Thermoplastic composite – chemically resistant construction material made on the basis of thermoplastic polymers and traditional solid fillers with the addition of a wide range of dyes that give additional aesthetic qualities to products made from it.
The raw materials for the production of thermoplastic composite tiles are: quartz sand (about 70%), polymers (about 28%), dye and special additives against combustion and ultraviolet radiation (about 2%).
The main advantage of a thermoplastic composite is the possession of physical and chemical properties of a filler (quartz) and a binder polymer. That is, it is as strong as quartz and chemically resistant as a polymer..
Thermoplastic composites are used to produce building materials such as tiles, acid-resistant floor tiles, road posts, etc..
Main technical characteristics of thermoplastic composites:
Water absorption: 0.06%
Compressive strength: 15 MPa
Flexural strength: 10 MPa
Abrasion: 0.2 g / cm2
Density: 1500 kg / m3
Water resistance coefficient: 0.8
Acid resistance ratio: 0.8
Frost resistance: not less than 200 cycles
Impact Resistance: Impact Resistant
Service life: at least 50 years
Properties of thermoplastic composite shingles
Ease. The mass of one square meter is 20 kg, which is 1.7 times less than the weight of ceramic or 2.4 times less than the weight of concrete.
Strength. Does not break when dropped from the 5th floor, does not crack when cutting, does not break during transportation, handling and installation. The high dimensional accuracy of the tiles is due to the stamping method of production with a pressure of 250 tons. This fact further guarantees a high-quality installation of a thermoplastic composite roof, in contrast to clay tiles that have some shape and size errors..
Frost resistance. Well tolerates weather and temperature changes, guaranteed service life of 200 cycles (as opposed to 50 cycles for clay).
Chemical resistance. The material is used for special floor coverings in chemical plants and livestock farms due to its high resistance to aggressive environments. The thermoplastic composite is absolutely not suitable for the reproduction of fungal growths, which also guarantees a long service life (unlike clay tiles, which after 3 – 5 years begin to darken in places, this occurs as a result of the appearance of fungus, due to the pores inside the tiles). Also, the main problem of ceramic tiles is the presence of lime in clay rocks; as it is used, it absorbs moisture, swells and “shoots” in this place and the growth of fungus begins, as a result of which the destruction of ceramics occurs. This does not happen with thermoplastic composite..
Water resistance. Water absorption less than 0.06% (for comparison: for clay – from 0.12% to 0.18% or for concrete – up to 0.20%).
High noise and heat insulation. Due to its composition, thermoplastic composite tiles have high noise absorption and low thermal conductivity, which distinguishes them favorably from metal tiles. Condensation is three times less than clay and 10 times less than metal.
Resistance to photooxidative aging. Resistance to sunlight is due to the presence of a quartz filler, which protects the lower layers of the polymer from burnout. Please do not confuse thermoplastic composite with Ukrainian Bioline (a composite of sawdust and polymers, operation – no more than 5-10 years and looks like sheet material 1.5×1 m).
Uniformity of shingles. Thermoplastic composite shingles, unlike clay, have color uniformity. Color fastness is ensured even during the production process by the introduction of persistent dyes from German companies into the mass.
Ease of installation. Thermoplastic composite shingles can be nailed. It is easy to cut, faster than the earthen one is mounted (one square meter contains only 10 pieces, and not 13 as in a square meter of earthenware). The roof slope can be 15o instead of the traditional 25o. Such a roof is serviceable, i.e. you can walk on it, which is impossible when using other roofing materials.
Ecological cleanliness. Thermoplastic composite is an absolutely non-toxic material. It does not emit any substances during its entire service life (polyethylene decomposes over 200 years or more).
Based on the above, thermoplastic composite shingles are superior in all respects to any other similar roofing material (including “Hungarian” shingles). The only thing is that it is heavier than metal tiles and shingles. But, like the shingle, the thermoplastic composite belongs to the 3rd flammability group, (in construction it is permissible to use materials other than the 5th flammability group).
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using thermoplastic composite roof tiles compared to traditional roof tile materials?
One advantage of using thermoplastic composite roof tiles is their lightweight nature, making them easier to install and transport. They are also durable, weather-resistant, and have a longer lifespan than traditional roof tile materials. Additionally, they are eco-friendly as they can be recycled and are made from sustainable materials.
However, one potential disadvantage is that thermoplastic composite roof tiles can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional materials. They may also require specialized installation techniques, which can increase labor costs. Another drawback is that they may not have the same aesthetic appeal as traditional roof tiles, as they can look more industrial in appearance. Additionally, there may be limited color options available compared to traditional roofing materials.