Experimental investigation on climate-control nano-composite polycarbonate sheets enhanced with TiO₂, ZnO, and zeolite nanoparticles for polyhouse use

Abstract Optimal food production is achieved when crops receive the necessary nutrients, and the desired levels of temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and sufficient water. Climate Control Agriculture, or Controlled Environment Agriculture, utilizes a technology-based approach to grow plants in a controlled environment. This study focuses on the experimental investigation of polycarbonate sheets doped with TiO2, ZnO, and zeolite nanoparticles for potential use in polyhouse applications. The thermal performance of these synthesized and standard polycarbonate sheets was tested in a laboratory setting. A specialized experimental setup, consisting of two cabinets, was designed and fabricated for this purpose. Ten synthesized sheets each with thicknesses of 50 μm and 70 μm, and two commercial sheets of 70 μm thickness were tested experimentally in the laboratory for their thermal performance. Results indicated that % doping concentration of 0.3% was the most effective, while 0.1% was the least effective. Among the three doping materials, TiO2-doped sheets demonstrated superior ultra-violate light absorption capacity due to their high refractive index and band gap energy, which enhances their ability to absorb and scatter ultra-violate light. ZnO offered stronger UV protection than the remaining three materials. However, it has a lower refractive index than TiO 2 . Its overall thermal performance was lower than TiO 2 . The desired properties of nanocomposites for use in polyhouse applications such as thermal performance in the laboratory, UV protection, mechanical strength and durability, transparency, photostability, and safety were compared based on the experimental results and the data available in the literature. It was concluded that polycarbonate doped with ZnO and TiO 2 nanoparticles was the most suitable.