Poliolefin roof membranes on site durability evaluation

Thermoplastic polyolefins are a new generation of single-ply roofing. Polyolefin roof membranes were introduced to the international markets already from 1991 with the North American designation as TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefins) or with the European as FPO (Flexible Polyolefins). Flexibility of such membranes depends on internal chemical structure: unlike other thermoplastic membranes, they do not contain plasticizers. This fact provides the membranes with the property of a pronounced longevity. A special type of polyolefin is represented by TPO-FPA (Flexible Polypropylene Alloy), obtained from polypropylene semi-crystalline matrix (PP), in which is incorporated an high percentage of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), through a patented catalloy process. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a research commissioned by a company manufacturer, oriented to estimate the durability and the residual properties of TPO-FPA non-reinforced membranes, exposed in different latitudes directly to the solar radiation after 5/10 exposition year.