ANTIFOG

Basics of Antifog The term fog is used to describe the condensation of water vapor on the surface of a transparent plastic film in the form of small and large droplets. The reason why we see water in the form of condensation droplets on the surface of the plastic film is the difference between the surface tension of water and the surface tension of the polymer, in addition to humidity and temperature difference.

What is an antifungal masterbatch?

Antifungal additive: It is included in the polymer matrix during the extrusion process. After extrusion, the additives migrate to the surface of the polymer, to the extent that the additives increase the elasticity of the polymer surface. A small amount of antifungal masterbatch dissolves in water droplets and reduces the surface tension of water.

Results of using additives

Additives used in greenhouse films cause light transmission in greenhouse films and its results are: higher plant growth rate – higher crop performance per plant – early maturity of the crop – reduces plant burning and plant drop.

Greenhouse films in crops

Greenhouse film with one-way migration into the outer layer of the film uses crystalline LDPE without antifungal additives. It acts as a protective barrier layer and represents about 25% of the total film thickness. The core layer effectively acts as a long-term reservoir for the film because the anti-inhibition additive is more compatible with the amorphous polymer. As the antifungal masterbatch is consumed inward, the core layer slowly releases the replacement additive only through one-way inward migration.
Base polymers of choice without the use of slip additives Regardless of mono or COEX film, the use of any migration slip additive can completely nullify the Masterbatch Antifog effect. Because there are inconsistent functional effects on the film surface. Additives are able to absorb certain amounts of antifog active substance on the surface of their particles. If such additives are used, the dosage of Antifog MB should be adjusted to compensate for the absorption effect. In COEX films, the antifog effect is significantly influenced by the choice of polymers in the respective layers.
Since the anti-dew masterbatch effect depends to a large extent on the conditions of final agricultural use in and around the greenhouse, so it should be tested under practical conditions before taking the anti-greenhouse formula on a commercial scale.
Long-wavelength infrared energy radiation can pass through the greenhouse. At night, warm plants, soil and components inside the greenhouse lose their high energy by transmitting long wave radiation (infrared) to the cold sky. The amount of this loss depends not only on the temperature of the plants and the atmospheric conditions of clouds, carbon dioxide and , but it also depends on the properties of the greenhouse film covering material.

The composition of the film, the choice of polymer and the use of suitable additives significantly affect this property, and by using suitable additives to keep the greenhouse warm at night in the cold seasons of the year, it ensures that early crops in the spring And the lengthening of the product is used in the fall.

Choosing the correct polymers for the film or using special additives such as IR barriers will also affect the thickness of the film.

Thinner films tend to be warmer at night and winter temperatures. When using IR-Barrier additives, the greenhouse film’s ability to reflect long-wavelength infrared radiation into the greenhouse directly saves energy and retains thermal energy.