Studies of polyethylene multi layer films used as greenhouse covers under Saharan climatic conditions

The behavior with regard to abrasion of a new generation of polymeric greenhouse covers presenting a sandwich structure made of three layers, one EVA19 layer inserted between two low density polyethylene layers, has been studied. Optical, thermal, surface analysis and mechanical properties have been analyzed on samples having undergone different thermal treatments associated with sand and wind simulation in order to test their performance when used in a Saharan environment. The data analysis is performed by comparing these results with those obtained on a monolayer polyethylene film often used in Algeria for plasticulture devices. The performance of these new multi layers materials is found better than that obtained for the mono layer film, with regard to the mechanical, the optical properties and resistance to the abrasion effect due to sand/wind. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.