Cellular polycarbonate: characteristics. Cellular polycarbonate: sizes, prices, application

In modern production, the use of innovative technologies is increasingly being used to create building and finishing products. Many companies seek to produce materials that are easy to use and install, and also find their application in various areas of life. Cellular polycarbonate, the characteristics of which allow it to be used not only in construction and engineering, but also in advertising, is a vivid example of such a product.

What it is?

The material received its name because of its internal structure. Outwardly, it resembles honeycombs or cells, so this polymer is called - honeycomb polycarbonate. The sheet (most often it is cut into separate parts) has its dimensions. There are panels of different length and thickness. Plants for polycarbonate production can change the characteristics of the material, combining and changing the direction of the horizontal and vertical ribs in different ways. Therefore, having studied the structure, it is possible to determine with accuracy the main properties and qualities of the polymer.

The composition of this or that type of polycarbonate has its own code. It is a collection of numbers and letters. Cellular polycarbonate, the characteristics of which depend on this value, is arranged as follows:

• The letter "R", which stands at the beginning of the code, tells how many horizontal edges there are in the sheet.
• If there are diagonal edges of the amplifier in the polycarbonate structure, then the symbol "X" will necessarily be present in the code.
• If the gain of the profile is achieved due to the sinusoid, then in the structure you will see the symbol "S".

Basic properties

Not everyone knows that the properties of polycarbonate directly depend on its molecular weight. Below is a list of the main features of this polymer:

• Impact strength of the material is considered ultrahigh. For example, even with a light weight, it is stronger than acrylic by 8 times, and glass - by 200.
• High fire resistance and heat resistance.
• Cellular polycarbonate has a very small specific weight. For example, the polymer weighs 3 times less than the acrylic of the same thickness. As for glass, polycarbonate is 200 times lighter than glass.
• The plasticity of the material makes it possible to make various structural forms.
• High level of sound and noise insulation.
• Low thermal conductivity.
• Protection from ultraviolet radiation.
• Polycarbonate does not break into pieces and does not give cracks, which makes it the safest building material.
• Durability. The polymer will last you at least 12 years, and all properties will remain unchanged.
• Transparency. Polycarbonate is transparent by 86%.
• High resistance to natural, atmospheric and chemical influences.
• Tensile strength and bending strength.

Physical properties

Cellular polycarbonate, the characteristics of which directly determine its purpose and scope, is also studied from the point of view of physics. That is, many properties of this polymer make it the most useful and effective in comparison with its competitors. For example, any designer of buildings will tell you that the most important indicator for finishing and facade work is the thermal conductivity of the material. Its importance largely determines the scope of polycarbonate. When glazing buildings, thermal conductivity plays an important role. Therefore, during construction, polycarbonate is increasingly used, the heat transfer coefficient of which varies from 2.5 to 3.9 W / sq. MK, depending on the thickness.

This physical property, like light transmission, makes polycarbonate no less important in the finish. This material largely benefits in comparison with silicate glasses, the transparency of the polymer can reach up to 90%.

Transparent cellular polycarbonate does not ignite and does not spread fire. According to European standards, it belongs to group B1. This material is fireproof, so it is very interesting for designers, builders and architects.

Cellular polycarbonate: characteristics

All products from this polymer can be characterized as follows: they are transparent, made in accordance with standards, have stable dimensions, and their electrical and mechanical properties are at a high level. This material has no smell, it is impervious to fats, oils and bacteria, that is, physiologically inert. Polycarbonate is water-resistant and heat-resistant. Thanks to its special properties, it can be sterilized and boiled, contact with food is allowed.

Colored and transparent cellular polycarbonate can be used for the production of various forms, containers, it is liable to cast even the most complex products. Polymer material withstands impact with a hammer in 40 kg. Cellular polycarbonate, the dimensions of which do not change even under the influence of tensile stress of 220 kg / sq. Cm, is not deformed.

How does the strength of polycarbonate depend on its thickness?

The polymer has one vulnerability - it's its thickness. Cellular polycarbonate may not be able to withstand weather conditions if you choose the wrong sheet size.

Builders know that the thicker the profile, the more durable the material. In addition, as the specific weight increases, the parameters of shock resistance, heat and light transmission increase. Manufacturing companies recommend using only the cellular polycarbonate, the dimensions of which suit you. About what thickness is needed for this or that work, you can find out in the next section.

Dimensions of cellular polycarbonate

Experienced builders advise to adhere to such basic rules when using the material:

• For advertising designs and show-windows, profiles of 4 mm are suitable;
• Building visors, greenhouses, stained-glass windows require a six-millimeter polycarbonate;
• Elements of the roof and industrial greenhouses are better to be trimmed with an 8 mm polymer;
• Polycarbonate honeycomb 10 mm is used for vertical glazing;
• Inclined structures and roofing horizontal profiles can be used without fear only with a material thickness of more than 16 mm;
• Car parks, swimming pools and balconies can be glazed with 20 mm polycarbonate;
• Sheets thicker than 25 mm suitable for the design of winter gardens, greenhouses and industrial facilities.

Kinds

Cellular polycarbonate can be divided into three groups:

• Single-chamber sheets;
• Multi-chamber profiles;
• Reinforced multi-compartment sheets.

The first are the most popular and popular. They are most often used by gardeners to cover greenhouses and create partitions. Multi-chamber profiles are used where the requirements for thermal insulation are high enough. With the help of them, industrial objects and arched vaults are built. Strengthened sheets are used as canopies. They are able to withstand a high load, which can not be handled by single-chamber profiles.

In addition, distinguish between transparent and colored cellular polycarbonate. The latter is most often used for advertising purposes. Transparent sheets are more versatile, they can be used absolutely everywhere.

Scope of application

Cellular polycarbonate has found its application not only in the field of construction and advertising. Increasingly, noise barriers, office partitions, fences, pedestrian slabs and other architectural forms are made of plastic sheets. The most popular cellular polycarbonate was obtained from the owners of summer cottages and gardens. Of the profiles of small thickness, glasshouses, greenhouses and winter gardens glazed.

Production features

Cellular polycarbonate is obtained in the form of small colorless granules. They are melted in a bunker at a temperature in excess of 250 degrees. With the help of special equipment - an extruder - it is formed into sheets. Further it is possible to use both monolithic material (solid) and cellular form.

The molten mass is pushed through the forming tool, as a result sheets are obtained, consisting of several layers. They are connected with each other by horizontal stiffeners, which run along the entire length of the panel. The space between the partitions of the cells remains empty, that is, it is filled with air. Thanks to this cellular polycarbonate has good noise and sound insulation properties. A greater number of stiffeners provides high strength of the material.

Mounting rules

Many use cellular polycarbonate for household purposes, usually from this polymer make a coating in greenhouses. In order to do this correctly, you need to adhere to the basic rules:

1. Consider the standard dimensions of the profiles and their cutting, the impact of snow loads and thermal expansion.
2. Pay enough attention to the components - self-tapping screws, self-adhesive tape, etc.
3. Polycarbonate panels need to be connected together and simultaneously with the frame of construction with the help of special profiles.
4. Correctly select the step of the transverse crate and longitudinal supports.
5. Consider the color of the polycarbonate, since the colored sheets heat faster than the transparent ones.
6. Do not mount the sheets on the street without taking into account thermal deformation.
7. Place the panels in the structure so that moisture can escape through the internal channels.
8. If you are mounting polycarbonate on the street, use models with a special ultraviolet coating.
9. Remove the protective film only after installation.
10. Bend the panels along the radius, the size of which is indicated on the package.
11. It is not recommended to violate the rules of orientation of sheets.
12. Cellular polycarbonate is easily cut with a knife or high-speed saw.
13. Remove chips from internal panels.
14. Drill polycarbonate only with sharp metal drills.
15. Correctly close the ends of the panels, this depends on the tightness of the sheets.
16. To protect the ends, it is best to use aluminum profiles.
17. Provide a drain for condensate and accumulated moisture in the sheet, drill holes in it.
18. For mounting, use split or integral profiles.

This instruction will help to properly attach sheets of polycarbonate, which will ensure the durability and strength of the building.

Tips for storage and transport

Despite the fact that cellular polycarbonate is a rather unpretentious material, it is necessary to follow the rules for transportation and storage, then it will serve you for many years:

• Transport the sheets in a horizontal position;
• Firmly fasten the profiles together;
• Store material in a dry and enclosed place;
• Do not leave sheets for long in the rain, as the protective film may be damaged;
• It is not recommended to lay on dark polycarbonate or metal objects that attract heat;
• If you store sheets on the street, then it is best to cover them with polyethylene.

Popular brands

In Russia, not so many companies producing cellular polycarbonate. The manufacturer, which is most in demand on the domestic market, is KIN. Well-known brands - Ecoplast, Kinplast and Novoglass Premium are used most often.

Cellular carbonate sheets of these models are produced in a standard size - 25.2 m. The thickness of the profiles varies from 4 to 25 mm. Ecoplast is the lightest material, the specific weight of the sheets varies from 16.38 to 35.38 kg / piece, while the weight of Kinplast is up to 90.26 kg / piece.

Profiles of these trade marks are available in several colors - bronze, milk, yellow, blue, brown, yellow, turquoise. Foreign manufacturers make other shades.

Cost

Cellular polycarbonate, whose prices directly depend on the thickness of the sheet, the brand and the service life, is sold both in specialized stores and on the Internet. You can buy sheets both wholesale and retail. Naturally, purchases in large volumes will be cheaper.

For comparison: the cost of a budget polycarbonate, the service life of which is seven to eight years, varies from 1000 to 7000 rubles per sheet. More durable material is more expensive, its price reaches 10,000 rubles per sheet.

If you are at a loss in choosing a building material, ask your dealer or an online consultant for help. If you need cellular polycarbonate (photos can be seen in construction publications and catalogs), pay attention to the thickness of the profile and color. Observe the rules for transportation and storage, and then the material will serve you more than one year.