ETFE explained

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a fluorine-based plastic. It was designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. ETFE is a polymer and its source-based name is poly (ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene). It is also known under the DuPont brand name Tefzel and is sometimes referred to as 'Teflon Film'. ETFE has a relatively high melting temperature and excellent chemical, electrical and high-energy radiation resistance properties.

Properties

Useful comparison tables of PTFE against FEP, PFA and ETFE can be found on DuPont's website, listing the mechanical, thermal, chemical and electrical properties of each, side by side.[1] ETFE is effectively the high-strength version of the other three in this group.

ETFE film is self-cleaning (due to its nonstick properties) and recyclable.[2] As a film for roofing it can be stretched and still be taut if some variation in size, such as that caused by thermal expansion, were to occur. Employing heat welding, tears can be repaired with a patch or multiple sheets assembled into larger panels.

ETFE has an approximate tensile strength of 42 MPa (6100 psi), with a working temperature range of to (to or to).[3]

ETFE resins are resistant to ultraviolet light. An artificial weathering test (comparable to 30 years’ exposure) produced no filtering and almost no signs of film deterioration.[4]

ETFE systems can control light transmission through the application of plasma coatings, varnishes or printed frit patterns.[5] Thermal and acoustic insulation can be incorporated into an ETFE structure via the use of multi-layer systems which use low-pressure air pumps to create ETFE "cushions".[6] For instance u value of ETFE single layer, double and three layers are approximately: 5.6, 2.5 and 1.9 W/m2.k respectively[7] while concerning g value of etfe cushion or SHGC in ETFE systems it can vary between 0.2 to 0.95 using frits and for further info about SHGC in ETFE refer to[8]

Applications

ETFE was developed by DuPont in the 1970s initially as a lightweight, heat resistant film in the aerospace industry.[9] From its development it was largely used infrequently in agricultural and architectural projects.[9] ETFE's first large-scale use architecturally came in 2001 at the Eden Project where ETFE was selected as it can be printed and layered to control solar conditions and because it was found to have a low friction coefficient, which saves on maintenance as dust and dirt do not stick.[9]

An example of its use is as pneumatic panels to cover the outside of the football stadium Allianz Arena or the Beijing National Aquatics Centre (a.k.a. the Water Cube of the 2008 Olympics) – the world's largest structure made of ETFE film (laminate). The panels of the Eden Project are also made from ETFE, and the Tropical Islands have a 20,000 m2 window made from this translucent material.

Another key use of ETFE is for the covering of electrical and fiber-optic wiring used in high-stress, low-fume-toxicity and high-reliability situations. Aircraft, spacecraft and motorsport wiring are primary examples. Some small cross-section wires like the wire used for the wire-wrap technique are coated with ETFE.

As a dual laminate, ETFE can be bonded with FRP as a thermoplastic liner and used in pipes, tanks, and vessels for additional corrosion protection.

ETFE is commonly used in the nuclear industry for tie or cable wraps and in the aviation and aerospace industries for wire coatings. This is because ETFE has better mechanical toughness than PTFE. In addition, ETFE exhibits a high-energy radiation resistance and can withstand moderately high temperatures for a long period. Commercially deployed brand names of ETFE include Tefzel by DuPont, Fluon by Asahi Glass Company, Neoflon ETFE by Daikin, and Texlon by Vector Foiltec. Sumitomo Electric developed an aluminium-ETFE composite marketed as .[10] Additionally, now a day the commercial use of architectural ETFE as skylight or facade materials has become very popular all over the world not only in Europe, in middle east for instance many shopping malls, sports and cultural mega venues developments has utilized ETFE for example recent huge greenhouse park development in Abu Dhabi (Mawasem Park – Green House – Abu Dhabi House) managed by Fabrix360 ETFE expert[11]

Due to its high temperature resistance ETFE is also used in film mode as a mold-release film.[12] ETFE film offered by Guarniflon or Airtech International and Honeywell is used in aerospace applications such as carbon fiber pre-preg curing as a release film for molds or hot high-pressure plates.

Notable buildings

Notable buildings and designs using ETFE as a significant architectural element:

Under construction

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fluoropolymer Comparison – Typical Properties DuPont . https://web.archive.org/web/20181116163946/https://www.chemours.com/Teflon_Industrial/en_US/tech_info/techinfo_compare.html . November 16, 2018.
  2. Web site: ETFE . 2008-02-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130309090024/http://www.todoarquitectura.com/revista/40/en04_ETFE.asp . 2013-03-09 . dead .
  3. Web site: Boedeker Plastics, Inc. > Product. www.boedeker.com.
  4. Web site: ETFE. FlexFacades by Structurflex. en-US. 2019-10-09.
  5. Web site: Fabrix360 . 2022-01-29 . How ETFE printing and adhesion durability lasts? . 2023-12-12 . home . en.
  6. Web site: 10 Benefits of Using ETFE Foil In Architecture .
  7. Web site: Fabrix360 . 2020-04-01 . U-value ETFE cushion, the rout to precise determination. . 2023-12-12 . home . en.
  8. Web site: Fabrix360 . 2022-04-24 . What is ETFE G-value (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient SHGC) . 2023-12-12 . home . en.
  9. Web site: Lynch . Patrick . What is ETFE and Why Has it Become Architecture's Favorite Polymer? . ArchDaily . 18 June 2021 . 2019-04-06.
  10. Web site: Characteristics of Sumiflon . Sumitomo Electric . 13 February 2024.
  11. Web site: Projects Fabrix360 United Arab Emirates . 2023-12-10 . home . en.
  12. Web site: Fabrix360 . 2021-12-05 . ETFE durability makes you worry! . 2023-12-12 . home . en.
  13. Web site: LASED – LA Stadium & Entertainment District at Hollywood Park.
  14. Web site: Banc of California Stadium Facts | Los Angeles Football Club. 2017-12-26. 2017-12-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20171213090602/https://www.lafc.com/stadium/facts. dead.
  15. Web site: The Northern Lights Display. BC Place.
  16. Web site: STUDIO V Bets on a Curving Lattice Porte-Cochere in Yonkers . Stoelker . Tom . 17 August 2012 . Archpaper.com . Architect’s Newspaper . 19 January 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202121944/http://blog.archpaper.com/wordpress/archives/44806 . 2 February 2014 . dead .
  17. Web site: ARTIC | Life's a Journey Celebrate the Ride . 2014-10-22 . 2014-10-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141023203345/http://www.articinfo.com/ . dead .
  18. News: LEADOFF: What's next for Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof?. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Tim Tucker. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  19. Web site: Karychová . Pavla . 2022-09-22 . The facade of the CIIRC building was awarded for design in Como, Italy CIIRC . 2024-01-21 . en.
  20. Web site: Grimshaw completes roller coaster attraction at shanghai disney resort's tomorrowland. 21 November 2017.
  21. Web site: The Global Change Institute – The University of Queensland, Australia. gci.uq.edu.au.
  22. Web site: A ONE OF A KIND ETFE FACADE.
  23. News: Gruver. Deb. New roof will help save jungle exhibit at Sedgwick County Zoo. 20 August 2014. Wichita Eagle. 20 August 2014.
  24. Web site: BNC Network – The region's largest construction intelligence platform.
  25. News: Terminal C Canopy and Upper Deck. 5 August 2021.
  26. Web site: Latest look at the ETFE cushion canopy installation at TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom.
  27. Web site: Te Kaha news and announcements . 2024-07-23 . Christchurch City Council . en-GB.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "ETFE".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.