Today, there are a large number of practical and relatively inexpensive building materials for the construction of modern buildings. One of the most popular is polycarbonate, or, as it is also called, polycarbonate glass. What is it and where is it used?
Description
Polycarbonate glass is a synthetic polymer that chemically consists of carbonic acid polyester and phenols. The raw material, which is formed into finished sheets, resembles transparent granules in structure.
On sale you can find cellular or monolithic sheet plastic. It can be dyed in different colors and have different degrees of transparency.
Properties
The material can be called universal, since the characteristics it possesses make it practically invulnerable:
- impact resistance;
- working temperature from -45 to +120 degrees;
- transparency;
- working load from 60 to 120 kg/m;
- plastic, that is, suitable for bending;
- fire resistance.
The properties of polycarbonate glass can rightfully be called ideal. However, the material has a significant drawback - during active use or cleaning with abrasive substances, small scratches can form on the polymer, which make it cloudy. Unfortunately, getting rid of them is no longer possible. However, abrasion-resistant coated plastic sheet has been developed for active use.
Monolithic polycarbonate
Polymeric plastic of this type resembles acrylic glass in characteristics. However, its mechanical properties far exceed those of glass. It is transparent and at the same time tolerates both extreme high and low temperatures.
Due to its high plasticity, monolithic polycarbonate is used for the manufacture of protective glazing - shields, fences. In addition, it can be used for glazing residential and commercial buildings, agricultural facilities, aircraft, buses. Goggles and helmets are made from it.
Due to its plasticity property, monolithic polycarbonate glass is ideal for the manufacture of curved elements, such as canopies or domes with a rectangular, round or square base. The material is widely used for the manufacture of lamps of varying complexity, protective barriers on roads, signboards.
Cellular polycarbonate
Such a termused to designate a polymer consisting of several layers of impact-resistant plates, which are internally interconnected by additional stiffening ribs. Its production is the melting of granules and the formation of a soft mass with the help of special forms that determine the appearance of the sheets.
The main purpose of cellular polycarbonate is to use it as a roofing material. This is due to its properties to withstand high and low temperatures, transparency and resistance to snow. Due to this, the material is used not only for vertical glazing, but also for horizontal. Roofs for greenhouses, sheds, winter gardens, shop windows and other decorative and protective elements are made of polycarbonate glass.
Cellular polycarbonate is a highly flammable substance, so it is famous for its fire resistance. This makes it suitable for use in fire hazard environments.
Sometimes the material is covered with an additional layer of protection against the occurrence of condensation or ultraviolet radiation. At the same time, its average service life is 10-12 years. Polycarbonate is often used in construction also because of its cost-effectiveness and availability.
Installation nuances
Transparent polycarbonate glass is in demand not only for its positive characteristics, but also for its ease of installation, which even a beginner can handle. The material is light and the sheets can be coveredrelatively large space, so installation does not take too much time. However, it is important to install it correctly so that the polymer lasts as long as possible:
- sheet plastic must be screwed to a metal or wooden frame using self-tapping screws, under which washers must be placed;
- if it is necessary to use two or more sheets of material, the installation is overlapped;
- in this case, a small amount of sealant must be applied between the polymer layers;
- if necessary, cut into pieces, you can use any sharp tool - grinder, jigsaw, hacksaw.
When working with polycarbonate, you must follow safety precautions, namely: wear goggles and use gloves, as its edges can be quite sharp.
Storage and care
Sheets of polymer, which are covered with a special protective layer against ultraviolet radiation, can be stored directly in the open air without fear of losing their properties. Ordinary polycarbonate must be kept under a canopy until installation.
During operation, it is strictly forbidden to use coarse materials and abrasive products for cleaning. Washing the surface is only allowed using soft sponges or cloths, as well as liquid detergents. Abrasive cleaners are approved for use on resin sheets that have a special anti-scratch coating. Also, do not use detergents that include elements such aslike alkali, aldehydes, s alts, isopropanol, ethers.
