Optical and thermal properties of commercial polymer film, modeling the albedo effect

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2021-06, Vol.138 (24), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Mohan, Saeed D., Davis, Fred J., Badiee, Amir, Hadley, Paul, Twitchen, Carrie‐Anne, Pearson, Simon, Gargan, Ken
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Albedo; applications; Claddings; coatings; Light transmission; Materials science; Optical properties; Polymer films; Polymers; Short wave radiation; theory and modeling; Thermodynamic properties
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.50581

Greenhouse cladding materials are an important part of greenhouse design. The cladding material controls the light transmission and distribution over the plants within the greenhouse, thereby exerting a major influence on the overall yield. Greenhouse claddings are typically translucent materials offering more diffusive transmission than reflection; however, the reflective properties of the films offer a potential route to increasing the surface albedo of the local environment. We model thermal properties by modeling the films based on their optical transmissions and reflections. We can use this data to estimate their albedo and determine the amount of short wave radiation that will be transmitted/reflected/blocked by the materials and how it can influence the local environment. The use of plastics for horticulture though somewhat controversial is of huge importance for food production. In Spain it has opened up large areas to economically viable cultivation. In this contribution we show how the design and inclusion of light scattering and reflecting additives can control the light accessed by the crops and how this may induce cooling of the external environment through the albedo effect.