April 30, 2013 - SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business announced the first application of its LEXAN™ THERMOCLEAR™ polycarbonate (PC) multi-wall sheet in a Brazil sports stadium, the new Arena do Grêmio, a multi-use, 60,000-seat stadium in Porto Alegre, where the custom-colored 10-mm material is used for the roofing. SABIC’s LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet was chosen for its light weight, toughness and impact resistance vs. glass. This tough roofing material proved itself even before the stadium was completed when the partially installed roof was undamaged during a violent windstorm.

“SABIC’s LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet – compared to the colored, laminated glass that was originally considered – is technologically and aesthetically superior,” said Marcos Benicio, contract leader, OAS, the general contractor and installer for this project. “The durably, light-weight material was not only more cost effective, it was so much easier to transport and install than heavy, breakable glass. As an added benefit, we were able to obtain the material locally from SABIC’s facility in Campinas, which also provided technical support and color-matching services.”

“SABIC materials and technical expertise have helped architects and contractors design and build some of the world’s most iconic stadiums,” said Jack Govers, general manager, Specialty Film & Sheet, Innovative Plastics. “Over many years, we’ve continually improved and enhanced our sheet products to meet changing environmental requirements and aesthetic and performance expectations. Today marks a significant achievement with the addition of another awe-inspiring arena – the first in Brazil – that is benefitting from the design freedom, energy efficiency and high performance of LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet.”

LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet was supplied in a custom blue tone matching the Grêmio team brand. The light color and highly reflective surface of the sheet help minimize the effects of heat and reduce the need for cooling systems. These attributes, together with the light weight of the panels (2.2 k/m2), make a contribution to the reduced environmental impact of Arena do Grêmio, which is expected to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

A Winning Roster of Benefits

According to SABIC-IP, LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet offers many advantages over conventional materials such as glass. It is safe and easy to handle, cut and install, and is virtually unbreakable. Its light weight can offer significant savings in terms of transportation costs, handling and installation. When compared with 6-mm wired glass, 10-mm LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet offers weight savings of more than 85 percent.

SABIC-IP claims that LEXAN THERMOCLEAR sheet delivers outstanding impact performance over a wide temperature range, -40C to 120C, and also after prolonged outdoor exposure. It can withstand harsh weather conditions as well as temperature swings without breaking or buckling. It features a proprietary surface treatment on one side offering excellent resistance against degradation from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This material carries a 15-year limited written warranty against discoloration, loss of light transmission and loss of impact strength due to weathering.

The SABIC team in Brazil provided wind load simulation, mechanical resistance calculation for the aluminum profiles and flame resistance regulatory reports.

Source: SABIC-IP