How to choose the plastic for the greenhouse?

Thinking of putting up a greenhouse? If you have been looking at plastics for greenhouse you will have seen that there is a wide offer, but do they all serve you? Like almost everything in life, it depends. Here we tell you some of the qualities that a plastic must have and what types of plastic are suitable for it.

What to look for in a greenhouse plastic

One of the main peculiarities of Greenhouses is the use of plastic as an enclosure material, except for Dutch or Venlo-type greenhouses that use glass. There are several plastic materials for greenhouses on the market, and depending on multiple factors we will choose one or the other. But make sure only buy from reputable plastic suppliers like the best Vietnam plastic parts manufacturer.

Must be treated against UV rays

Greenhouse plastic, since they are to be used outdoors, must be treated against UV rays since, otherwise, continuous exposure to the sun would damage it. Normally in the south, due to the higher radiation, greenhouse plastics tend to last less than in the north.

The greater the transparency of the plastic to the photosynthetic part of the solar radiation, the more unbeatable its use as a cover is going to be, since it will leave the development of photosynthesis reactions, without which agricultural production is impossible.

Termicity

This characteristic allows the temperature in the greenhouse to be somewhat higher than outside, which leaves the cultivation earlier or in colder areas. In order to bring together these and other peculiarities to this class of plastics, coextrusion is used, manufacturing plastics with multiple layers, which provide different qualities to the product. In addition to this, there are other peculiarities that you will be able to choose depending on the needs of the crop:

Diffuse transmission of greenhouse plastic light

Plastics with a whitish appearance, which makes the light that enters is diffuse, thus avoiding shadows and burns on the plants. It is recommended, due to its peculiarities, in very hot areas or areas with great light intensity and for crops that are mainly grown in summer.

Anti-condensation property

This characteristic can be decisive for the condensation that is generated on the roof of the greenhouses, so it is desirable that the plastic causes the least possible dripping. In this way, plastics that have hydrophilic radicals are more interesting, because they hold the condensate on their surface, avoiding dripping on the plants.

Sulfur resistance

Some crops, due to their sensitivity to diseases, require sulfur treatments. This product damages greenhouse plastic, so plastics with greater resistance to this element must be used.

Types of plastics for greenhouse

Having seen what properties we have to take into account when choosing greenhouse plastic, it is necessary to know what types of greenhouse plastics exist and what properties we have seen before.

Genres of plastics most used in greenhouses:

– POLYETHYLENE (PE)

This is the most widely used flexible plastic when it comes to greenhouse coverage, although it also includes tunnels and mulches. Its low cost, very good mechanical properties and convenience to add additives that improve its peculiarities, make it a highly requested material in agriculture and very versatile to meet the needs of each crop. They have a good diffusion of light, as well as insulating properties and their rupture by elongation occurs in an amount close to five hundred percent. Even polyshades, tarps that help regulate the intensity of light in a greenhouse, are made of this material.

– COPOLYMER ETHYLENE VINYLACETATE (EVA)

EVA grabs are widely used on roofs, double roofs (as thermal screens) and in the protection of low tunnels. EVA has better mechanical resistance than PVC, depending on the vinyl acetate concentration

– POLYVINYL (PVC).

It is a thicker greenhouse plastic to which plasticizers are added to make it more flexible for use as a plastic feature film on greenhouse covers. It is sensitive to cold, to the deposit of dust and also has the disadvantage of color over time.

– POLYCARBONATE (PC)

It is a thermoplastic material with good resistance to impact (hail, stones, etc.). It is easy to recognize, insofar as it consists of 2 or 3 parallel walls joined transversely by small walls of the same material. The parallel wall that is exposed to the outside is protected against UV rays, preventing the rest of the material from degrading and producing an enormous thermal insulation effect. It is simple to mold, has a long service life, and leaves a good passage of direct light.

We hope this post was useful!