Due to the increasing disease pressure from viruses and fungi in greenhouse farming, thorough and intensive cleaning during crop rotation is becoming increasingly important. To better understand material selection and application, we examined how different material options respond to the increasingly intensive use of various cleaning and disinfecting agents, such as in fogging, deck cleaning, gutter cleaning and co-dripping of substances.
The results offer valuable insights into the suitability of materials in combination with various chemicals and support the optimisation of their selection and use.
Traditional coatings, such as polyester and polyurethane, are more susceptible to penetration due to their semi-open structure and the presence of solid particles, compared to fully sealed layers such as PVC laminate or a polypropylene layer like Second Skin.
Because of the semi-open structure of traditional coatings, agents can penetrate into the zinc and steel layer, or in some cases, after prolonged exposure, react with the coating itself. This increases the risk of damage, for example in cases of incorrect use, excessive exposure time, or the use of overly high concentrations of agents. The risk is further increased when rinsing is insufficient.
Fully sealed layers, such as PVC laminate or a polypropylene layer like Second Skin, provide a more robust and durable alternative, especially for systems with stringent cleaning and hygiene requirements.
Samples of the various materials were exposed to a range of cleaning products and disinfectants.
The tests were conducted under realistic conditions, including deliberate deformation and scratching of the samples.
During the study, the concentration of the agents was varied: both the supplier’s recommended concentration and an increased concentration (2.5x) were tested. In addition, the application time was also varied: the recommended time (20 minutes), twice the recommended time (40 minutes) and complete evaporation of the agent. The latter simulates the situation where the agent is not rinsed with water.
Each test consisted of at least five exposure cycles. Samples were examined under a microscope for signs of blistering, discolouration, coating delamination, or other forms of degradation.
The research results clearly show that the different materials respond differently to the cleaning agents tested.
Especially with porous coatings, such as polyester and polyurethane, prolonged exposure without rinsing leads to an increased risk of damage.
Scratched and deformed surfaces were the first to show signs of deterioration. In contrast, PVC-laminated steel and Second Skin were found to be almost completely resistant to all agents tested.
To prevent damage to porous coatings, it is crucial to always rinse thoroughly and to strictly include this step in the cleaning protocol. Non-volatile agents that are not rinsed off will continue to act permanently.
Especially under the substrate mat blistering and delamination can occur.
In addition, it is advised to avoid certain agents. The table below provides an overview of the agents tested by Metazet and their active ingredients.
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