Raw materials, TENAX Industry

Industry


TENAX industrial solutions
Raw materials

	TENAX meshes for industry are produced by the processing of polyolefins. These materials have an exceptionally high level of resistance 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.

Polymers
PP	PP	HDPE
Homo-polymeric polypropylene	Co-polymeric polypropylene	High density polyethylene

Tensile strength: 31.000 kPa	Tensile strength: 27.500 kPa	Tensile strength: 31.300 kPa
Max operating temperature: 130°C	Max operating temperature: 120°C	Min operating temperature: -100°C
Melting point: 170°C	Fusion temperature: 160°C	Max operating temperature: 110°C
Elongation: 200%		Melting point: 130°C
Despite its light weight, extremely resistant to chemical agents with optimum mechanical properties. Resistant to high temperatures. Used particularly with bi-orientated nets.	Mechanical properties comparable to homo-polymer polypropylene, but softer, lighter and more resistant to low temperatures.	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	LLDPE	EVA
Low density polyethylene	Linear low density polyethylene	Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer

>Min operating temperature: -60°C	Min operating temperature: -50°C	Min operating temperature: -60 °C
Melting point: 120°C	Melting point: 120°C	Melting point: 80°C
Elongation: 500%	Elongation: 700%	Colour: opaque
Characterised by particular softness, used especially for tubular protection nets. Extremely resistant to low temperatures.	Includes all the characteristics of the LDPE, but offers a superior resistance to stretching and tearing. Used particularly with mono-orientated rhomboidal nets.	Characterised by an opaque colour, used to produce particularly flexible and elastic products. Can be shaped for heat moulding.

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.