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About hot house plastic film

Types of Hot House Plastic Film

Hot house plastic film comes in multiple types and each has a distinct benefit. The types include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, cross-laminated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and other biodegradable options.

Polyethylene Film

The polyethylene film is the most common type of greenhouse plastic. This is because it is known for its durability and flexibility. The film comes with UV-resistant coating to help block out harmful rays.

This protects plants from possible damage while still allowing the needed natural light.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film

The PVC film is commonly used for its strength and rigidity. This makes it ideal for more permanent greenhouse structures. The PVC film provides good insulation and helps retain heat within the greenhouse.

Cross-Laminated Polyethylene (CLE) Film

The CLE film is designed for increased durability. It consists of polyethylene films that are crossed and laminated. This enhances resistance to tearing and wear, especially in windy conditions.

While it is more expensive than regular polyethylene film, its longevity makes it cost-effective in the long run.

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Film

The EVA film comes with superior clarity and flexibility compared to regular polyethylene. This makes it ideal for greenhouses focusing on maximizing light transmission. The film also offers better resistance to low temperatures.

Biodegradable Plastic Film

These films are increasingly being developed as sustainable alternatives. They are made from natural polymers like starches and polylactic acid (PLA). PVC greenhouse film offers decent durability and strength.

This is, however, designed to break down over time when exposed to soil and moisture. This helps reduce plastic waste and offers an environmentally friendly option.

Design of Hot House Plastic Film

The design of greenhouse plastic is essential for ensuring the film serves its purpose. Important design elements of the film include thickness, color, texture, and anti-drip and anti-fog features.

Thickness

The thickness of the film usually varies depending on climate and type of plants grown. The film thickness ranges from 6 to 10 mils. Thinner films are more affordable and allow for greater light penetration.

On the other hand, thicker films provide better insulation and durability. They are also better for long-term use.

Color

Color significantly impacts light filtration and temperature regulation. For instance, clear films provide maximum light transmission. Opaque films retain heat better and provide more shade. Colored films offer selective light filtering.

For example, red film can enhance photosynthesis, while blue film promotes healthy plant growth. Greenhouses can achieve optimal growing conditions by choosing the appropriate color for the climate and crop needs.

Texture and Surface Features

Greenhouse films come with smooth and textured surfaces. The textured surfaces help diffuse light, reducing the chances of hotspots inside the greenhouse. This ensures more uniform light distribution to plants.

A smooth surface, on the other hand, can maximize light transmission. It is also easier to clean and maintain. Another important feature is the anti-fog and anti-drip design.

Anti-fog additives prevent moisture condensation on the film and this ensures uninterrupted sunlight reaches the plants. Dripping water can cause fungal infections. Anti-dust and anti-UV treatments further enhance the film's effectiveness and longevity.

Uses of Hot House Plastic Film

Hot house plastic film has multiple uses. They range from commercial agriculture to residential gardening. Some of these uses include protection against harsh weather, pest control, extended growing seasons, and energy conservation.

Commercial Agriculture

Most of the time, large-scale farmers use hot house plastic films in commercial agriculture. They use them to grow crops year-round. This film provides control over temperature, humidity, and light.

This allows the farmers to optimize crop yields irrespective of the season. The controlled environment also minimizes the need for pesticides. This is therefore a boon for sustainable farming practices.

Residential Gardening

In residential settings, hot house films are used in backyard gardens to grow vegetables, flowers, and other plants out of season. Home gardeners also use small-scale greenhouses or hoop houses to maintain a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year, especially in regions with harsh winters.

Ornamental Plant Production

Apart from vegetables and fruits, hot house plastic films are essential in producing ornamental plants. These films provide the necessary environment for seedlings and cuttings to grow into marketable plants.

This is especially important in regions where there is a demand for flowers and decorative plants throughout the year. The film enables growers to produce plants out of season and meet market demand.

Research and Development

Hot house plastic films play an important role in agricultural research. They help scientists understand plant growth under different environmental conditions. Controlled experiments enable researchers to study the effects of temperature, light, and humidity on plant health.

This then leads to breakthroughs in plant breeding, disease resistance, and crop variety development.

Specifications of Hot House Plastic Film

The specifications and details of the greenhouse sheeting film are numerous. These specifications include thickness, light transmission, lifespan, and resistance to various elements.

Thickness

The plastic film tolerance for greenhouse film often ranges from 6 to 12 mils. The thickness is measurement in millimeters. Generally, the thicker the film, the more durable it is. It also provides better insulation.

However, thicker films often reduce light transmission. Those greenhouses in temperate regions have better success with thicker films. On the other hand, films with less thickness work better in warmer climates.

Light Transmission

Greenhouse films should allow for at least 80% to 90% light transmission. This ensures plants receive enough sunlight for photosynthesis. Clear films provide maximum light transmission. But they may not provide adequate heat retention.

This may lead to scorching of plants in sunny conditions. Opaque or diffused films, on the other hand, reduce light intensity but help distribute sunlight evenly.

Lifespan

Typically, hot house plastic films have a lifespan of 1 to 4 years. This depends on factors like climate, UV resistance, and film thickness. Films with UV stabilizers are more durable in regions with intense sunlight.

Temperature Resistance

Hot house plastic films are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures. It makes them suitable for different climates. Films that are meant for cold regions are often treated to prevent brittleness in low temperatures.

Those meant for hot regions usually contain heat-resistant polymers to prevent warping.

Emergency Conditions

There are films that contain emergency tear-resistant materials. They help maintain structural integrity during strong winds or unexpected weather changes.

Some also have anti-condensation treatments. It prevents moisture buildup on the film surface, which can drip onto plants and cause diseases.

How to Choose Hot House Plastic Film

Choosing the suitable hot house plastic film demands buyers to consider various factors. These factors include the greenhouse's climate, the type of crops grown, film thickness, and budget.

Other factors include durability, light diffusion, and energy savings.

Climate Considerations

Buyers should always base their choice on the climatic conditions of their target market's region. Clear films provide better light transmission. But they allow excessive heat. This is not ideal for tropical regions.

Biopolymers, on the other hand, provide a balance between heat retention and light diffusion. They are ideal for temperate regions. In harsh climates, choose films with higher mils for better durability.

Crop Type

The kind of crops the greenhouse will grow will also impact the choice of film. EVA is preferable for high-value crops that need optimal sunlight exposure. Polycarbonate is more suited for greenhouse vegetable production.

Budget

Buyers should consider their budget when choosing. There are cost-effective greenhouse films available. They include polyethylene. High-end thermoplastics offer superior energy savings and may pay off in the long term, despite the high initial cost.

Installation and Maintenance

Thin greenhouse plastics are easier to handle and install. They are flexible and lightweight. They also require less labor. Some films come with built-in installation technology like air channels. This makes the process faster and more efficient.

Maintenance is another important factor to consider. Anti-condamination additives are critical in preventing water droplets from accumulating on the film. This can harm the plants.

If possible, opt for films with easy-to-clean surfaces. Films with less dust accumulation extend their operational life.

Q&A

Q. Which plastic is best for a hot house?

Polyethylene plastic is the best for a hot house. It is cost-effective and durable. It also allows UV rays to pass through. This makes it ideal for greenhouse structures.

Q. How long do greenhouse plastics last?

Most greenhouse plastics last a season. But there are UV-resistant plastics that can last more than 2 years.

Q. What is the best film for a greenhouse?

The best greenhouse film for a greenhouse is the polyethylene film. It is flexible and provides a favorable environment for plant growth.

Q. How can I make my greenhouse last longer?

Buyers can make their greenhouses last longer by choosing films with UV stabilizers. These stabilizers help reduce greenhouse plastic degradation.