Thermoplastics roofing systems

Development of a glossy, aesthetic and unpainted roof module on the Smart Roadster by DaimlerChrysler AG s Smart. The two-piece, removable roof, built by ArvinMeritor, is surfaced with a thermoformable three-layer film (Lexan by GE Plastics) that can be co-moulded with either thermoplastic or thermoset substrates. The film exhibits 95% gloss retention after the equivalent of 10 years of Florida sun exposure. Weight saving is 50% versus a painted steel roof system. 

Figure 7-87. These roofing panels made from Azloy (GE Plastics Azdel, a thermoplastic RP) were featured on the GE Living Environmental Concept House seen in Chapter 1. These panels were designed to provide the highest fiame and fire protection listing given for roofing systems as well as to allow easy installation and excellent weatherability.

As a result of its saturated polymer backbone, EPDM is more resistant to oxygen, ozone, UV and heat than the low-cost commodity polydiene rubbers, such as natural rubber (NR), polybutadiene rubber (BR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Therefore, the main use of EPD(M) is in outdoor applications, such as automotive sealing systems, window seals and roof sheeting, and in under-the-hood applications, such as coolant hoses. The main drawback of EPDM is its poor resistance to swelling in apolar fluids such as oil, making it inferior to high-performance elastomers, such as fluoro, acrylate and silicone elastomers in that respect. Over the last decade thermoplastic vulcanisates, produced via dynamic vulcanisation of blends of polypropylene (PP) and EPDM, have been commercialised, combining thermoplastic processability with rubber elasticity [8, 9]. 

PVC and PE have played a major role in the shift of early roof waterproofing technology and materials. After the introduction of elastomeric and other thermoplastic materials, flexible membranes of polychloroprene (Neoprene) rubber, butyl rubber and Hypalon were used. Later on, liquid PU, solvent-based liquid acrylate and liquid EPDM systems, in addition to new materials like SBS modified bitumens, were also used in the management of roofing. All fall into the single-ply family of roofing, which offers a much cleaner, safer, energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to built-up roofs. 

Polyurethane elastomers (some TUP, thermoplastic polyurethane) These terpolymers can be used uncured for most applications however, selected grades can be eross-linked to enhance properties. As a family these elastomers are tough and wear resistant. They have excellent chemical resistance and flexibility. They can have excellent clearity. Applieations include cable jackets. Automotive fascia, connectors, fittings, and many, many more. Ethylene-Propylene-Dlene Terpolymers (EPDM) These terpolymers typically contain a few percent of a diene such as hexadiene. This material is easy to fabricate and then is usually heat-treated at 125"C to 175 C to induce crbss-linking. The physical properties are much different after crosslinking. Commonly, they are heavily formulated for applications which include wire jacketing systems, automotive hoses, and roof sheeting. 

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