1. FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) Film

• Properties: FEP is known for high UV transmittance, chemical resistance, and durability underwater. It allows UV wavelengths down to about 200 nm to pass through, making it ideal for studies that require exposure to both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Use Case: FEP is often used in solar and environmental studies for UV transmission. It is flexible, so it can be framed or shaped into an enclosure.
• Availability: Available as sheets or films, often up to several square meters in size.

2. Quartz Glass

• Properties: Quartz glass offers excellent UV transmittance (down to around 180 nm) and is highly durable and resistant to water. It can be molded into rigid frames and withstands temperature fluctuations, making it very stable.
• Use Case: Quartz is commonly used in scientific settings where precise UV transmission is required, such as UV sterilization or photobiological studies. It’s more expensive and may require custom fabrication for a large enclosure.
• Availability: Typically available in custom shapes or sheets, but can be more costly and heavier than other materials.

3. Acrylic (UV-Transmitting)

• Properties: Special UV-transmitting acrylics (like OP-4 or OP-3) allow significant UV penetration in the 300–400 nm range but may block lower wavelengths. It’s affordable, durable, and has high optical clarity.
• Use Case: Suitable for shallow water experiments that don’t require UV-C range penetration, as it transmits UVA and UVB effectively. It’s easy to handle and can be shaped into large enclosures.
• Availability: Readily available in sheets and easily machinable for enclosure designs.

4. Polycarbonate (UV-Treated)

• Properties: While standard polycarbonate blocks most UV, special UV-transmitting grades allow UV penetration in the UVA range. It’s impact-resistant, relatively lightweight, and durable in shallow water.
• Use Case: Suitable for enclosures that primarily need UVA transmission, though some UVB transmission can be achieved with special treatments.
• Availability: Widely available and relatively affordable, though it may require sourcing from suppliers that offer UV-transmitting grades.

Recommended Choice for Broad UV Range (if Needed): FEP Film

For comprehensive UV transmission (including UV-C) and flexibility underwater, FEP is often the preferred material due to its broad UV permeability, durability, and adaptability in underwater environments.

If you need more structural rigidity or are focused on UVA and UVB, UV-transmitting acrylic or quartz glass would also be suitable, depending on your budget and specific experimental requirements.

Thank you Raghad Mouhamad

The best performance-wise may be to use quartz glass, but this may be very expensive for such large dimensions. Plexiglass should be quite UV transparent, especially in longer wavelength UV region.

For an underwater enclosure experiment that requires UV transparency, consider the following materials:

1. Quartz Glass:

• Properties: Highly transparent to UV light down to 190 nm; excellent thermal and chemical resistance.
• Advantages: Durable and can withstand prolonged UV exposure without degradation.
• Applications: Ideal for experiments requiring precise UV transmission.

2. Acrylic (UV-Transmitting Grade):

• Properties: Allows UV light in specific ranges (typically down to ~250-300 nm); lightweight and impact-resistant.
• Advantages: Easy to mold, cost-effective, and provides good optical clarity.
• Applications: Suitable for experiments where UV transmission below 250 nm is not critical.

3. Fluoropolymer Films (e.g., FEP, Teflon):

• Properties: Transparent to a wide range of UV wavelengths; flexible and chemically inert.
• Advantages: Thin, lightweight, and resistant to biofouling.
• Applications: Used in enclosures with minimal structural load.

4. Polycarbonate with UV Coating:

• Properties: Can transmit some UV, but with limited range unless specially treated.
• Advantages: High impact resistance and durability.
• Applications: Suitable for experiments needing robust enclosures but limited UV transparency.

As per I know, Acrylic (PMMA) and thermoplastic polymer (PC-7) materials would be a good choice and economically beneficial solution to build a UV permeable enclosure system specially for a shallow waterbody. oh, they are long lasting, recyclable and easy to operate.