FAQS – Citel SLU English

FAQs

WHY USE SOLUTION-DYED ACRYLIC?

Acrylic fibres are made up of linear macromolecules whose chain consists of at least 85% acrylonitrile. They are fibres of low specific weight, with adequate resistance to abrasion, excellent resilience, have a soft, warm and dry feel, and the most desirable characteristic for sun protection products: EXCELLENT LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE.

PROCUREMENT

Synthetic staple fibres are produced by melting or dissolving polymer pellets (small fragments).

They are then extruded in a single row to produce the desired cylindrical shape.

The polymer in filament form is solidified and, following a stretching and curling process, it is cut to the desired length. The aim is to achieve an end result as similar as possible to a natural fibre such as cotton or wool, to give the fabric that “natural” look.

The corresponding dye or pigment is added to the spinning fluid to provide colour. It therefore becomes an integral part of the fibre itself, resulting in a fibre with MAXIMUM colour fastness (colour that does not fade due to exposure to weather, water, light, etc.).

ADVANTAGES

WHAT IS THE SAFE & CLEAN FINISH?

Its Safe & Clean property gives a protective barrier to the fabric that allows it to be self-cleaning, facilitating its maintenance. This is thanks to its score of 6 in the Oil Test (the highest oil repellency score) combined with the score of 100 in the spray test (the highest water repellency rating). The effect of these two results means that splashes, dry spots, and spills can be easily cleaned with a clean cloth or a soft bristle brush.

WHAT IS SOLAR RADIATION?

Solar protection systems are used to regulate the amount of incident light and solar energy as needed. Buildings equipped with air conditioners which also have external sun protection can make electricity savings of up to 50%.

Radiation types

Direct radiation:
Solar radiation that has not been absorbed nor reflected by the atmosphere.

Difusse radiation:
Solar radiation that has been absorbed by the atmosphere and transmitted in all directions.

Refelected radiation:
Procede de la reflexión en el suelo de la radiación directa y difusa.

Direct radiation:
Solar radiation that has not been absorbed nor reflected by the atmosphere.

Difusse radiation:
Solar radiation that has been absorbed by the atmosphere and transmitted in all directions.

Refelected radiation:
Procede de la reflexión en el suelo de la radiación directa y difusa.

Solar transmission

Ts (solar transmittance):
Part of the solar radiation that goes through the fabric is transmitted to the room. A low percentage shows a good reduction of the energy that goes through the fabric.

Rs (solar reflection):
Part of the solar radiation that is reflected on the fabric goes outside. A high percentage shows the fabric’s good reflection of solar energy.

As (solar absorption):
Part of the solar radiation is absorbed by the fabric. A low percentage shows low absorption of the solar energy by the fabric.

WHAT ARE OPTICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES?

Solar protection is the set of systems used to control the amount of sunlight and energy that enters a building. This allows for energy savings in essential building services, for example:

Reduction of the amount of energy needed for heating or air conditioning inside the building.

Reduction of the quantity of energy needed for lighting by optimising natural light.

Reduction of CO2 emissions (and carbon footprint).

By the same token, this visual and thermal control improves comfort inside the building, which results in increased productivity in the operations carried out there.

Visual / óptico confort

Natural light has a positive effect on people’s health, adaptive daylight control increases performance.

Glare control

This is the ability of the fabric to control the level of illumination in order to reduce light contrasts. The classifications defined in EN14500 are used to determine the visual comfort offered by acrylic fabrics.

Use of daylight

This is the ability to reduce the time for which artificial light is required and to optimise the available daylight.

Total solar factor (Gtot)

People are thermally comfortable when they do not feel hot or cold, in other words, when the temperature, humidity and air movement conditions are suitable for the activity they are performing. Indoors, this comfort is provided by the structure of the building and by glazed windows and doors. This is why solar protection systems must work effectively to regulate room temperatures. The classifications defined by the EN14500 standard are used to determine the thermal comfort offered by acrylic sheeting.