IPM Shanghai: Sabic introduces new greenhouse roofing solution
“Of the total energy consumed in the greenhouses, roughly 65 to 85 percent is for heating, and the remainder is for lighting, transportation and other necessities. Here at the Hortiflorexpo, we’re excited to showcase how SABIC’s LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet products can help the industry reach its goals related to these costs and help them with improving yield and cost reduction,” said Lennard Markestein, Asia director of Specialty Film & Sheet, Innovative Plastics. “SABIC’s LEXAN sheet materials not only offer durability, high thermal insulation and long-term light transmission to increase energy efficiency but also provide unique solutions such as EASY CLEAN and DRIPGARD coatings that enables our customers to reduce maintenance costs by making cleaning of roof and cladding easy and help improve the yield of the greenhouses by preventing condensation damages of crops.”
With its insulation properties similar to those of double-wall glass, SABIC’s LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet products retain 50 percent more heat than single glass, contributing substantial savings ranging from 20 percent to 45 percent on energy demand, according to a SABIC press release. SABIC’s material is more than 50 percent lighter than glass and virtually unbreakable, making it resistant to hail and easy and safe to work with. Due to its light weight, LEXAN sheet requires less and thinner profiles compared to heavy glass panes, thereby reducing transport and labor costs, facilitating easy and fast installation and enhancing sunlight coming from roof. In addition, it provides excellent UV and flame resistance.
The EASY CLEAN coating on the outside surface of LEXAN sheet reduces the surface tension of the material and forms larger water or rain droplets to wash away dirt, leaving the sheet almost spotless. DRIPGARD coating on the inner surface of the LEXAN sheet reduces the formation of condensation, ensuring continued high light transmission. Special SOFTLITE grade offers up to 79 percent light transmission combined with 100 percent light diffusion, which reduces the “arc” or “rainbow” effect of the direct sunlight in the greenhouse, helping prevent strong light reflection and the shadow forming which may interfere with crop growth.
LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet is available in two or three wall rectangular multiwall structure and in 8-10 mm gauges, comes in clear, opal white and green (solar control) colors. The materials carry a 10-year limited written warranty against discoloration, loss of light transmission and loss of impact strength due to weathering. LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet is used worldwide for roofing, cladding and glazing greenhouses as well as conservatories, shopping centers, stadiums, office buildings, and factories.