Teknor Apex Co. has developed a clear, rigid PVC compound with UV resistance aimed primarily at outdoor tubing.
The Pawtucket, R.I., firm claims the new resin is well-suited to emerging technologies in algae farming and biofuel production. Apex RE 9118A provides good clarity and resistance to UV rays while allowing transparency to the wavelengths that algae farming requires, according to the company. Clarity also allows technicians to monitor the status of algae farming systems.
Teknor Apex also says the material has tensile, flexural and impact properties comparable to those of standard, general-purpose rigid PVC.
“By virtue of its lower cost, lighter weight and greater resistance to breakage, rigid vinyl provides a superior cost-performance alternative to the glass piping used in green energy applications, as well as to high-cost engineered thermoplastics such as polycarbonate,” said Michael Renzi, business development manager for Teknor Apex's vinyl division.
The company also says the high gloss of the new compounds is useful for outdoor profiles.
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