Comparison of Composite Sheet and Solid Polycarbonate
| Characteristic |
Composite Sheet |
Solid Polycarbonate |
Conclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (bulk weight), kg/m³ | low | low | Both materials are lightweight, easy to transport, and do not place a heavy load on the foundation. |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/mK | low → good thermal insulation properties | low → good thermal insulation properties | The materials are comparable in terms of thermal insulation. |
| Dimensional stability (during installation) | excellent, does not deform due to temperature changes | low, deforms under the influence of heat and cold | Composite significantly surpasses polycarbonate in geometric stability and durability. |
| Chemical resistance / corrosion | high | low | Composite is a material with much better resistance to aggressive environments. |
| Behavior under temperature cycling | does not lose strength | loses strength, ages | Composite does not degrade from temperature fluctuations, which increases the service life of the structure. |
| Vapor permeability / bio-resistance | mold, algae, and bacteria do not grow | low bio-resistance | Composite is a more hygienic and stable material. |
| Light transparency | remains transparent for the entire service life | loses transparency under UV exposure | Composite is more durable when used in transparent structures. |
| Hail resistance / impact toughness | high | low | In cases where mechanical damage is a risk, composite is preferable. |
| Load-bearing capacity / snow loads | withstands high loads | withstands only with additional purlins | Composite is suitable for more heavily loaded structures. |
| Thermal expansion | low coefficient | high coefficient | Composite does not cause deformations when heated. |
| Operating temperature range | –60…+120 °C | 0…+75 °C (becomes brittle in cold) | Composite has a 2–3 times wider operating temperature range. |
| UV resistance | does not degrade under UV | degrades under UV | Composite is more durable when used in sunlight. |
| Abrasion resistance | high | low | Composite withstands abrasion, cleaning, and weather effects better. |
Comparison of Composite Sheet and Cellular Polycarbonate
| Characteristic |
Composite Sheet |
Cellular Polycarbonate |
Conclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (bulk weight), kg/m³ | low | low | Both materials are lightweight, but composite is stronger for the same weight. |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/mK | low → good thermal insulation properties | low → good thermal insulation properties | Thermal insulation is comparable, but in cellular PC it is achieved through voids rather than the material's structure. |
| Dimensional stability (during installation) | excellent, does not deform | low — "creeps," loses strength from temperature cycling | Composite is significantly more stable and reliable during installation. |
| Chemical resistance / corrosion | high | low | Composite is resistant to aggressive environments, while PC requires protection and careful handling. |
| Behavior under temperature cycling | retains strength for decades | degrades, breaks, loses elasticity | Composite is designed for long-term use; PC is not. |
| Bio-resistance (mold, moss, algae) | not susceptible to biological growth | promotes the growth of mold and algae inside the cells | Composite wins both in hygiene and in appearance. |
| Light transparency | remains transparent for the entire service life | becomes cloudy, fungus appears inside the cells | Composite is more durable and optically stable. |
| Impact toughness / hail resistance | high | low | Composite is resistant to mechanical impacts; PC is not. |
| Snow loads / load-bearing capacity | withstands heavy loads | withstands only with additional purlins | Composite is suitable for permanent structures. |
| Thermal expansion | low | high | Polycarbonate expands noticeably, leading to deformations, cracks, and fastener displacement. |
| Operating temperature range | –60…+120 °C | 0…+75 °C, brittle in cold | Composite can be used in virtually any climatic conditions. |
| UV resistance | does not degrade under UV | degrades, ages quickly | Composite is a long-service material. |
| Abrasion resistance | high | low | Composite is resistant to abrasion, wind load, and cleaning. |
Comparison of Composite Sheet and Metal Profiled Sheet
| Characteristic |
Composite Sheet |
Metal Profiled Sheet |
Conclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (bulk weight), kg/m³ | low | high | Composite is lighter, cheaper in logistics, creates less load on the foundation; metal requires a reinforced base. |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/mK | low → good thermal insulation properties | high → poor thermal insulation | Composite is significantly warmer; metal requires thermal insulation. |
| Dimensional / geometric stability | excellent, does not deform | sensitive to temperature, may change shape | Composite is more stable during operation and installation. |
| Chemical resistance / corrosion | high, does not rust | low, requires coating | Composite is more durable and resistant to moisture and chemicals. |
| Behavior under temperature cycling | does not lose strength | may warp, paint peels off, corrosion spots appear | Composite lasts longer and is more stable. |
| Bio-resistance (mold, moss, algae) | fully resistant | when paint peels off, fungi and lichens appear | Composite requires no maintenance and is protected against biological damage. |
| Light transparency | can remain transparent for the entire service life | opaque | Composite is suitable for light-transmitting structures; metal is not. |
| Impact toughness / hail resistance | high, does not crack | resistant to puncture, but dents remain | Composite looks better after mechanical impacts. |
| Snow loads / load-bearing capacity | withstands heavy loads | withstands heavy loads | Both handle it, but metal is heavier and requires a more robust structure. |
| Thermal expansion | low | high | Composite deforms significantly less in summer. |
| Operating temperature range | –60…+120 °C | -50…+50 °C | Composite is suitable for more extreme climatic zones. |
| UV resistance | does not degrade under UV | paint fades, coating deteriorates | Composite is more durable when used in sunlight. |
| Abrasion resistance | high | low coating resistance, scratches lead to corrosion | Composite is resistant to external impacts and does not rust. |
