What characteristics are must-haves for Greenhouse plastic films?

Greenhouses can benefit from using polyethylene plastic covers because of their many favourable characteristics. As a result of its inexpensive price, big sheet size, ease of installation, and high light transmission, it has become the most popular glazing.

Many advancements have been made to polyethylene film since its initial usage in covering the wood frame greenhouses in the early 1960s. As a result of their fragility, early films required annual replacement. They were worn away by the elements and the building over time. In addition, their limited lifespan was caused by the sun's damaging UV radiation. For the best quality greenhouse effect, it is important to use the best quality films made from superior quality masterbatches. If you are looking for the most prominent as well as noted Masterbatches supplier for Agriculture Industry in Mexico, Palvi Masterbatches is the best option for you.

The vast majority of PE film is produced using a three-layer coextrusion process, each layer containing a separate polymer and additive. Each of them helps the overall film and makes it better. The following is a quick rundown of some of the qualities your crops should have.

Life:

As a result of photodegradation and thermal ageing, the useful life of plastic films is finite. Co-poly is a cheap yet short-lived substance. Seasonal greenhouses, overwintering structures, and high tunnels can all benefit from their use. Don't settle for less durable building supplies. Compared to co-poly, the price of greenhouse-grade poly is roughly double, but it comes with a longer warranty (four years or more). There's a UV stabiliser in there to keep things from breaking down too quickly in the sun. A nylon scrim-reinforced material should be used if extra strength is required, such as in windy places.

Thickness:

The thicknesses of the one-year co-poly film are 3, 4, and 6 mm. Overwintering shelters and narrow tunnels sometimes utilise film with a thickness of three or four mm for the entire year. Since it is only produced in a 6 mm thickness, greenhouse-grade material is ideal for long-term use. You can increase the thickness of the films by adding masterbatches as well as additives while manufacturing the films. Consult Palvi Masterbatches - an excellent Masterbatches distributor for Agriculture Industry in Mexico to fulfil your requirements.

Condensate control (AC):

A wetting agent, often known as anti-drip, is a substance that decreases the surface tension of liquids, so preventing condensation from condensing into droplets. This is sprayed onto the film or built into the middle layer, and it typically lasts for a few years. Droplets of condensation can cause illness in plants and block off the light. To keep the greenhouse free of morning and afternoon fog, an anti-fogging additive could be used.

Reduced nighttime heat loss (IR):

As an additive, it prevents warm air from radiating out of the building. It has been estimated that, in heated greenhouses, savings of 10-20% are possible, depending on whether or not the sky is cloudy. When using a double poly installation, the infrared film is always installed on the inside to keep the heat in throughout the evening. There is evidence that using IR film on crops can improve their colour and/or density and hasten their growth. The rise in plant tissue temperature at night is probably to blame for this phenomenon. The return on investment for keeping a greenhouse warm through the winter is rather short at just a few weeks.

Reduced daytime heat gain:

Blocking a little infrared spectrum can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit in locations with intense sunlight. It is possible to add selective pigments to the outer layer of a copolymer film in order to absorb or reflect the near-infrared energy that is otherwise wasted on plant development. Using these films to create a temperature differential has been demonstrated to be more effective as ambient temperatures rise. The advantages include reduced plant stress, cheaper cooling costs, reduced irrigation needs, higher worker comfort, as well as improved fruit taste.

Ultra-Violet (UV):

UV is essential for bee navigation. Greenhouse plants pollinated by bees may benefit from a screen that lets some of the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the light energy spectrum through. Other insects like whiteflies, thrips, and aphids will be diminished by the use of UV blocking film. UV-block films for the greenhouse are used to manage fungal infections and to some extent prevent them. Palvi Masterbatches is the most distinguished Agriculture Masterbatches for greenhouse distributor in Mexico.

Controlled diffusion:

Another feature that has recently been included by producers is the ability to diffuse light. This improves the plant's exposure to diffused light, which helps prevent burning and reaches more of the plant's leaves. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are all examples of tall plants that benefit greatly from stake support. Diffused light, studies have shown, can also inhibit the growth of fungal spores and the spread of insects.

Light transmission:

The additive in the film affects how much light is transmitted as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The typical ranges for these parameters are as follows: UV estabilised film, 88-91%; IR-AC film, 82-87%; and IR-AC with diffusion, 77-88%. Light transmission can also be hindered by things like dust, smog, and the breakdown of the plastic. In the winter or during overcast weather, a "rule of thumb" states that a 1% increase in light results in a 1% increase in plant growth. During the short winter days, some growers update the plastic every year to receive a few per cent more light. A number of companies produce a film with anti-static qualities that can be used to keep out pollutants like dirt and dust.

Photoselective films:

These are selective absorbers or reflectors of light. The development of flowers, as well as the prevention of pests and illnesses, can all be influenced by these factors. Smartlite Red films, as well as DuPont IR, are two examples of red films that block light and provide a darkening effect by reflecting or refracting some of the PAR light that reaches the surface. Moreover, they have been demonstrated to increase rose production and quality.

Single or Double layer poly:

An inflated double layer is optimal for heating-season cultivation. About 40% less heat is lost through the walls at night. In addition, it lessens the strain on the fasteners and the plastic's tendency to ripple in the wind. The ideal pressure for air inflation is 1/4" of water static. In the event of high winds or snow, it is recommended to use slightly higher pressure. Condensation between the layers can be mitigated by directing the fan to draw in air from outside. Single-layer construction is typical for greenhouses and overwintering structures like high tunnels. Palvi Masterbatches - the most trusted Agriculture Masterbatches for greenhouse supplier in Mexico is known to offer the best quality agriculture masterbatches that are used to manufacture single or double-layer poly films.

Plastic failure:

Abrasion over the rough surfaces, Attachment stress, sharp edges, as well as heat buildup in the vicinity of rafters, purlins, and extrusions are all factors that can cause poly to fail prematurely. The plastic may not last as long if it comes into contact with chemicals from pesticides or from pressure-treated lumber. Poly may also be damaged by blowing ice, which is especially likely in areas with multiple greenhouses in close proximity to one another. In these cases, a scrim-reinforced poly may prove useful.

Greenhouse windows made from modern copolymer plastics are an excellent choice due to their high quality and long durability. Choose one of the many methods for promoting plant development that suits your needs.