PET Sandwich Panels for RV

PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) foam is a closed-cell thermoplastic structural foam with good shear properties. It is usually used as a filling material for sandwich panels. It can be combined with FRP, aluminum, steel, and plastic to form sandwich panels. PET sandwich panels for RVs usually choose FRP and aluminum as skin materials.

Advantages of PET Sandwich Panels for RV

Waterproof and moisture-proof

The closed cell rate of the PET foam core is basically 100%, which makes its water absorption rate extremely low, which effectively protects the internal facilities of the RV.

High temperature resistance

PET foam board can withstand a temperature of about 150°C during processing, and can withstand a temperature of about 100°C for a long time during use.

High strength

The strength of the PET foam board will increase with the increase of the density, and the strength of the sandwich panel formed after it is combined with the reinforcing material will be higher. So the PET sandwich panel for RV can be made thinner.

Environmentally friendly

PET foam is an environmentally friendly product, it can be recycled, and no harmful gas is produced when it is burned.

Low cost

Currently, PET foam is the lowest cost closed-cell material of all sandwich foams for RVs. When you are considering building an RV but have a limited budget, consider choosing PET sandwich panels.

Physical Properties of PET Foam Board

Items	Unit	Value
Density	Kg/m3	50~300
Compression Strength	Mpa	8.5~5.20
Compression Modulus	Mpa	73~235
Tensile Strength	Mpa	1.4~4.0
Tensile Modulus	Mpa	90~275
Shearing Strength	Mpa	0.55~2.05
Shearing Modulus	Mpa	13.5~70.0
Closed Cell Rate	%	≥99
Thermal Conductivity	W/m·K	0.22~0.25
Water Absorption	%	0.1~0.3
Operating Temperature	℃	≤100℃

Basic Specifications of PET Sandwich Panels for RV

Width	Max 3.2m
Skin Thickness	0.7~3mm
Core Thickness	25~120mm
Skin Materials	FRP Sheets, Aluminum Sheets, Plywoods, Vinyl, etc.

Fiberglass Skin PET Sandwich Panels

Fiberglass Skin PET Sandwich Panel for Camper

Flat FRP sheets are made of thermosetting plastics and reinforced glass fibers, which are stronger than steel and aluminum. It will not deform and crack at high and low temperatures, and its thermal conductivity is very low. It has the characteristics of corrosion resistance, friction resistance and easy cleaning. The surface of flat FRP sheet for RV is usually covered with a layer of gel coat, which will make the surface smoother and waterproof.

Aluminum Skin PET Foam Sandwich Panels

Aluminum Skin PET Sandwich Panels for RV

Aluminum is the lightest metal material, and it is not easy to rust. It is a basically 100% recycled material. Using aluminum-skinned foam sandwich panels as RV panels not only reduces the weight of the RV, but also has a long service life. Usually the aluminum alloys used for sandwich panels are 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 series, and the surface of the aluminum sheet is coated with a layer of fluorocarbon resin (PVDF) coating for anti-corrosion. Using aluminum as RV siding will also bring some disadvantages such as poor insulation performance and difficult repair after damage.

So what material should be chosen for the skin of the PET sandwich panel?

Usually we support customers to choose CFRT sheets, even if the thickness is very thin, it still has enough strength. The combination of CFRT sheet and PET foam board is undoubtedly perfect. But this is by no means absolute, you can choose CFRT for one side of the sandwich panel and ordinary FRP or aluminum for the other side.

What types of RVs are PET sandwich panels suitable for?

Although PET foam sandwich panels has many advantages, its thermal insulation effect is lower than that of XPS and PUR foam, so it is suitable for RVs that do not require high thermal insulation effect but require strength, such as teardrop trailers, truck campers, caravan.