Climatic Ageing of Low Density Polyethylene in Agricultural Greenhouses

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a commonly employed plastic in the production of greenhouse covers due to its advantageous attributes of flexibility, durability, and transparency. Notably, LDPE’s ability to resist UV radiation plays a crucial role in protecting plants from harmful solar rays. However, the extended lifespan initially anticipated for this material is frequently undermined by the intricate process of LDPE aging. This study examines how the mechanical properties and creep behavior of monolayer and tri-layer PE materials change over nine months of natural aging in the Tiaret region of northwest of Algeria. Tri-layer polyethylene (PE) film outperforms mono-layer PE in strength (2.37x), elasticity (35%), and creep resistance due to its enhanced barrier against environmental factors. It maintains 50% elongation even after 9 months, while mono-layer PE degrades 50% in six months with a tensile strength of 14 MPa.