Top quality pond liner materials at Gordon Low

MATERIALS

Like any manufacturing process, raw material selection is vital to produce a quality product. We have sourced (and used for many years) what we believe to be the most effective Butyl Rubbers, EPDM Rubbers and PVC lining materials available.

To understand what makes a good quality rubber liner, you must first know how it is made and how the raw materials themselves are produced. Basically a synthetic rubber compound is a mixture of one or more base rubber polymers, i.e Butyl (IIR - isobutylene isoprene - rubber) or Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM), reinforcing carbon black, fillers, process chemicals, antioxidants and vulcanising agents to give the rubber the required strength, flexibility, exposure resistance and even colour. This compound is blended and then passed through steel rollers which create the thin film of sticky, uncured rubber.

Vulcanising the rubber in an autoclave (baked under pressure) sets or 'cures' the rubber into the tough elastic material we know. The vulcanisation process means that the material differs from all thermoplastic products (i.e. PVC), in that its properties are not affected by varying temperatures. The product is chemically stable and always returns to its original dimensions after stretching. The cross-linked molecular structure gives EPDM and Butyl rubber their unique properties. Ageing or changes in characteristics are negligible despite decades of exposure to the atmosphere, sunlight, UV radiation, chemical fallout, water or major temperature fluctuations.

EPDM and Butyl rubber contain no plasticisers or additives which can evaporate or be washed out over the years which is why they last so much longer than plastic liners. The strength and elasticity of the membrane remain practically unchanged for decades, without shrinkage, brittleness, melting or cracking. The membrane is equally elastic, regardless of whether the temperature is -30°C or +120°C.

The handling process used to carry the uncured rubber has a big effect on the final appearance of the sheet. Prior to vulcanisation the rubber is very sticky and it has to be prevented from sticking to it's self before it is baked. Two common methods used in the manufacture of our chosen rubber lining materials, it is either dusted with mineral talc (as is Firestone EPDM) or supported by a carrier sheet which creates a cloth-like texture impression on the sheet surface (SealEco Butyl and SealEcol EPDM-greenseal)

Different compounds of rubber are used for particular applications and price can vary greatly depending on the type, quality and quantity of polymers used. Obviously all of our liners are manufacturer guaranteed fish and plant friendly, but we can also produce liners in drinking water quality grades when required (WRc approved BS6920).

Cheaper, readily available 'Roofing' grade materials can be highly toxic to fish so beware if choosing cheap alternatives. Always compare material test certificates before offering products for particular applications. With Gordon Low Pond Liners you can rest assured that not only have we selected the best available materials, from recognised manufacturers, but we also have samples tested with independent testing authorities to confirm the quality.