FATRAFOL membrane from Fatra, a.s. has obtained a Tested in Antarctica certificate

The ceremonial handover of TESTED IN ANTARCTICA certificates took place at Masaryk University in Brno. This certificate was awarded to FATRAFOL 810 roofing membrane, which has been successfully tested under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The testing itself is carried out by expedition members who test whether products meet the properties declared by the manufacturer even in a demanding polar environment. Compliance with the requirements of these tests then entitles the company to the trademark Tested in Antarctica.

Testing of FATRAFOL 810 roofing membrane was commenced at the beginning of 2015 and the total testing time should exceed 10 years.  Testing takes place at the Johann Gregor Mendel scientific station, which is located on the coast of James Ross Island in Antarctica. This systematic and long-term research focused on the durability of roofing waterproofing membranes takes place in quite unique climatic conditions unparalleled in plastic testing. Usually, the ageing process of plastics is carried out in countries with high sunshine intensity and relatively high daily temperatures. In contrast, Antarctica provides completely different conditions, typically characterised by multiple temperature changes from a few degrees above zero to less than -30°C, reduced luminous flux during the polar winter, but an increased proportion of the UV component caused by the ozone anomaly (i.e. hole in the ozone layer). Physical factors – ice and sand particles carried by winds reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h – also play a significant role here.
The exact test conditions and results are published on the website www.tested-in-antarctica.com.