Polycarbonate roofing
sheets have gained immense popularity among architects and interior
designers today for building a variety of constructions, may it be residential
or commercial. Polycarbonate is one of the most versatile materials in the
plastics segment that is used not only in the construction industry, but in a
wide range of other applications like optical wear, medical devices, security
systems, automobiles, and more. What has made this material so unique, let us
see in this blog.
What is
polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a group of thermoplastic polymers
containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures, which makes the
material easy to mould and thermoform. In fact, polycarbonate received its name
because of the multiple carbonate groups that they contain.
Where are
polycarbonates used?
The most common applications of polycarbonates include –
·
Construction industry – Skylights, skywalks,
pergolas, windows, swimming pool enclosures, railway stations, stadiums,
carports, patios
·
Optical industry – Eye wear, swimming goggles,
safety eyewear
·
Security industry – Riot shields, bulletproof
windows, police helmets
·
Data storage industry – CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs
·
Automobile industry – Bezels, optical
reflectors, headlamp lenses, cockpits
·
Electronic industry – LCD screens, plasma
screens, mobile phone screens
·
Others – Medical devices, sign boards, food
processing components
These are only some of the most common applications where
polycarbonates are used. Today, polycarbonate has gotten involved in a variety
of industries and applications, almost everywhere where it can replace glass
and other plastics.
What has made
polycarbonate so popular?
Polycarbonate has a variety of unique characteristics blended
together, which has made it so popular to be used in almost all industry
segments. Some of the unmatchable characteristics include –
Strong yet flexible – Polycarbonate is a strong and
durable material yet very flexible. It has an impact resistance that is 200
times that of glass, meaning that it is virtually unbreakable and can withstand
all kinds of climates, environmental conditions, and impacts. However, this
strength and durability do not have it compromising on the flexibility of the
material. Even though it is strong, it is flexible enough to form a variety of
shapes, even domes and circular roofs, which is not possible in other
alternatives like glass.
Resistance – Polycarbonate is not only impact
resistant. It is resistant to a variety of other components like chemicals,
moisture, fire, and scratches. Polycarbonate remains unaffected when comes in
contact with chemicals and moisture. It is also the best material to be used in
areas that are prone to fire as it never catches fire.
Insulation – Polycarbonate has great insulation
properties. It insulates better than glass, thus lowering energy costs.
Especially, when multiwall polycarbonates are used, the insulation level is
very high because of the multiple layers of polycarbonates stacked together.
This is why multiwall polycarbonateroofing sheets are the most ideal choice for conservatories and
greenhouses.
Aesthetic appeal – Polycarbonate is available as
transparent as glass, which is why it has replaced almost all applications
where glass is used. However, it has an added advantage to glass. Unlike glass,
polycarbonate is available in a variety of colors, which can be chosen to
either match or contradict the other visual elements of a construction with
which polycarbonate is used. Also, polycarbonate is available in a variety of
textures and finishes, which not only adds to the visual appeal, but also makes
it a great option to be used in applications where semi-transparency is
required.
After reading all of this, if you have also decided to use
polycarbonate for your application, get in touch with Tuflite Polymers to get
the finest quality polycarbonate roofingsheets, which are available in a variety of colors, sizes, textures, and
types for you to choose from.
