Protection from the Harmful Effects of UV Radiation11
Acoustic Properties11
Weather Resistance12
Flammability12
General Recommendations for Working With PALSUN®13
Determination of Required Sheet Dimensions14
Installation18
Mechanical Fastening22
General Fabrication Guidelines23
Sawing & Cutting23
Routing27
Drilling28
Finishing29
Cleaning30
Cold Forming31
Thermoforming32
Printing36
Chemical Resistance37
Adhesives and Sealants41
Selection of Appropriate PALSUN® Sheet41
2
PALSUN® Technical Guide
PALSUN® Product Range
Some of the products' features below can be combined. Please contact your Palram dealer for further information.
ProductDescriptionFeatures & Applications
PALTUF®
PALSUN®
PALSUN® UV2
PALSUN® FR
PALSUN® Solar Control
PALSUN® Breeze
PALGARD™
Notes:
1. All the above sheets are supplied with a protective polyethylene (PE) film on both sides (one side upon request), with the UV protected side clearly marked. This film
should be removed immediately after installation.
2. For transportation, handling and storage instructions and recommendations, please refer to Handling and Storage Guidelines for Palram Sheets.
3. PALSUN sheets are backed by a 10 years limited warranty, available upon request.
4. Most PALSUN sheets are available in the transparent, translucent or opaque form, in a variety of colors, either standard or custom ordered.
UV stabilized, general purpose, flat solid
polycarbonate sheet.
Flat solid polycarbonate sheet with UV protective
layer on one side.
Flat solid polycarbonate sheet with UV protective
layer on both sides.
Sheet with higher fire resistance rating
(e.g. UL 94 V-0).
Sheet with integrated heat-blocking layer. This
metallic reflective layer that transmits less Infrared
radiation and reduces heat buildup.
This advanced heat-blocking SolarSmart™ tint
offers a clear view due to its high clarity.
Sheet with abrasion resistant layer on one or both
layers.
Recommended for indoor use only.
Suitable for both exterior and indoor applications.
Optional surface textures:
Recommended for applications that involve UV exposure on
both sides (e.g. exterior light boxes)
Recommended for applications in populated areas.
Available with 20, 35, or 50% light transmission.
Can be tailored to achieve different light and heat
transmissions.
Recommended for applications in high traffic areas, harsh
chemical environments or those requiring anti-vandal
properties.
Standard Dimensions*
Thickness (mm)
1
1.5
2
2.5 - 6
8
9 - 12.7
2 - 18
*Other dimensions and specifications are available upon request, subject to a minimum order.
Width x Length
(mm)
1220 x 2440
1250 x 2440
1220 x 2440
1250 x 2440
2050 x 3050
2450 x 3050
Smooth
Both sides
✔✔
✔✔✔
✔✔✔
✔✔✔✔✔
✔✔✔
✔✔
✔
Embossed
Both sides
Surface Finish
Matte
One side
Hair Cell
One side
Prismatic
One side
3
Colors
Color GroupDescriptionColors
Clear
Transparent
Translucent
Transmits up to 90% natural daylight, resulting in high
lighting within the structure.
Low haze colors offering high clarity.
Breeze and Smart are SolarSmart™ colors with that
reduce heat buildup while allowing a clear view
through the sheet (see page 9 for more details on
SolarSmart products).
White Opal: Transmits 11-50% visible light with high
light dispersion, produces mild and even lighting
within the structure.
Diffuser: Transmits 50% visible light with high light
dispersion, produces diffused and consistent lighting
within the structure.
LB (Light Box): Diffuser sheet for illuminated signs and
display applications, offering 44-50% light transmission.
Clear
Solar GrayBlueBronze
Smart
Red
Blue*
White
Yellow
Mint
Green
Opal
Solar Control
(Solar Metallic Grey)
Smart
Green*
White
Diffuser
Solar
Olympic
Green
Bluish
Breeze*
LB
(Light Box Diffuser)
Solar Ice
Red
Opaque*Colors that transmit very little to no light.
Dark Green
Cream
Ral 9001
Red Brick
Light Grey
Ral 7035
BlackDark Blue
Dark Grey
Brown
Off-White
* Subject to minimum quantity. Custom colors and light transmissions are also available in this manner.
** Colors shown above are a reproduction of the actual color. To accurately represent the colors, contact your Palram distributor and request a sample color chip.
SolarSmart™ - Energy Efficiency
SolarSmart™ are energy-efficient colors break the traditional ratio
between light transmission and shading coefficient. SolarSmart™
panels block Infrared energy that causes heat buildup, and transmit
“cool light” that reduces air-conditioning and lighting costs.
More energy-saving, natural
visible light is transmitted.
SolarSmart™ Panel
Blocking Infra-Red
reduces heat buildup.
4
Physical Properties
The following table displays physical properties of 3mm (0.12 inch) PALSUN and PALTUF sheets.
PALSUN® Technical Guide
PropertyMethod**
Physical
DensityD-792g/cm (lb/ft)1.2 (75)
Water AbsorptionD-57024 hr. @ 23°C%0.15
Mechanical
Tensile strength at yieldD-63810 mm/min (0.4 in./min)MPa (psi)62.5 (9,100)
Tensile strength at breakD-63810 mm/min (0.4 in./min)MPa (psi)65 (9,500)
Elongation at yieldD-63810 mm/min (0.4 in./min)%6
Elongation at breakD-63810 mm/min (0.4 in./min)%>80
Tensile Modulus of ElasticityD-6381 mm/min (0.4 in./min)MPa (psi)2,300 (290,000)
Dielectric Strength Short TimeD-149500 V/skV/mm (V/mil)>30 (>770)
Surface ResistivityD-257KeithleyOhm10
Volume ResistanceD-257KeithleyOhm-cm10
D-15050 Hz3.0
D-1501 MHz2.9
D-1501 KHz0.001
D-1501 MHz0.01
Conditions
(U.S. Customary)*
Units - SI
(U.S. Customary)*
Value
(U.S. Customary)*
* Conditions, units and values in U.S. Customary units are presented in the table within parentheses.
** ASTM except where noted otherwise.
5
Impact Strength
PALSUN sheets are manufactured from polycarbonate, the
most versatile, toughest transparent thermoplastic. PALSUN
has 200 times the impact strength of glass, offering excellent
protection against riots and public disturbances, breaking &
entering or acts of vandalism.
PALSUN can endure attacks by rocks, clubs, hammers and
thrown objects, and still to retain its original shape, maintain
its integrity with minimal indentations to its surface.
The amount of damage depends on the object mass and
energy, and sheet’s thickness. PALSUN sheets will retain these
energy-absorbing properties over a wide temperature range
(50° to + 100° C).
Falling Dart Method
A uniform energy increment is employed during testing. Energy is decreased or increased by uniform increment after testing
each specimen, depending upon the result (failed / not failed) observed for the former tested sample. A 20 mm diameter dart,
weighing 8 kg, with a rounded tip, is raised to a certain height and released to fall on a suitably sized sample.
Principles: Impact strength is determined by the known weight and height. Adjustment is done by altering height while using a
constant mass.
E50: 50% of Impact Failure Energy. The energy that will cause 50% of the tested samples to fail.
N.B.**: No Break. The energy required to break the sample is greater than what the test instrument can deliver.
Typical impact failure energy of PALSUN® sheets*
Thickness
mm
2110100% ductile
3150100% ductile
4190100% ductile
5290100% ductile
6400100% ductile
8 - 18N.B.**N.B.**
* According to ISO 6603/1 1985(E): Determination of multi-axial impact behavior
of rigid plastics.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Blocking - PALSUN sheets completely
block out potentially harmful UV radiation and a significant
portion of Infrared (IR) radiation. Over the visible light range, a
typical 3 mm (0.125 inch) thick clear PALSUN sheet transmits
about 89% (average) of incident light, as seen in the attached
graph.
Light Transmission Versus Thickness
Light transmission decreases slightly with increased thickness
(see attached graph).
Figure 2:
Solar Transmittance of Clear 3mm PALSUN®
UVVISIBLE LIGHTINFRA-RED
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
% Solar Transmittance
20
10
0
250
300
350
400
500
600
700
800
1000
1400
1800
Wavelength (nm)
Figure 3: Light Transmission Versus Thickness
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
% Light Transmission
20
10
0
0123456789101112
Thickness (mm)
PALSUN® & PALTUF®
2200
2600
3000
7
Solar Transmission Properties
Solar energy transmission is an extremely important consideration
with transparent materials. Geographic location and typical thermal/
Figure 4: Solar Radiation Schematic Behavior Through
Light Transmitting Material
optical properties of the specific glazing are the main factors
influencing solar heat gain. Various types of PALSUN - textured,
tinted, opal, diffused, and heat blocking SolarSmart™ sheets - can
be used to deliver the exact quantity and quality of light desired.
Each of these products transmit different amounts of direct light in
varying levels of light diffusion, which may help to spread the light
throughout the structure or enclosure. The sheets also vary in their
selectivity index (SI) values, which determines how efficiently they
keep heat out while letting more “cool light” in (See next page for
more information on SolarSmart™ products). Although colors and
tints reduce the percentage of visible light transmitted through the
sheets, but solar energy is still absorbed by the glazing itself, and in
turn transferred by convection and far IR radiation from the heated
glazing into the building. PALSUN sheets with embossed or matte
surfaces, or diffuser colors, diminish glare and dazzle, preventing
damage by direct irradiance. However solar energy is still transmitted
through and increases the solar heat gain inside the structure.
Color*
Clear90<10.871.00
Bronze
Solar Grey
White Opal281000.320.37
White Diffuser801000.871.00
Solar Ice201000.370.45
Solar Control
Solar Olympic
Smart Green70420.580.67
Smart Blue70420.570.65
Bluish Breeze70420.550.63
*Values in the table above relate to 3mm Sheet. Further information on additional products is available upon request.
Terminology Used in the Table
Solar Radiation: The solar spectrum ranging from 300 nm to 2400 nm. Included are UV, visible and Near-IR radiation.
Visible Light Radiation: The portion of the light spectrum whose wavelength ranges from 400nm to 780nm.
% Light Transmission (ASTM D-1003): Percentage of incident visible light that passes through an object.
% Solar Heat Gain (SHGC): The percent of incident solar radiation transmitted by an object which includes the direct solar transmission plus the part of the solar
absorption reradiated inward.
Shading Coefficient (ASTM E424-71): The ratio of the total solar radiation transmitted by a given material to that transmitted by normal glass, whose light transmission
is 87%. It can be approximately calculated by: %ST + (0.27 x %SA) = %ST
% Light Transmission
ASTM D-1003
20<10.450.52
35<10.560.64
50<10.650.75
20<10.440.51
35<10.560.64
50<10.650.75
20670.330.36
35520.450.52
50500.540.61
20350.410.47
35200.520.60
50630.630.73
%Haze
ASTM D-1003
SC = (1.15 x STt)/100
t
Solar Heat Gain (SHGC)
ASTM E-424-71
Shading Coefficient
ASTM E-424-71
8
SolarSmart™ Technology - Efficient Daylighting
Enjoy light
without heat.
Promoting Energetic Efficiency and Well Being
SolarSmart technology defies standard transmission of solar energy in transparent sheets and allows more
versatile color and solar transmission specification per project. Unlike regular tints, SolarSmart sheets and
panels admit more natural daylight while reflecting outwards Infrared radiation that creates heat. This
characteristic breaks the traditional link between shading coefficient and light transmission, allowing a
different perspective on the specification of natural light in architectural design.
PALSUN® Technical Guide
Breeze
Smart
Solar Control
SolarSmart tints allow better use of natural lighting without sacrificing the interiors. More natural light results
in a healthier and more productive ambience. Energy saving is also promoted through reduction of both
illumination and air conditioning requirements.
Color Specification
SolarSmart™ tints can be applied to any Palram transparent polycarbonate sheet or panel system, including
PALSUN. The tints can be blended with any color to tailor the desired appearance and solar properties.
Technology Groups
The SolarSmart product range includes 3 technology groups, which have different characteristics and
appearance. For more information please refer to the SolarSmart™ Technology brochure.
Efficiency Comparison
The graph below demonstrates the efficiency of SolarSmart products in comparison with clear and standard
colored sheets. The graph shows how SolarSmart™ tints enable higher light transmission specification while
maintaining or decreasing shading coefficient values.
100%
Breeze
75%
Clear
Smart
Solar Control
Standard
50%
Light Transmission
25%
0%
0.3
Bronze
White Opal
0.40.50.60.70.80.91
Shading Coefficient
Solar Grey
Sky Blue
3mm
Polycarbonate
Sheet
Tested according
to ASTM E-424
9
Heat-Blocking with High Clarity by PALSUN® Breeze
PALSUN glazing with Breeze tint transmits plenty of incident daylight (70%), while absorbing/blocking a large portion of the Infrared
radiation, thus significantly reducing heat buildup within the structure. PALSUN Breeze also provides a clear view due to its high
transparency, which is uncommon for heat-blocking products.
PALSUN® 3mm Breeze 70%LT
Solar Performance Graph (250-2,500nm)
UVLIGHTINFRA-RED
100
90
%Solar Trnasmission / Reflection
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
250
5007501000125015001750200022502500
Transmits plenty
of natural daylight
Transmittance
Reflectance
Transmits very little
Infrared heat
Wavelength (nm)
Thermal Characteristics
Thermal Expansion
The thermal expansion of PALSUN sheets is higher than that of
glass. This important factor must be taken into account when
mounting the sheets. The graph on the right shows the degree
of expansion/contraction as a function of temperature.
PALSUN® 3mmTrans. Blue 68%LT
Solar Performance Graph (250-2,500nm)
UVLIGHTINFRA-RED
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
%Solar Trnasmittance / Reflectance
0
250
5007501000125015001750200022502500
Transmittance
Reflectance
Wavelength (nm)
Expansion/Contraction with Temperature
60
40
20
0
Temperature (°C)
-20
-2 -1 0 1 2
Dimensional Change (mm/m)
Service Temperature
The temperature range over which the characteristics of PALSUN are retained extends from -50°C to +120°C (-60°F to +250°F) for
short periods and from -50°C to +100°C (-60°F to +210°F) for long periods. This range of temperatures make PALSUN sheets suitable
for use in most climates.
Thermal Insulation
On very hot days, the surface temperature of the sheet might reach up to 60°C (140°F). The U-value characterizes the degree of
thermal transmittance offered by a given glazing material, so higher U-values are associated with materials that are poor insulators
and result in a greater loss of heat. The following table compares
the U-values of glass and PALSUN sheets of equivalent thicknesses.
Thicker sheets of a given material will offer greater thermal insulation
and be characterized by a lower U-value and reduced heat loss. For
any given thickness, the U-value of PALSUN sheet is lower than that
of glass. This means that heat loss from the building interior, as well
as penetration of heat or cold into a building, will be less if it were
glazed with PALSUN than for one glazed with glass. This can result in
a significant reduction in energy costs both for heating in winter and
air-conditioning during the summer. Note that use of Solar Control
sheets will insulate just as well, but will also reduce air-conditioning
costs because of Near Infra-Red reflection and reduced heat buildup.
mm in
Thermal Insulation of PALSUN® vs. Glass
Thickness
3(0.12)5.475.81
5(0.20)5.195.72
6(0.24)5.075.68
8(0.31)4.485.60
10(0.39)4.635.52
12(0.47)4.435.45
PALSUN U-Value
(W/m·°K)
Glass U-Value
(W/m·°K)
10
PALSUN® Technical Guide
Protection from the Harmful Effects of UV Radiation
Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is widely known as a major health concern by now. The adverse affects were once thought
to be associated with solar UV radiation in the 280-315nm (UV-B) range. However, in recent years it has become apparent that exposure
to UV-A (315-400nm) is also detrimental. In addition to skin cancer, premature aging has been associated with exposure to UV-A.
Both UV-A and UV-B portions of the UV spectrum are blocked out by PALSUN sheets. This screening of harmful UV radiation can be
observed in the figure below.
A comparison of the UV protection offered by PALSUN and that offered by sunscreen is indicated in the graph on the right. Note
that no barrier is as effective as PALSUN sheet. Activity below PALSUN will be more protected than that offered by proper application
of sunscreen, though the latter is sufficient in almost all cases. The key word in the previous sentence is proper. Improperly applied
sunscreen or forgetting to apply skin screen will result in undesirable levels of exposure. In addition, note that protection factors
are computed on the basis of UV-B exposure. There is as yet no way to compute protection to UV-A exposure. It should also be
noted that formulations that only block out UV-B are still being marketed. When playing or swimming below PALSUN, protection is
always complete. When swimming, there is no danger that the protection will be washed away. In the last ten years, it has also been
documented that UV exposure can also cause damage to the eyes, specifically to the cornea. Wearing sunglasses manufactured from
polycarbonate protects the eyes. However, most people remove their glasses when entering the pool. This is a factor for both public
and private pools to consider when contemplating a choice of covering.
Irradiance of UV Radiation Trough Various Protective Barriers
(PF=Protective Factor)
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
Irradiance (W/m/min)
0.1
0
300 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400
Direct Sunlight
(PF-0)
Window Glass
(PF-10)
Wavelength (nm)
Sun Tan Lotion SPF 15
(5g/m PF-37)
PALSUN®
(PF-81)
Acoustic Properties
Though only about half the weight of an equivalent glass panel, PALSUN glazing offers similar sound insulation properties along with
much higher impact strength. These combined properties make PALSUN glazing the preferred material for see-through sound barriers:
lightweight, easy to maintain or replace if necessary, highly transparent and vandal-proof.
The table on the right portrays the acoustic performance of PALSUN glazing versus glass.
Acoustic Insulation of PALSUN® Sheets According to EN 1793
Thickness
mm
1231
1533
Sound Reduction
dB
11
Weather Resistance
Solar UV radiation attacks many polymeric materials. The rate of deterioration and crazing on the exterior surface will vary for
different polymers. Further erosion is accelerated by water, dirt, air pollution, chemicals etc. The extent of attack depends on
environmental factors such as location, altitude, local weather conditions, air pollution etc. The best initial indication is yellowing,
followed by a significant reduction in light transmission and structural strength.
All PALSUN sheets (excluding those designated PALTUF, which are UV stabilized) are manufactured with a co-extruded, UV
protective layer on one or two sides. This protective layer assures a long lifetime of service. PALSUN sheets retain their toughness
and optical quality under intense UV exposure, with minimal reduction in their properties.
2000 hours of accelerated weathering (UV exposure, QUV - ASTM G154) tests, simulating 20 years of exposure in hot, sunny
climates cause only a minor decrease in light transmission and a slight increase in yellowness Index for PALSUN. The changes
in UV stabilized PALTUF sheet are greater.
The effect of QUV on 3 mm PALSUN & PALTUF sheets appears in the graphs below.
Figure 6a
% Light Transmission Loss of 3mm Sheets
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
%Light Transmission
87
86
85
0 100 250 500 750 1000 1500 2000
Accelerated Weathering (QUV Hours)
PALSUN®
PALTUF®
Flammability
Figure 6b
Yellowness Index Change in 3mm Sheets
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
Change in Yellowness Index
1
0
0 100 250 500 750 1000 1500 2000
PALSUN®
Accelerated Weathering (QUV Hours)
PALTUF®
General
As a thermoplastic, PALSUN eventually melts and burns under the intense heat of a blazing fire. However, PALSUN does not propagate
flame, and is solidified and self-extinguished as soon as the direct flame is taken away. PALSUN doesn’t produce any toxic fumes or
gases when it burns.
PALSUN® FR
PALSUN FR is a fire retardant flat solid polycarbonate sheet with improved flammability ratings. The flame retardant additives make
the it virtually non-combustible. When flame licks the sheet, it will only get scorched and eventually melt, solidifying quickly when the
direct heat source is removed. Drippings do not ignite other combustible materials, as they do not actually burn.
Smoke and heat extraction
In an actual, full-scale combustion, when PALSUN overhead glazing (as in skylights) is exposed to intense heat it will soften at 150°
-160°C and produce apertures in the glazing, enabling heat and smoke to escape. Reduced temperatures inside the structure help
to extinguish the fire.
12
PALSUN® Technical Guide
Flammability Classifications
PALSUN and PALSUN FR are classified as appears in the following table, based on tests executed by certified independent testing
laboratories.
PALSUN®PALSUN® FR
StandardClassification*StandardClassification*
EN 13501B, s1, d0UL-94V-0
NSP 92501, 4M1(1 mm)ASTM D-2863-87L.O.I. = 30
NSP 92501, 4M2 (1.5 to 12mm)
BS 476/7Class 1ySpread of Flame Index = 8
DIN 4102B1, B2Heat Evolved Index =10
CSE RF 2/75/A, CSE RF 3/77Class 1Smoke Developed Index = 8
UL-94V2 (File e221255)
ASTM D-635CC1
* Depends on thickness. For additional information please contact your PALSUN distributor.
AU 1530.3-1982
Ignitability Index = 9
General Recommendations for Working With PALSUN®
Handling & Storage
1. PALSUN sheets should be transported and stored horizontally, on a flat, sturdy pallet whose dimensions are equal or larger
than the largest of the sheets.
The sheets should be secured to the pallet during transportation and on-site handling. It is possible to stack the sheets with
the longer sheets at the bottom and the shorter on top, leaving no unsupported overhang.
2. When moving a pallet with a forklift, always use forks as long as the sheets’ width. Shorter forks used on a wider pallet may
cause damage to the sheets.
3. PALSUN sheets leave the factory in packages, wrapped in white, watertight polyethylene. The wrapping should be removed
as close to the actual time of installation (or use) as possible.
Storage of the sheets should be in a covered, dry, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and rain.
4. Avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight, which may cause excessive heat buildup. Long term heating may lead to softening
of the protective polyethylene masking, fusing it to the sheet’s face and making removal difficult or even impossible.
5. Avoid leaving the sheets stored unwrapped. Dirt may accumulate on the sheets and/or their edges, attracted by electrostatic
charges in the sheets, necessitating extra time and labor for cleaning before installation.
6. Whenever necessary to store the pallet in the open, cover it with white opaque polyethylene sheet, cardboard or any other
insulating material, taking care to cover the stack completely.
Figure 7: Storing PALSUN® Sheets
13
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