Products
SKYTOP™
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Japan’s first permanent architectural fabric developed by Chukoh for membrane structures. It is a composite material produced by impregnating and sintering fluoroplastic on glass cloth (B yarn) by a unique method developed by Chukoh. Various types and grades are available according to the design and size of membrane structures.
Main applications
• Roofing materials
• Ceiling materials
• Interior materials
Operating temperature limit
-60℃ to +260℃
Structure
Characteristics
Non-flammable
The fluoroplastic membrane FGT series is a combination of PTFE with self-extinguishing property and glass cloth fiber with heat resistance. Because of the above reason, FGT series has been authorized as non-flammable material.
Sound absorbency
Since the fluoroplastic membrane of the interior material has the moderate pliability and permeability, you can increase the sound effects in the building if the interior material of the double membrane structure is used.
Toughness
Generally, as the diameter of the fiber decreases, the tensile strength per unit area increases. Fluoroplastics membrane uses B yarn which is the thinnest glass fiber in the world. It is a membrane material with enough strength and high safety.
Self-cleaning property
The dust and air contaminant deposited on the surface of the fluoroplastic membrane are washed away by the rain. Hence, no need for special cleaning and the beautiful appearance can be maintained for a long period of time.
Translucency
The natural light in the building through the fluoroplastics membrane is the natural diffused light and it creates a soft ambiance with few shadows.
Thermal characteristics
Since the fluoroplastic membrane reflects the most of solar energy, it can control the heat condition into the building. It is expected to improve heat insulating effect by making double membrane structures using fluoroplastic membranes of the interior material.
Weather resistance
The functionality and the safety of the roof materials are maintained over the years unaffected by ultra-violet rays and air pollution.
Grades
Typical properties
| Item | FGT-1000 | FGT-800 | FGT-600 | FGT-250-1 | FGT-250A-1 | Test method | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness(mm)(nominal) | 1.00 | 0.80 | 0.60 | 0.35 | 0.40 | ISO 2286-3 | |
| Weight (g/m2)(nominal) | 1700 | 1300 | 1000 | 470 | 600 | ISO 2286-2 | |
| Tensile strength (N/2.5cm)(minimum) | Warp | 4400 | 3520 | 2940 | 1920 | 1640 | ASTM D 4851 |
| Fill | 4000 | 2820 | 2350 | 1440 | 1250 | ||
| Tensile strength (N/5cm)(minimum) | Warp | 8200 | 7000 | 5800 | 3600 | 3000 | ISO 1421 or DIN 53354 |
| Fill | 7500 | 6000 | 4600 | 2700 | 2300 | ||
| Tear strength (N)(minimum) | Warp | 360 | 260 | 200 | 170 | 110 | ASTM D 4851 |
| Fill | 400 | 260 | 200 | 100 | 80 | ||
| Tear resistance (N)(minimum) | Warp | 500 | 400 | 350 | 280 | 190 | DIN 53363 |
| Fill | 550 | 400 | 380 | 180 | 140 | ||
| Solar transmission after bleaching(%)(nominal) | 10 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 18 | ASTM E 424 | |
| Solar reflectance after bleaching(%)(nominal) | 82 | 80 | 78 | 78 | 78 | ASTM E 424 | |
| Air permeability (cm3/cm2･s)(nominal) | – | – | – | 8 | – | JIS L 1096 | |
| Sound absorption (NRC)(nominal) | – | – | – | 0.45 | – | JIS L 1096 | |
*Values shown in this table represent measurements and do not constitute guaranteed values.
Obtained Certifications
| Fire Performance | FGT-1000 | FGT-800 | FGT-600 | FGT-250-1 | Test method | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incombustibility of substrates | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | ASTM E 136 | |
| Burning characteristics | Flame spread | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ASTM E 84 |
| Smoke density | 15 | 0 | 5 | 5 | ||
| Fire resistance of roof coverings | ClassA | ClassA | ClassA | – | ASTM E 108 | |
| Flame resistant | Large scale | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | NFPA 701 |
| Small scale | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | ||
| Non-combustibility of substrates | Pass | Pass | Pass | – | BS 476 Part 4 | |
| Ignitability | P | P | P | – | BS 476 Part 5 | |
| Fire propagation | I=3.5 | I=2.8 | I=2.2 | – | BS 476 Part 6 | |
| Spread of flame | Class 1 | Class 1 | Class 1 | – | BS 476 Part 7 | |
| Incombustibility certification | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Building Standard Law of Japan | |
| Fire behaviour of building materials and elements | Class B1 | Class B1 | Class B1 | Class B1 | DIN 4102 | |
※For other grades, please contact us.
Variety of membrane construction matter
Frame assembly membrane construction (fixed/ moveable)
The structure that the membrane materials are used as wall and roofing materials by forming the framework such as mountain shaped, arch shaped, and other solid-body with steel or other frames.
Suspension membrane construction (fixed/ moveable)
The membrane is used as the main material and the hung structure (suspension construction) is the basic formation.
Air pressurized membrane construction (fixed/ moveable)
Increasing the air pressure until the membrane stretches to a taut state by sending air into the membrane-covered space. The air-pressurized structure resists against external pressure and is free-standing.
Merits of membrane construction matter
Shortens construction time and lowers cost
Due to the light weight of SKYTOP™ (about 1/30th of the mass of a traditional steel roof), wall and foundation construction costs can be reduced. Furthermore, as the cutting and joining of the materials is done before hand, on-site construction is simplified and the time period shortened.
Economizing of energy cost
SKYTOP™ displays a high rate of sun reflection and low absorption. With just a low volume of heat, penetrating solar energy can be controlled. Also, due to the semi-transparent nature of the membrane, artificial daytime illumination becomes unnecessary making substantial energy cost efficient.
Stretching the imagination with freedom of design
With membrane construction matter, an insulated space can be achieved generally without using an internal support element. This unique trait allows free planning and makes the application of a variety of spatial designs possible.
Natural lighting makes for a comfortable space
The sunlight which permeates SKYTOP™ is naturally diffused and casts few shadows. Same as the outdoors, the original color tone of objects is obtained. It is possible to gain enough solar intensity that the insulated space be suitable for the cultivation of plants; and a space with the agreeable sensation of being outdoors can be produced.
Always pristine appearance
Due to the water repellency and anti-adhesive properties of fluoroplastic, accumulated dirt and atmospheric filth is washed away by the rain. This will continuously preserve a clean, white appearance.
Actual example of SKYTOP™
View an actual examples of fluoropolymer membrane use.
