grow tent - SC-S8100

grow tent

The Dark Room is the most advanced grow tent available. It is the first line of grow tents to utilize thermal film on the interior, which is highly reflective, waterproof and extremely insulative (offering 97% reflection and thermal protection). This film is alsonon-toxic and won’t release any harmful gasses that can damage sensitive plants. The Dark Room utilizes innovative, adjustable Dual-Sock Ports that enable the grower to attach equipment or ducting to both sides of the tent while maintaining a lightproof environment, and doesn’t require the use of clamps or tools.

l Highly Reflective Material significant increase in reflectivity for improved lighting performance

l Thermally Protected reflects 97% of all radiant heat for superior insulation

l Completely Non-Toxic will not react under light and heat

l Light-Proof Material prevent light from escaping or entering for controlled light cycles

l Movable Roof Cross Member easily adjust lighting and accessories

l Easy Assembly and Disassembly includes carrying bag for portability

l Dual-Sock Ports for cords, fans and filter attachments no more clamps or reducers needed

l Mylar cloth for tent

l Zipper and binding colors are available in grey, blue and green

l Powder coated steel tube and plastic connectors

The material analysis of tent cloth

When starting the inventing process of the portable grow box we named Homebox,finding the perfect material needed for the cover was a huge issue for us.The demands were set fast:

Durable and tough but not too heavy

Lightproof

Reflecting inside

Soon it was clear,that it had to be several materials,combined to one.Looking only at these perimeters ,Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) seemed to be the best solution.followed by Polyurethane(PU),which has very similar properties.It is easy to laminate,tough and relatively cheap.

But we also had clear demands concerning the protection of :

The users and consumers health

The environment

Now ,looking at these factors,both PVC and PU were instantly not a choice any more.

We researched a lot,and after long time and many investments into trials and tests,we found the perfect combination for our Material.

It consists of 3 layers:

On the outside we use webbed Polyamid(PA), for strength and durability and to make sowing possible.

As a middle layer ,we use black Polyethylene(PE) to guarantee that it is lightproof.

The inner layer is white PE to ensure maximum reflection and perfect ability to clean

Why did we choose to use PA and PE instead of PVC or PU?And why is that so important in reference to the occurring problems?

To explain that ,let us peek a bit into material science.What are the different characteristics of PVC, PU; PA and PE?

PVC:
Polyvinyl chlofide is a thermoplastic polymer. Polyvinyl chloride(PVC) is unique in its high chlorine and additives (softeners) content,which makes it and environmental poison throughout its life cycle.Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen (BUA 1986,1987,1993;Gray et al.2000,Foster 2000,Ema et al.2001, Kavlock et al.2002a,2002b,2002c). PVC releases dioxin and other persistent organic pollutants during its manufacture and disposal and cannot be readly recycled due to it chlorine and additive content.

Workers in PVC production were getting sick (lung and joint problems).This was soon known as the so called VC-disease.

Furthermore,additives are not bound to the plastic and leach out .To make PVC soft, a lot of softeners have to be added. One of the most commmonly used softeners is di-ethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP).Flexible PVC products typically contain 30 to 40 percent DEHP by weight,but that figure can reach 80 percent in applications where flexibility is critical.DEHP is known to be hormone disrupting ,and otherwise health damaging(Ema et al. 1993,1994,1998;Shiota et al. 1980;) Shiota und Nishimura 1982; Kavlock et al.2002). This is especially true for children and genital organs.It was abandoned by the USA and EU last years,but only for children toys ,and only in these Countries. No one knows what softeners are used in the PVC that is produced and used in products imported from China, for example.

PU:

Polyurethane (PU) is mainly usec in insulation and soft/foamed products like carpet underlay.It uses several hazardous intermediates and creates numerous hazardous by-products.These include phosgene,isocyanates,toluene,diamines,and the ozneddepleting gases methylene chloride and CFCs,as well as halogenated flame retardants and pigments.The burning of PU release numerous hazardous chemicals such as isocyanates,carbon dioxide,hydrogen cyanide,PAH and dioxins.

PE:

Polyolefins such as Polyethylene (PE) are simpler polymer structures that do not need plasticizers,although they do use additives such as UV and heat stabilizers.The polyolefins pose fewer risks and have the hightest potential for mechanical recycling. Both PE and PP are versatile ,and can be designed to replace almost all PVC applications. PE can be made either hard,or very flexible, wihtout the use of plasticizers.