Characteristics and Applications of ETFE Membrane

Introduction to ETFE Materials ETFE is a fluororesin synthesized by alternating copolymerization of ethylene and tet...

Introduction to ETFE Materials

ETFE is a fluororesin synthesized by alternating copolymerization of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. In the 1970s, it was jointly developed by NASA and DuPont and applied to the field of space aerospace.

ETFE products are divided into three forms: powder, liquid and granules. They can be processed by spraying, rolling, extrusion, injection molding and other processing technologies to form anti-corrosion linings, films, hoses, cables and other molded parts. They are widely used in many fields such as chemical industry, agriculture, construction, electronics, and automobiles.

Introduction to ETFE Membrane

ETFE membrane material is composed of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. It is a transparent membrane material without a fabric substrate, and its elongation can reach 420% to 440%. The light transmittance spectrum of ETFE membrane material is similar to that of glass (commonly known as soft glass).

ETFE membrane is a high-quality alternative material in transparent building structures. Over the years, it has been proven to be a reliable and economical roofing material in many projects with its many advantages. In the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games National Stadium and National Aquatics Center, the exterior walls of the Water Cube were made of ETFE membrane.

 Characteristics of ETFE film

1. Ductility: Good ductility, can be stretched 3 to 4 times, and can be processed into any shape;

2. Fire resistance and heat resistance: When it is ignited with fire, it will extinguish itself without fire. The ignition point must be above 715 degrees to burn a hole, and there is no smoke, no diffusion, and no burning materials falling;

3. Easy to repair: A single piece of ETFE film can be replaced as a whole like replacing glass if it is damaged by human beings;

4. Self-cleaning: Small friction coefficient, not easy to adhere to dust, easy to wash;

5. Light transmittance: The light transmittance of ETFE can reach 95%, and the transparency can also be reduced to 50% through surface printing;

6. Thermal conductivity: The thermal conductivity of ETFE film is low, and the energy consumption index can be further reduced by the number of layers of the film;

7. Lightweight: ETFE film material is only 1% of the weight of glass of the same size.

4. What are the application fields of ETFE film?

ETFE film has a wide range of applications, mainly including the following aspects: 1. Electronics and electrical appliances ETFE film is also used in the insulation layer of wires and cables, especially in the aerospace field. Due to its high mechanical strength, low relative density, and radiation resistance, ETFE has become an important material for making insulated wires and cables in the aerospace field. 2. Construction field ETFE film is particularly prominent in the construction field. For example, the 2008 Beijing Olympic venue, the Water Cube Natatorium, used a large amount of ETFE film. There are more than 3,000 large “air pillows” on the surrounding walls, with a total area of ​​260,000 square meters. ETFE film has the characteristics of ultra-thin thickness, extremely light weight, high light transmittance and excellent self-cleaning properties. It can be used in a single layer or in double or multiple layers. Due to its low tension, the reaction force demand on the steel frame is relatively small, which is suitable for the requirements of large-span units, so it has been widely used in the construction field. 3. Agricultural field ETFE film was originally used mainly for agricultural greenhouse covering materials. Due to its full-band optical fiber transmittance and good thermal insulation performance, it is particularly suitable for plant infrared absorption and offsets the low temperature of nighttime radiation, so it is widely used in agricultural greenhouses. Compared with traditional PVC film, ETFE film can maintain transparency within 10 years, is more environmentally friendly and saves labor.