Polymeric materials today are widely used in the construction of buildings for various purposes and in the process of repair. One of them is cellular polycarbonate, which can be represented by a two- or three-layer panel, between the layers of which longitudinal stiffeners are located.
general description
The cellular structure guarantees mechanical strength with a small specific gravity. In cross section, this material has the form of honeycombs of a triangular or rectangular shape, hence the name comes from. The raw material is granular polycarbonate formed during the condensation of polymers of dihydroxyl compounds and carbonic acid. The polymer refers to thermosetting plastics and has many unique characteristics.
Linear dimensions and specific gravity of the sheet
Monolithic transparent polycarbonate may have different sizes and specific gravity. The thickness varies from 4 to 25 mm, while the number of layers can reach 6. The distance between the stiffeners of the smallest material is 4 mm, this parameter at 20 mm thickness will be 20 mm. The sheet width can be 2.1 and 1.2 m.
The smallest sheet can be bent with a radius of up to 0.7 m, while a 25 mm sheet is not recommended to be bent. A sheet with a thickness of 20 mm can be bent with a radius of up to 3 m. A 4 and 25 mm sheet will have a weight that is 0.8 and 3.4 kg / m 2, respectively. If you decide to purchase polycarbonate, the dimensions of the sheet may differ from the above, but in this case, the parameters must be agreed with the manufacturer. The thickness of the stiffeners will be determined at the manufacturing stage, but the maximum permissible deviation for this parameter is not set.
Technical characteristics: temperature operating conditions
Monolithic polycarbonate is presented in a large assortment today. The manufacturer "Prism-Plastic" offers a material with high resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Temperature conditions of use depend on the brand, compliance with production technology and quality of raw materials. For almost all types of panels, this indicator varies from -40 to +130 ° C. On sale you can find monolithic transparent polycarbonate, which is able to undergo extremely low temperatures up to -100 ° C, while the structure of the material will not be violated.
Upon cooling and heating, a change in linear dimensions will occur. The permissible expansion of cellular polycarbonate should not exceed 3 mm per 1 m, this applies not only to the width, but also to the length. Monolithic transparent polycarbonate is characterized by significant thermal expansion, therefore, when installing it, appropriate gaps should be left.
Chemical resistance
If the panels are supposed to be used for decoration, it should be remembered that they can be exposed to a variety of destructive factors. Polycarbonate is highly resistant to chemicals and compounds. However, it is not recommended to allow the contact of polycarbonate with materials such as:
- plasticized PVC;
- cement mixtures;
- aerosol insecticides;
- concrete;
- ammonia based sealants;
- potent detergents;
- acetic acid based substances;
- aromatic halogens and solvents;
- methyl alcohol solutions.
Monolithic transparent polycarbonate has high chemical resistance to the following compounds:
- salt solutions with a neutral acid reaction;
- concentrated mineral acids;
- alcohol solutions;
- most types of oxidizing agents and reducing agents.
However, when it comes to alcohol solutions, it is important to exclude the effect of methanol on the material. When installing polycarbonate, silicone sealants and designed sealing elements of the type EPDM and its analogues should be used.
Mechanical strength
Polycarbonate, the sheet dimensions of which were mentioned above, has high mechanical strength, the material is able to undergo significant loads. But if the surface is subjected to abrasion, contact with small particles like sand can cause damage to the base. In this case, you may encounter the fact that after a certain time the material will be covered with scratches, which applies to cases in contact with rough materials. Monolithic polycarbonate, the price per sheet of which varies depending on the thickness, has a certain mechanical strength, which will depend on the structure and grade of the material.
After testing, the following results were obtained. The tensile strength is 60 MPa, while the relative deformation upon reaching the tensile strength is 6%. The material also has a yield strength of 70 MPa. The relative deformation at the yield strength is 100%. The impact strength of the material is 65 kJ / mm, but as for deformation, it is equal to 35 kJ / mm 2 . The manufacturer guarantees that the operational characteristics of the material will remain for 5 years, this is true if the sheets are installed correctly.
UV Resistance
Monolithic transparent sheet polycarbonate is able to guarantee reliable protection against radiation in the UV range. In order to achieve this effect, in the manufacturing process, a special stabilizing coating is applied to the surface by coextrusion. This technology provides a minimum life of the material for 10 years.
The peeling of the protective coating does not occur because the polymer is fused to the base. When mounting the sheet, it is necessary to inspect the marking and install it correctly. The sun protection coating should face out. Light transmission depends on color, and in the case of painted sheets, this indicator varies from 83 to 90%. If it comes to color panels, then their light transmittance does not exceed 65%, while polycarbonate scatters the light perfectly.
Heat insulating properties
Transparent polycarbonate for greenhouses should have heat-insulating properties. The heat transfer coefficient, characterized by heat-insulating properties, depends on the structure and thickness of the sheet. This parameter varies from 4.1 W / (m² · K), which is true for a 4-mm sheet, to 1.4 W / (m² · K) for a 32-mm sheet. Cellular polycarbonate is the most suitable material where a combination of high thermal insulation qualities and transparency is necessary. That is why it is often used in the construction of greenhouses.
Area of use
Due to its versatility, polycarbonate is used today in many areas of industrial production. You can not find industries where this polymer would not be used. In construction, it is used for glazing, where transparency and strength are required. Roofs made of honeycomb plastic are able to withstand shock and wind load. On the roads you can find many structures that serve to ensure traffic safety, among them are:
- shelters for pedestrian crossings;
- protective shields;
- public transport stops;
- lenses for backlight devices;
- road signs and signs.
This plastic is the embodiment of the dream of farmers about transparent, strong and light material. It is used to equip greenhouses and hotbeds. Polycarbonate is an ideal material for creating various products for show business and sports. Helmets are made from it, and on hockey pitches made of monolithic plastic, protective sides can be found.
Another industry is the food industry. Chemical inertness makes it possible to make cutlery and unbreakable dishes from polycarbonate. Monolithic polycarbonate, the price per sheet of which is quite acceptable, is used today in medicine for the manufacture of vessels, cases, artificial joints and dentures. It should be noted the area of electronics and the chemical industry, where polycarbonate is used as a material that does not conduct current.
Cost
Monolithic polycarbonate 2 mm transparent will cost 3900 rubles. per sheet, the dimensions of which are 2.05 x 3.05 m. The price will vary depending on the thickness. Thus, for a 0.6-mm sheet you will have to pay 650 rubles., The size will be 1.25 x 2.05 m. If the thickness is 12 mm, then the cost will be 23,400 rubles. per sheet, the dimensions of which are 2.05 x 3.05 m.