Chemical resistance of Modek sheets
Modek polycarbonate and GRP roof sheets, particularly GRP, are well-suited for use in harsh chemical or marine environments. It is popularly used in heavy industrial warehouses or plants. Please download our chemical resistance chart for further instruction.
How chemically resistant is Modek roof sheeting?
Polycarbonate and GRP are often used in applications where contact with chemicals, detergents or oils are used, but it is important to remember that there are a number of factors that need to be considered before selecting the right sheet. In general, polymers are more susceptible to solvent or chemical attack when under stress or strain caused during manufacturing or by load-bearing. The nature and strength of the chemical or corrosive agent itself will also affect how much damage will be inflicted. In general, the more diluted a chemical is, the less harm it causes. The severity of damage will also be lessened through factors like weight, temperature and length of exposure. Certain chemical attacks can harm functionality by causing stress cracks – fine cracks on/under the surface – causing haziness or softening.
Our Opaque GRP sheet is specifically manufactured from Isophthalic chemically resistant polyester resin that can be used in harsh environments. For even more aggressive environments, the Neopentyl glycol isophthalic option would be the most suitable. The Skorpion zinc mine made use of our chemically resistant product to replace polyethylene sheeting.
We do recommend that our customers consult a MODEK representative before choosing a roof sheet where chemicals will be present, as our polymer science team has tested our product extensively and will be able to provide the best advice and recommendations.
Alternatives to profiled sheeting
Polycarbonate is also available as a flat sheet under the brand name, Ampagard. The Ampagard sheets are made by Ampa Plastics, another division of the Ampaglas Plastics Group. The product carries all the benefits of polycarbonate sheeting and commonly serves as an alternative to glass. The product is a good electrical insulator, resistant to UV weathering conditions and impact resistant.
Ampaplastics also supplies other rigid thermoplastic sheets, such as polyethylene, that is highly resistant to chemicals. Ampaplastics has branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg, East London, Durban and Port Elizabeth, and some neighbouring countries. Representatives can be contacted with any queries/questions via email or telephone.
