy metal vapors and other harmful substances are not emitted into the air. The safety of the polymer is explained by the fact that it is used in industries such as medicine and the food industry.

Video:

Polycarbonate is a modern material that perfectly replaces glass, while not inferior to it in many properties.

Polycarbonate is a polymer, which, due to its characteristics, is defined as a synthetic low-combustible material. If we compare this material with acrylic and glass, it turns out that polycarbonate is much more durable (100 times compared to glass and 10 times to acrylic). Wide and temperature range of application, in which the properties of the material remain unchanged - from -40°C to +120°C.

Produced from special raw materials - polycarbonate granules. Slabs of one or another type of polycarbonate are smelted by special processing. Due to its properties, polycarbonate is used quite widely in construction, aircraft construction, medicine, the production of household appliances and electronics, where it is necessary to create a lightweight but durable case.

There are two types of polycarbonate:

• monolithic;
• cellular.

Monolithic polycarbonate is a single plate that looks like glass in appearance. However, polycarbonate is 100 times stronger than glass, 2 times lighter and transmits more light (up to 90%).

Panel thickness can be 0.75-40mm. Often there is a multilayer monolithic polycarbonate. The color scheme and texture of the layers may be different. In addition, different layers are often given different properties: for example, one is durable, the second does not transmit light, and the third has a matte surface. Monolithic polycarbonate with two layers that do not transmit ultraviolet has become widespread.

In the construction industry, horizontal structures are erected from. At the same time, it is not necessary that they have a strict rectangular shape - it can also be a rounded overlap.

Rounded monolithic polycarbonate

The roundness of the shape is achieved by using hot forming technology. For the technology, special domes with a radius of 4-5 m with a rectangular floor are used. To control the thickness of the manufactured monolithic polycarbonate, powerful lights are used, carried out along the entire inner area of ​​the dome.

The dome with raw materials is immersed in the furnace, where the temperature is gradually increased and air circulates. The sheet heated to a certain temperature is stamped. The impact resistance of stamped polycarbonate is very high due to the fact that during the stamping process, the parts are reinforced with special ribs. The need to insert metal stiffeners is eliminated, thereby maintaining the light weight of the structure.

Another option is wave profiled polycarbonate.

Cellular polycarbonate

Structurally, these are two (or more) layers of plates, between which there are longitudinal jumpers - stiffeners.

Cellular polycarbonate is also called cellular or structured. However, the name "cellular polycarbonate" has firmly entrenched in the construction industry. Cellular polycarbonate is used to create roofs, awnings, ventilation lights on the roofs of industrial buildings and premises.

Important! Cellular polycarbonate is produced by forcing granules heated to a molten state through a forming part, which determines the shape and dimensions of the future sheet.

The advantages of cellular polycarbonate, which determine the scope of its application, include the following:

• low weight (1 m2 of a sheet weighs from 1500 to 3500 g, which is 6 times less than glass);
• low thermal conductivity;
• high sound insulation performance (2 times higher than that of glass);
• great impact resistance;
• high bearing capacity;
• high light transmission (up to 85% - also more than glass);
• flexibility;
• resistance to many aggressive chemicals, etc.

Important! Polycarbonate has a negative property, which should be taken into account even in the process of designing a building - when exposed to high temperatures, the material begins to increase in volume, which can damage horizontal ceilings with a large area or load-bearing structures.

Also, polycarbonate, like glass, does not tolerate mechanical stress. For successful installation of floors, it is customary either not to remove the protective film, or to treat the surface with special compounds.

Prices for cellular polycarbonate

cellular polycarbonate

Cellular polycarbonate in agriculture

Cellular polycarbonate is widely used in the agricultural sector. Here, impact resistance, the ability of the material to diffuse direct sunlight, long wear life and thermal insulation properties are highly valued. In addition, cellular polycarbonate transmits only part of the ultraviolet rays, which are quite enough for the normal life of plants. Due to these properties, cellular polycarbonate is actively used for the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses, not only on an industrial scale, but also for private purposes.

For the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses, sheets of cellular polycarbonate 8 mm thick are usually used. It is this thickness that is considered the golden mean - the combination of cost and technical characteristics is the most successful. Many manufacturers specially produce 8 mm cellular polycarbonate with a coating that does not allow water to linger on the inner surface, which improves the light transmission of the finished greenhouse.

Table. The main characteristics of cellular polycarbonate 4 mm thick of popular brands.

Monolithic and cellular polycarbonate - what is common?

Both types of polycarbonate have common properties, including:

• excellent light transmission;
• ease;
• shock resistance;
• low thermal conductivity.

Both varieties are often used to build transparent ceilings of the most complex forms in both private and commercial construction. Most often, polycarbonate floors can be found in the design of transitions, gyms, museums, workshops and shopping centers.

According to the standard, polycarbonate sheets of different thicknesses are produced - 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm. On the domestic market, sheets with a thickness of 32 are sometimes found. One sheet, as a rule, has dimensions of 2100 * 6000 mm or 2100 * 12000 mm.

For construction, polycarbonate 8-10 mm is usually used, and when heat saving is necessary - over 20 mm thick.

Polycarbonate in private construction

Polycarbonate has become available to the general public recently and immediately gained popularity. Its relative cheapness and excellent properties found a consumer response, and the material began to be used in all spheres of life, including in private construction.

Recently, the construction of polycarbonate fences has gained wide popularity. The ability to create unusually shaped fences, good noise isolation and ease of installation have made polycarbonate one of the most favorite materials among designers and architects.

An important role in universal recognition is played by the fact that polycarbonate can be translucent and matte, in different colors and shapes. Great scope for imagination and the ability to create a custom design.

Polycarbonate is easy to clean, making it easy to care for the fence. To care for a polycarbonate fence, water and cotton fabric are enough. As an additional washing agent, you can use any agent that does not contain ammonia. Soundproofing properties are also a big plus for such a fence.

Garage buildings made of polycarbonate

Two designers - Tapio Spelman and Christian Grau - asked themselves how to create an unusual and practical garage for premium cars that looks modern, while the car is visible and safe at the same time. The solution came almost immediately: they developed a garage with transparent walls made of polycarbonate with the addition of liquid crystals that can hide the car from prying eyes. When implementing this project, the output is a beautiful building that perfectly fulfills its functions and pleases the eye.

Greenhouses, greenhouses and winter gardens made of polycarbonate

The fashion for using film for the greenhouse device is gradually disappearing. The film, in comparison with polycarbonate, is unprofitable and impractical - even if its integrity is not violated, then after 2-3 years they will inevitably self-destruct under the influence of sunlight. In addition, the film must be removed for the winter season and reinstalled in the spring, which provides additional problems. All of the above in tandem with unaesthetic make this material completely uncomfortable and problematic.

Much easier and easier to arrange. Many companies supply ready-made structures with a galvanized frame, which only need to be assembled.

Advantages of a polycarbonate greenhouse:

• long service life of floors (up to 25 years);
• long service life of the galvanized frame (up to 25 years);
• no need to put a foundation - the frame holds perfectly on any surface;
• design mobility - a greenhouse or greenhouse can be moved to another place;
• ease of assembly / disassembly;
• extension of the harvest time due to the optimal climate;
• possibility to equip a winter garden;
• the assembled greenhouse takes up little space;
• The greenhouse kit includes all the necessary fasteners that securely fix the structure in the assembled state.

Unlike greenhouses made of other materials, polycarbonate structures provide an even distribution of light rays throughout the plants. For example, if the greenhouse is covered with glass, the ultraviolet rays, without being reflected, fall only on the tops of the plants, while the lower part remains in the shade. Under such conditions, plants often fall ill and die.

Polycarbonate provides an optimal microclimate for efficient plant growth. In addition, galvanized iron, from which the frame is made, is durable and has no material value in the eyes of criminals.

Important! For lovers of aesthetics and landscape design, polycarbonate will be a real gift - the ability of cellular polycarbonate to take on the most complex shapes allows you to build structures of any kind.

A polycarbonate greenhouse holds heat much better. If you have a heated greenhouse or conservatory, you can save about 30% of the fuel you use per year.

It might be helpful

Below are some useful information and applications of polycarbonate.

In industrial and private construction, polymer products began to be used as early as the 70s of the last century. Half a century of practice has proved and in fact confirmed the numerous advantages of using synthetic products. However, not everyone is still familiar with its weighty priorities.

Moreover, there are people who have no idea at all what polycarbonate is, what technical characteristics and technological advantages it attracts builders, how not a new, but not yet well-known material works in structures and structures.

To get full answers to the questions of interest, it is worth understanding the specifics of the polymer product and the features of its production.

The popularity and demand for polycarbonate in construction is justified by a number of priority qualities that are unique to polymeric materials. Its extraordinary lightness is combined with sufficiently high strength and resistance to a number of external influences.

The polymer sheet actively displaces the fragile and heavy silicate glass. It is much more actively and more readily used in the glazing of building structures.

Using polycarbonate, they equip terraces and greenhouses, build canopies, canopies over entrance groups and roofs of arbors. Serves as a roofing, light-conducting element of panoramic windows, wall cladding.

Polycarbonate, unlike glass, can hold quite an impressive load without cracking and deformation. It is suitable for covering large spans, does not create risky situations that arise when large-scale panoramic glazing is destroyed.

The material of synthetic origin does not require extremely careful handling during transportation, delivery to the place of work and installation work. Easy to process, does not create complications in cutting. While working with it, there are practically no wastes and spoiled pieces that are not suitable for further use.

According to structural indicators, sheet polycarbonate is divided into two subspecies, these are:

• Monolithic. Material with a monolithic structure and equal characteristics throughout the thickness. When cut, the sheet looks like the glass we are used to, but it is 200 times stronger. It bends, however, to the limits specified by the manufacturer.
• Cellular. Material with characteristic "honeycombs", if you look at its cut. In fact, these are two thin sheets, between which there are remote longitudinal partitions. They form a honeycomb structure, and also serve as stiffeners.

Both varieties are suitable for forming rounded surfaces, which is completely impossible when using glass. But those who want to implement an interesting idea should take into account the bending radius, which must be indicated by the manufacturer of the material in the technical documentation.

Both types of materials are obtained as a result of polycondensation of two chemical components: definilopropane chloride and carbonic acid. As a result, a viscous plastic mass is created, from which a monolithic or cellular polycarbonate is formed.

In order to get a complete picture of both varieties, we will deal with the specifics of their production and application features.

Monolithic polycarbonate sheets

The starting material for the production of a monolithic thermoplastic polymer is supplied in pellet format. Production is carried out according to extrusion technology: the granules are loaded into the extruder, where it is mixed and melted.

The softened uniform mass is pressed through the die of the extruder - a flat-slot device, at the exit of which a polymer plate of equal thickness is obtained at all points. The thickness of slab polycarbonate varies from 1.5 mm to 15.0 mm. Simultaneously with the thickness of the plate, the required dimensions are given.

Monolithic polymer plates are produced in an extensive range, they differ in:

• Light transmitting properties. They are transparent, transmitting up to 90% of the light flux, and matte, practically not conducting light.
• By relief. They are flat and wavy. Polymer transparent and non-conductive slate is one of the varieties of monolithic polycarbonate.
• By color. In the abundance of trading positions offered to buyers, there are materials of various colors.

Among the positive qualities of monolithic polycarbonate is zero moisture absorption. It does not absorb atmospheric water and household fumes at all, therefore it does not die and does not create conditions for the settlement of fungal colonies.

The monolithic version is not afraid of low and high temperatures, it works perfectly in a wide range. In hot weather, like all polymers, it is prone to linear expansion, which must be taken into account when designing and installing.

Honeycomb polycarbonate panels

The production of a honeycomb polymer material differs from the production of a monolithic counterpart only in the shape of the die. When punching through it, a multilayer material is created with long longitudinal channels of small cross section.

There is air in the channels formed by the spinneret, due to which the insulating qualities of the polymer product are significantly increased, at the same time, the weight is significantly reduced.

Positions from the cellular assortment differ:

• By the total thickness of the panel. Architects and designers now have honeycomb material available in thicknesses ranging from 4.0 mm to 30.0 mm. Naturally, the thicker the sheet, the worse it bends and is less suitable for the formation of rounded planes.
• By color and light-transmitting qualities. Due to the peculiarities of the structure, cellular polycarbonate cannot conduct more than 82% of light rays. The colorful range is not inferior to the monolithic nomenclature.
• By the number of layers and the shape of honeycombs. Layers in a honeycomb panel can be from 1 to 7. Stiffening ribs, which are at the same time spacers and walls of air channels, can be located strictly perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet or be at an angle to them.

The channels created by the jumper ribs can be safely attributed to both the pluses of the material and its minuses. Despite the complete inability of polycarbonate itself to absorb water, they, on the contrary, can “suck” moisture from nearby soils and plants, easily let household fumes into themselves.

In order to prevent water from penetrating into the channels, which, by the way, significantly reduces the priority insulating qualities of cellular polycarbonate, during installation work they should be covered with flexible profiles - linear mounting parts. They are used both to protect the edge and to connect adjacent sheets into one structure.

Optimization of qualitative characteristics

Polycarbonate panels are an excellent building material, but still it is not without drawbacks. It transmits ultraviolet of groups A and B. The minus is the sensitivity to sunlight, the tendency to unevenly scatter rays and the ability to sustain combustion.

Let's consider what methods manufacturers of polymer sheets are struggling with negative properties. So we will understand what you should pay attention to when choosing polycarbonate for private construction.

Apply UV protection

It is not in vain that the ability to transmit the ultraviolet component of solar radiation, which is harmful to, for example, plants in a greenhouse, is recognized as a significant disadvantage of plates made of polycarbonate. It is far from useful for vacationers under a canopy, and for those who swim in a pool with a polymer pavilion.

In addition, UV has a negative effect on the polycarbonate sheet itself, which turns yellow, becomes cloudy, and eventually collapses. In order to protect the material and the space equipped with it, the outer side is provided with a layer that plays the role of a reliable barrier against destructive rays.

Previously, the protective layer was made with a varnish coating, the disadvantage of which was the uneven application, the ability to crack and quickly become cloudy. It can still be found on counterfeit products, since manufacturers of such products do not have the equipment or formulations to perform proper UV protection.

High-quality polycarbonate is not covered with a protective shell, it is, as it were, fused into its upper layer. This method of application is called co-extrusion. As a result of mixing two substances at the molecular level, a shield is created that is impenetrable to ultraviolet radiation.

The thickness of the layer created by fusing is only a couple of tens of microns. In fact, it is the same polycarbonate, but enriched with a UV stabilizer. During operation, the layer does not crack, does not crumble and does not crumble, and faithfully serves the owners as long as the polycarbonate panel is used.

Note that the presence of a stabilizer is not determined visually, its presence is confirmed only by the technical documentation from the manufacturer, who values ​​\u200b\u200bhis own reputation. In order to be able to determine this substance in polycarbonate, an optical additive is also added during its fusing.

You can consider an optical additive under an ordinary ultraviolet lamp, but you will never see the stabilizer itself. Therefore, it is better to buy material in responsible stores that purchase polycarbonate from trusted suppliers. Only in this case it will be almost impossible to “run into” counterfeit goods.

Also remember that the UV stabilizer is not applied to the entire thickness of the sheet. Such a concentration is simply irrational, and the price of the product would have grown hundreds of times. Therefore, the assurances of the seller or manufacturer of the material that the stabilizing agent has been applied at full capacity can be rightfully regarded as a deception and a desire to sell a fake.

The side from which the stabilizer is fused is indicated on the material as "upper". It is necessary to install polycarbonate sheets only so that it creates an external surface and meets the sun's rays first. Only in this case, UV protection will completely fulfill its duties.

Light Diffusion Additive

The ability to scatter light is a property that is very useful in greenhouses. Therefore, attention should be paid to it if polycarbonate sheets are bought for the construction of a greenhouse.

Light scattering provides a more complete coverage of the illuminated area by redirecting the sun's rays, guarantees a uniform supply of light to all plants located in a closed object. In addition, scattered rays inside the greenhouse are additionally reflected from various surfaces, which further enhances the flow of light.

The property of evenly distributing the sun's rays from monolithic sheets is much higher than that of honeycomb panels. And since the cellular version is mainly used in the arrangement of greenhouses, it is necessary to inquire about the percentage of light scattering from the seller or find information about it in the product passport.

You need to remember that:

• In a honeycomb transparent material, this property usually does not exceed 70-82%.
• For opaque color modifications, it varies from 25 to 42%.

Polycarbonate begins to refract and scatter light after introducing into the composition of the diffuser LD - microscopic particles that form the indicated effect.

This additive is introduced during the production of transparent panels, due to which the light transmission capacity of monolithic sheets increases to 90% (data for a material with a thickness of 1.5 mm). It is added in the manufacture of white polycarbonate, the light transmission capacity of which ultimately varies in the range from 50 to 70%.

Introduction of flame retardant

Like all polymer compounds, polycarbonate without the use of specific additives will support fire. After the introduction of inhibitors, this quality decreases significantly. Monolithic sheets and honeycomb panels resist fire for a long time and do not emit toxic toxins during combustion.

Standard monolithic polycarbonate belongs to the G2 group in terms of ignition parameters, cellular to G1. Those. monolithic sheets are moderately combustible, and honeycomb panels are slightly combustible.

At the request of customers, monolithic sheets can also be manufactured in accordance with the requirements of group G1. The buyer in this case must obtain a certificate for a product with the appropriate characteristics. In terms of flammability, the ability to spread fire and toxicity, there can also be variations.

Exclusion of the phenomenon of internal rain

Cellular polycarbonate is very popular in the construction of greenhouses, verandas, covered pavilions for swimming pools, greenhouses, terraces. The use of polymer panels virtually eliminates the movement of air or significantly reduces its speed. The situation is aggravated by the specific fasteners used in construction, which ensure tightness.

Despite the presence of ventilation components in structures made of polycarbonate, condensation is almost impossible to completely eliminate. Natural evaporation and condensate settle on the inner surface, reducing light transmission.

Condensation and vaporous water have a negative effect on plants, contribute to their decay in sealed greenhouses. A negative impact is exerted on the wooden parts of structures, on the surface of which a destructive fungus settles. Indoor pools create an unhealthy atmosphere.

How to eliminate fogging? Yes, by applying an anti-fog coating, which has received the technical term Antifog (anti-fog). After its application on the inner surface of polycarbonate structures, evaporation and condensate do not linger due to a change in tension on the surface of the drops.

The multicomponent composition creates the conditions for uniform distribution of water over the polymer surface. Water interacts with it, and not with neighboring analogous molecules. As a result, evaporation and condensate do not turn into large drops that pose a threat to plants and people when they fall out, but quickly evaporate.

Accounting for thermal expansion

In order for the structure constructed using polycarbonate not to deform, it must be taken into account that as a result of thermal exposure, sheets and panels can increase in size.

Polycarbonate building material is designed for normal operation in the temperature range from -40º C to +130º C. Naturally, with positive values, the polymer will change in a linear direction.

Accounting for thermal expansion is mandatory at the stage of project development, and information about the linear size of thermal expansion is extremely important for the designer.

The average values ​​of thermal expansion for polymer panels are:

• 2.5 mm per linear meter for transparent, milky material for and products close to the milky color of light tones;
• 4.5 mm for dark color material: blue, gray, bronze samples.

In addition to designers, the ability to thermal expansion must be taken into account by installers, as fasteners must be installed in a special way. In order for sheets and panels to be able to move, holes for self-tapping screws are drilled larger than the diameter of their trunk, and hardware with large caps and compensators is also used.

Honeycomb panels and monolithic polymer sheets are laid so that there is a gap between them. Then, when expanding, the polymer elements will have a reserve, thanks to which they will not “push out” each other, resting on the edges. This gap is closed in the structures by a flexible profile.

If thermal expansion is taken into account when designing and assembling structures, the structures will serve without problems longer than the period guaranteed by the manufacturer. Components built using polycarbonate sheets and panels will not crack or collapse under tension or overstress.

Independent home builders should also be aware of the tendency of polymer sheets and panels to expand under thermal exposure, both direct and indirect, that is, occurring in conditions of increasing degrees in the surrounding space.

Video number 1 will help you visually familiarize yourself with the types of polycarbonate and understand what are the differences:

Video #2 will present tips for choosing honeycomb polycarbonate panels for greenhouse construction:

Video No. 3 will briefly introduce the sizes and scope of cellular polycarbonate:

The information we offer does not just acquaint interested visitors with popular building materials and the specifics of its use.

We tried to explain to you how to choose a product worthy of your attention, which will last a guaranteed period and, probably, much longer. Consideration of the criteria and advice given in the description is necessary to achieve a positive result, both in the acquisition and in the construction.