Polycarbonate Cladding
This information reflects our best understanding of product composition in 2015.
Polycarbonate panels can be used for a variety of construction applications from visual accents to building cladding. This CP focuses on those used for cladding, in particular multi-wall panels which could optionally be filled with aerogel for...
Polycarbonate panels can be used for a variety of construction applications from visual accents to building cladding. This CP focuses on those used for cladding, in particular multi-wall panels which could optionally be filled with aerogel for improved insulating properties. The benefits of polycarbonate over glass are that it is lightweight, has a much higher impact strength, and has improved insulative properties. The panels have a UV protective layer applied to the exterior side to minimize yellowing due to UV degradation. There is very little disclosure as to the specific additives used in these types of products. Stabilizers and mold release agents were found to be common so are included here. Other additives such as fillers, antistatic agents, flame retardants, etc, are sometimes used in polycarbonate products in general but were not disclosed as used in these products. Colorants and dyes may optionally be used to alter the appearance of the panels. As delivered, there is a protective film on both sides of the panel but that was excluded from the scope of this CP due to lack of disclosure regarding its composition. Some manufacturers offer panels with pre-consumer recycled content (20-40%), although this appears to be more common in Europe and Australia than in the United States.