PC material saves energy and offers UV protection

A Sabic Innovative Plastics product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 1, 2005

GE's Plastics business is introducing Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet - a polycarbonate (PC) product that is targeted at the global, public transportation industry.

Underscoring its commitment to its 'ecomagination' initiative, GE's Plastics business is introducing Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet - the company's first hard-coated, polycarbonate (PC) sheet product for the global, public transportation industry, featuring infrared (IR) absorption in the wavelength range of 780-1400nm.

By effectively managing infrared heat from sunlight striking buses, trains and other public transportation and speciality vehicles, this GE material helps save energy and protect against potentially harmful UV radiation, yet admit plenty of light.

This reduces heat build-up and can help cut air conditioning costs on hot and sunny days, while at the same time provide insulation to retain heat and lower fuel costs on cold or cloudy days.

"This new product fits perfectly with our new 'ecomagination' effort to help customers solve tough environmental challenges, while offering performance benefits that can help give our customers a competitive edge", said Joanna Wolska, Global Product Manager for Solid Sheet at GE's Plastics business.

"Combined with GE's technical experience, installation guidance, and hands-on customer support, Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet offers customers a solutions package that helps meet a wide range of vehicle glazing needs".

New Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet is an excellent candidate for flat glazing in public transportation applications, such as windows, that require high abrasion and impact resistance and 'weatherability', along with exceptional heat management.

"Energy savings is a key focus of GE's 'ecomagination' initiative and this new sheet product can significantly reduce energy consumption to benefit the environment and save money", added Wolska.

"Equally important, this unique product lets in natural light while absorbing IR heat and UV radiation, so consumers enjoy a pleasant, safe, light-filled environment".

"And its great aesthetics - including two tint colours - enhance vehicle appearance".

Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet is approximately half the weight of comparative glass products, which can lead to an overall weight reduction of the vehicle, potentially reducing fuel consumption.

It also features GE's proven hard-coating technology on both sides delivering high level protection against abrasion, cleaning fluids, paints and adhesives, and allows frequent cleaning or removal of graffiti without causing damage.

Because the GE material is virtually opaque to UV light, it can help block the potentially harmful effects of radiation and also shield against UV-caused discolouration of sensitive materials such as fabrics.

It maintains its excellent optical clarity in demanding applications.

In fact, it carries a ten-year limited written warranty against breakage.

Glazing applications for Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet include speciality vehicles and public transportation including buses, trains and subway cars.

It is also an excellent material of choice for separation walls and secondary glazing separation screens and for double-glazing in buildings.

The UV shielding capability of the new product makes it a great alternative for warehouses, museums, conservatories, and other structures containing UV-sensitive items.

GE's Lexan Margard MR5 IR sheet is available worldwide in a range of gauges from 3.0 to 12.0mm, and two standard transparent green, tinted colours, as well as custom colour tints which are available on request.

It is polished on both sides.