How to choose a monolithic polycarbonate - technical

In construction, glass has traditionally been used to create translucent structures. True, the technical characteristics of this material impose some restrictions on the use. The fragility and low impact strength of glass limit its use in adverse weather conditions. An alternative to glass has become a solid polycarbonate, durable, lightweight, transparent plastic. It is highly resistant to mechanical damage, chemical compounds, temperature drops, therefore it is used inside and outside the premises to create interior items, glazing, building sheds, roofs for gazebos. In this article, we will describe what is produced from, what types of this material exist, and how they are used.

Composition and types

Monolithic polycarbonate is a modern polymeric building material that has a high light transmission. This beneficial compound was discovered, one might say by chance, by synthesizing medicines for pain relief. Scientists have noticed that a transparent, like glass, byproduct of this reaction has a high mechanical strength, and also does not react with most aggressive chemicals. Bisphenol A, which is the basis of the composition, is obtained by condensation of acetone and phenol, inexpensive, available components. Excellent technical characteristics and low cost of production allowed the use of polycarbonate in many areas of construction. This material is available in two forms:

• Flat. Flat material is a transparent sheet of rectangular shape without a pronounced surface topography. It is used for glazing, creating windows or interior items.
• Wave. Wave monolithic polycarbonate is also called plastic slate, it is mainly for the construction of a translucent roof arbors, canopies, canopy. The properties of this material can effectively drain water from the slope.

Important! Monolithic polycarbonate can be used for outdoor and indoor construction. Technical characteristics of this material to create from it designs of complex shape. Product quality is regulated by TU 6-19-113-87, this regulatory document describes its main properties: strength, resistance to temperatures, impact strength.

Standard sizes

Polycarbonate - sheet material, that is, it is produced mainly in the form of sheets of different colors. To simplify the work with it, you need to choose the most convenient for mounting dimensions. This is not easy to do, since the products are manufactured according to standard dimensions due to the production process. Monolithic carbonate has the following characteristics:

1. The standard width of a polycarbonate sheet is 205 cm; any brand of this material is produced only of this size.
2. The standard length of a sheet of monolithic polycarbonate is 303 cm, however, on request, manufacturers produce materials of other sizes without changing the width.
3. The thickness of the polycarbonate monolithic type is 2-12 mm. Choose what thickness material is suitable for specific conditions of use is quite simple. As a thicker material has a higher strength and lower thermal conductivity.
4. One square meter of polycarbonate monolithic type is 800-3500 grams in accordance with the thickness of the material, making it one of the lightest roofing coatings.
5. It is made in the form of a transparent, translucent, as well as a matte sheet, so it is possible to choose the appropriate material with the desired coefficient of light transmission and of any color.

Note! When purchasing polycarbonate from the buyer is not possible to choose the size of the material. This feature is associated with the production process, since the extruder used to manufacture this plastic has a width limitation. Therefore, it is impossible to create polycarbonate wider than 205 cm. This material has no restrictions on the length of the sheet. This allows you to produce a monolithic polycarbonate large length in the form of rolls.

Material properties

When manufacturers describe the performance characteristics of polycarbonate, its properties are compared with silicate glass. Moreover, this affordable material only benefits from this comparison. Monolithic polycarbonate is cheaper, stronger, lighter, and also more durable than silicate glass, otherwise it would not be able to compete with it in the construction market. It has the following beneficial properties:

• Heat resistance. It withstands temperatures in the range of -50 / + 120 degrees. High frost resistance and high temperature tolerance allows the use of transparent polycarbonate for the construction of outdoor structures even in extreme climatic conditions.
• Chemical resistance It does not react with most of the known potent chemicals. The exceptions are ammonia, diethyl alcohol, butyl acetate, methyl alcohol.
• Mechanical strength. If you choose between glass and polycarbonate, the second material is more resistant to mechanical stress. It bends, but does not break even under the influence of intense loads.
• A light weight. The square meter of glass weighs 2 times more than polycarbonate of the same area, so it is used where there is no possibility to create capital support structures.
• Fire safety. It is a self-extinguishing material, which means that at normal oxygen content in the air polycarbonate does not burn.
• Long service life. If you choose a quality, transparent material, then it can serve for more than 10 years. During this time, it will not collapse, but only reduce the transparency by 6-10%.

Manufacturers when using polycarbonate externally recommend to pay attention to the fact that under the influence of ultraviolet cure it becomes cloudy with time. In order to increase the protective properties of the material, special films or formulations are applied to the surface facing the sunny side.

Spheres of use

Due to its high strength, light weight, long service life and affordable price, monolithic polycarbonate has become widespread, partially replacing glass in a number of construction operations. It is used in the following areas:

1. Transparent polycarbonate is used for architectural glazing of administrative and commercial buildings, schools, banks, offices, since this colored material has a high decorative potential.
2. Safety glazing in special purpose premises (correctional institutions, hospitals, sports complexes).
3. Creation of anti-vandal structures of public importance (signs, road signs, advertising or information boards).
4. The construction of noise barriers along busy roads or highways.
5. Construction of the roof. Polycarbonate is used to create arched roof structures for sheds, gazebos, canopies, and terraces.

Polycarbonate has a high potential for use in many areas of construction. High strength, low cost and long life of this material allows to reduce the cost of production, if you choose it instead of more fragile and short-lived glass.

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