Weather-resistant Polycarbonate Hollow Sheet is a specialized
variant of polycarbonate (PC) hollow sheets, engineered with
advanced technologies to withstand harsh environmental conditions
while retaining the material’s inherent advantages of lightness,
impact resistance, and thermal insulation. Unlike standard PC
sheets, its design prioritizes long-term stability against UV
radiation, extreme temperatures, humidity, and chemical
exposure—making it a reliable choice for outdoor and semi-outdoor
applications where weather durability is critical.
Core Weather-resistant Technologies
The exceptional weather resistance of this sheet stems from two key
engineering features:
Co-extruded UV Protection Layer
A dedicated anti-ultraviolet (UV) coating is co-extruded on one or
both surfaces of the sheet during production. This layer is
typically made of high-performance UV absorbers (e.g.,
benzophenones, triazines) and stabilizers that block up to 99% of
harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unlike post-applied coatings (which can
peel off over time), the co-extruded layer fuses with the PC base
material, ensuring permanent protection. It prevents
photo-oxidation of the PC polymer—an issue that causes standard
plastics to yellow, become brittle, or lose transparency after
prolonged sun exposure.
Enhanced Polymer Formulation
The PC resin used in weather-resistant variants is modified with
heat stabilizers, hydrolysis inhibitors, and anti-oxidants. These
additives resist degradation from extreme temperatures (ranging
from -40℃ to 120℃) and high humidity:
- Heat stabilizers prevent softening or warping in intense sunlight
or hot climates.
- Hydrolysis inhibitors block moisture absorption, which can
otherwise break down PC molecular bonds and cause delamination of
the hollow structure.
Key Weather-resistant Performance Traits
1,UV Resistance & Longevity
Accelerated aging tests (e.g., QUV testing, simulating 10 years of
outdoor exposure) confirm that weather-resistant PC hollow sheets
retain over 80% of their original light transmittance and
mechanical strength. In real-world use, they typically maintain
performance for 15–20 years—far longer than standard PC sheets (5–8
years) or acrylic sheets (3–5 years) in outdoor settings.
2,Temperature Extremes Tolerance
The sheet remains dimensionally stable across extreme temperature
fluctuations. For example:
- In cold regions, it resists embrittlement and cracking under
freezing conditions (down to -40℃), making it suitable for
greenhouse roofing in high-latitude areas.
- In hot, arid climates, it does not soften or deform even when
surface temperatures reach 60℃ (due to solar radiation), ensuring
structural integrity for canopies or skylights.
3,Moisture & Chemical Resistance
The hydrolysis-resistant formulation and sealed hollow structure
prevent water ingress and mold growth. Additionally, the sheet
resists corrosion from common environmental chemicals, such as:
- Acidic rain (pH 4.0–5.5)
- Urban air pollutants (e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides)
- Agricultural chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides) used in
greenhouse applications.
4,Wind & Hail Impact Resistance
Combined with PC’s inherent high impact strength (250x that of
glass), the weather-resistant variant’s rigid hollow structure
withstands strong winds (up to 120 km/h) and hailstones (diameter
up to 25 mm) without cracking. This makes it ideal for coastal
areas prone to storms or regions with frequent hailstorms.