Raw materials

TENAX meshes for industry are produced by the processing of polyolefins. These materials have an exceptionally high level of esistance to other chemical substances, mould, bacteria and spores.

Although derived from the same family, various classes of polymers exist which differentiate themselves from each other in a variety of ways. The choice of one polymer against another, combined with the production process employed, will result in a particular net suitable for a specific purpose.

The manufacturing process
It is possible to improve the basic performance characteristics of the polymer during the manufacturing process.
Molecular orientation carried out following extrusion, for example, makes the finished product considerably more resistant to stretching.
All net products from the TENAX Group are characterised by a high level of dimensional stability, which makes them suitable for utilisation where small tolerances are required.

Use of additives
Some meshes, polyester products for instance, have a very high melting point. The addition of an appropriate chemical, also allows the manufacturing of flame retardant nets.
Other types of additives are used to modify particular characteristics, such as resistance to UV light, and to add anti-bacterial and bio-degradability properties and the colour of the end product.

Contact with food products
For products destined for use in the food industry, TENAX uses exclusive polymers and additives that comply with current regulations. Relevant certification can be provided on request.

Disposal and recycling
All TENAX products are completely recyclable through either mechanical, chemical or energy generating processes.

Mechanical recycling is carried out by the transformation of one material to another by granulating the excess plastic. Chemical recycling occurs through chemical decomposition to return the product to its basic components and is exclusive to plastics.

Energy generating recycling is achieved through the recuperation of energy through incineration. For particular applications, some meshes can be manufactured with biodegradable materials, accelerating their decomposition.

PP Ho
Homo-polymeric polypropylene
PP-Polipropilene omopolimero
Tensile strength:
31.000 kPa
Max operating temperature:
130°C
Melting point:
170°C
Elongation:
200%

Despite its light weight, extremely resistant to chemical agents with optimum mechanical properties. Resistant to high temperatures. Used particularly with bi-orientated nets.

PP Co
Co-polymeric
polypropylene
PP-Polipropilene copolimero

Tensile strength:
27.500 kPa

Max operating temperature:
120°C

Fusion temperature:
160°C

Mechanical properties comparable to homo-polymer polypropylene, but softer, lighter and more resistant to low temperatures.

HDPE
High density
polyethylene

PP-Polietilene ad alta densità

Tensile strength:
31.300 kPa

Min operating temperature:
-100°C

Max operating temperature:
110°C

Melting point:
130°C

Possesses optimum chemical resistance and exceptional mechanical properties. This polyethylene is effective at low and high temperatures. Used for both extruded and mono-orientated products.

LDPE
Low density
polyethylene
LDPE-Polietilene a bassa densità
Min operating temperature:
-60°C

Melting point:
120°C

Elongation:
500%

Characterised by particular softness, used especially for tubular protection nets. Extremely resistant to low temperatures.

LLDPE
Linear low density polyethylene
LLDPE-Polietilene lineare bassa densità

Min operating temperature:
-50°C

Melting point:
120°C

Elongation:
700%

Includes all the characteristics of the LDPE, but offers a superior resistance to stretching and tearing. Used particularly with mono-orientated rhomboidal nets.

EVA
Ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer
EVA-Copolimero etilene-vinil acetato

Min operating temperature:
-60 °C

Melting point:
80°C

Colour:
opaque

Characterised by an opaque colour, used to produce particularly flexible and elastic products. Can be shaped for heat moulding.