Effect of elemental and bentonite sulphur applications on some mechanical properties of different polyethylene covering materials

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of two different chemical products applied to the soil to on some mechanical properties of greenhouse cover materials produced by CO-EX techology with HALS UV and NIQ UV additives over a period of 12 months. The effects of chemical treatments on the covering materials were investigated in fourteen low tunnels under natural weathering conditions during their useful life. Also, the effects of sulphur products on the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil were investigated. Initial impact resistance of HALS UV and NIQ UV added PE films were determined as 685.0 and 811.7 g, respectively. Impact resistances of HALS UV and NIQ UV added PE films in bentonite sulphur applications decreased by 48.1% and 33.8%, whereas in elemental sulphur applications decreased by 62.0% and 51.6% after 12 months, respectively. Soil pH was reduced by all sulphur treatments in compared to the initial value.