Multiwall Hollow Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheet — Roofing and Glazing for Industrial and Agricultural Projects
Multiwall hollow corrugated polycarbonate sheet blends the inside structure of multi-chamber with the surface profile of corrugated in one 2-3 mm panel. This material is produced by Baoding Sinhai Sunboard Manufacturing Co., Ltd. with 25+ manufacturing lines in 3 production bases with annual output surpassing 60,000 tonnes. The sheet can work between -40°C and +120°C and has an impact resistance of almost 250 times that of glass, according to ISO 6603. It eliminates the problems of structural deformation, heat loss and brittleness associated with traditional glazing.
What This Sheet Is and How It Works?
The panel is based on two structural ideas. Thermal barrier is provided by hollow air chambers inside the wall which limit the flow of heat from the interior to the outer environment. The corrugations provide a longitudinal stiffness to the sheet, which increases the span capacity without the need for intermediate support.
The combination provides the functional capability of the sheet to replace flat polycarbonate panels or metal roofing when natural light and thermal management are project requirements.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Details |
| Thickness |
2–3 mm |
| Structure |
Multiwall hollow + corrugated profile (sinusoidal or trapezoidal) |
| Material |
100% new virgin polycarbonate; imported SABIC / BAYER material; or customized |
| UV Protection |
Co-extruded UV layer: 50–104 microns, 1 or 2 faces |
| Color Options |
Transparent, Bronze, Grey, Opal, Lake Blue, Amber, Dark Blue, Silver, Orange, Yellow, or customized |
| Light Transmission |
35%–82% (per ASTM D1003) |
| Thermal Insulation (U-value) |
1.2–3.0 W/m²K depending on layer count |
| Impact Resistance |
~250× that of glass (ISO 6603 Falling Dart Test) |
| Temperature Tolerance |
-40°C to +120°C |
| Fire Rating |
Class B1 (EN 13501) / Class A (UL 94), self-extinguishing |
| UV Absorber Benchmark |
Minimum 50 microns co-extruded layer |
| Packing |
Pallet packing |
| Certifications |
ISO 9001:2015, CE, RoHS, UDEM |
Material and UV Protection
Multiwall hollow corrugated polycarbonate sheet are made from 100% pure virgin polycarbonate resin. Imported SABIC or BAYER resin may be specified as an alternative for projects that need material traceability.
The UV protection layer is an extrusion, not a coating. UV absorber is attached to the surface at 50 to 104 microns. This structure resists yellowing, embrittlement and long-term loss of clarity, and is backed by a 10-year limited guarantee against more than 10% loss of light transmission.
Performance Properties
Thermal Insulation
The hollow air cavities provide U-values between 1.2 and 3.0 W/m2K. This spectrum includes applications such as greenhouses, warehouses for temperature sensitive commodities and inhabited work environments where interior temperature control is a design necessity.
Impact Resistance
This sheet has a resistance to impact loading of around 250 times the impact resistance of glass in ISO 6603 Falling Dart Test. The material has also been proven to resist 20 mm hailstones at 21 m/s without penetration.
Light Transmittance
Diffusing properties prevent direct sunlight and minimise plant burn in greenhouse applications, with light transmission ranging from 35% to 82%.
Safety: Fire
The material is self-extinguishing, Class B1 according to EN 13501 and Class A based on smoke development while burning according to UL 94.
Typical Applications
Industrial Skylights and Factory Roofing
The corrugated form fits into ordinary metal cladding systems permitting natural daylighting in settings with chemical fumes or mechanical disturbance.
Greenhouses, Commercial
The hollow chamber design preserves heat for tropical and temperate crops. The corrugation profile gives resistance to snow loads up to 2,400 Pa and to wind pressure.
Transit Hubs and Covered Walkways
The sheet may be cold-formed on site which is significant for curved canopy portions at railway stations and airport corridors. The concern of impact resistance is wind driven debris under typical operating conditions.
Carports, Garden Sheds & Pergolas
The thickness of the multiwall hollow corrugated polycarbonate sheet is 2-3 mm, making it suitable for household size overhead constructions without adding considerable structural load.
Quality Control Process
Sinhai performs inspection on raw material receipt, in-process manufacturing and final delivery. For each manufacturing run five parameters are verified:
- Yellowness Index (YI) – spectrophotometric measurement according to ASTM E313 for long-term optical clarity.
- UV Layer Thickness – microscopic cross-section study to ensure that the co-extruded layer matches the 50 µm minimal standard.
- Tensile and flexural testing—modulus of elasticity is checked against the standards for load-bearing capability.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Testing – Identifies manufacturing faults in hollow ribs that might cause moisture build-up within.
- Dimensional Tolerance Check - pitch, wave height and wall thickness assessed to be compatible with common glass profiles and sealing systems.
Customization and Supply
Customisation CNC cutting, film coating, bending, special-shaped cutting, colour specification. Before you purchase in bulk, you may get free samples.
3 manufacturing bases with 25+ production lines, The usual orders may be finished in around 7 days. The Kashgar manufacturing base serves Central Asia consumers, regional delivery in around 7 days. Warehouse resources are kept local in Tashkent and Dushanbe. Logistics choices include sea, truck and air shipping.
FAQ
Q: Why choose multiwall corrugated over standard solid corrugated polycarbonate?
A: The primary difference is thermal insulation. Solid corrugated performs better in raw impact, but its insulation value is low. The hollow air chambers in multiwall corrugated polycarbonate create a barrier that reduces heat transfer, which matters in occupied buildings or spaces handling temperature-sensitive goods.
Q: How do I prevent condensation and algae inside the hollow chambers?
A: Seal the open ends with Anti-Dust Vented Tape before fitting U-profiles or flashings. This allows the sheet to expel moisture naturally while blocking dust, insects, and water ingress.
Q: Can this sheet be installed on a low-pitch roof?
A: A minimum slope of 5–10 degrees is recommended to keep rainwater moving off the surface and prevent pooling in wave valleys, which can cause long-term leakage at fastener points.
Q: Will the hollow structure collapse if screws are over-tightened?
A: Yes. Use crest-fixing — fastening into the top of the wave — and fit polycarbonate EPDM-backed washers. These distribute clamping pressure and protect the hollow structure from crushing while maintaining a watertight seal.
Q: How should thermal expansion be managed during installation?
A: Polycarbonate has a thermal expansion coefficient of 0.065 mm/m°C. Pre-drill fastener holes 2–3 mm larger than the screw shank to allow the sheet to move under the washer as temperatures change, preventing buckling and cracking around fastener holes.
Q: What is the expected service life under strong sun exposure?
A: When the co-extruded UV layer meets the 50 µm minimum standard, sheets carry a 10-year limited warranty against more than 10% loss of light transmission. Using 100% virgin material or certified SABIC/BAYER resin supports consistent long-term optical performance.
Contact Us
Do you have more questions about multiwall hollow corrugated polycarbonate sheet? To request a quote or free sample, contact us at [email protected].