Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene
ETFE stands for Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene and is a partially fluorinated copolymer of ethylene and TFE.
Like ECTFE, ETFE is part of the family of fluoropolymers that includes FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy). it is another type of high-performance fluoropolymer.
As a result it is significantly tougher than the traditional fluoropolymers FEP and PFA, this makes it eminently suitable for use in architectural structures, with the ability to bear 400 times its own weight.
The superior transmission of UV and long wave radiation also leads to it being used extensively in outdoor constructions having been used in such structures as the Allianz Stadium in Munich, the Eden Project in the UK and the Beijing Olympic Swimming Stadium. Holscot has developed its own patented panel system for building / replacing glass houses, green houses and other eco-buildings. Click here for more infromation.
As a tube it is very much more flexible than FEP and PFA. An ETFE tube will not develop kinks like FEP. ETFE is suitable for covering ‘o’ rings, pump impellers or moving parts of equipment that are operating in chemically aggressive environments. Holscot can cover directly onto your substrate up to a diameter of 30-40mm. Contact sales@holscot.com for more information.
Trade Names for ETFE resins include DuPont Tefzel™, Asahi Glass Fluon™
The key properties can be summarised as follows:
- Mechanical Strength: ETFE is known for its exceptional mechanical strength and toughness. It is significantly stronger than both FEP and PFA, making it more resistant to physical stress, abrasion, and impact.
- Chemical Resistance: While ETFE offers good chemical resistance, it is generally not as chemically resistant as ECTFE, which is the most chemically resistant among the three. In comparison to FEP and PFA, ETFE still performs well against many chemicals but may not be suitable for the most aggressive chemical environments.
- Temperature Range: ETFE has a broad temperature operating range, similar to ECTFE. It can typically withstand temperatures from approximately -200°C to +150°C (-328°F to +302°F), providing excellent performance in both high and low-temperature applications.
- Transparency: ETFE has excellent optical clarity and is highly transparent, just like FEP. It allows for good light transmission, making it suitable for applications where optical properties are important.
- Electrical Properties: ETFE is a good electrical insulator, similar to FEP and PFA. It offers reliable electrical insulation properties, but it may not be the top choice in applications where the highest dielectric strength is required.
- Cost: ETFE is generally more expensive than FEP but can be more cost-effective than ECTFE. The price difference is usually due to the varying levels of chemical resistance and mechanical properties of each material.
In summary, ETFE is a high-performance fluoropolymer with excellent mechanical strength, good chemical resistance, and a broad temperature operating range. It shares some properties with both FEP and PFA, such as transparency and electrical insulation properties, but stands out due to its superior mechanical strength. Engineers and designers choose ETFE, FEP, or PFA based on the specific requirements of their applications, considering factors such as chemical compatibility, mechanical stress, temperature range, and cost.
Technical Data for ETFE:
| Property | Value | Units | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | |||
| Tensile Strength, 23°C | 5500-7000 38-48 |
psi MPa |
D 638 |
| Elongation at break, 23°C | 100-350 | % | D 638 ?? |
| Impact Strength, Izod, 23°C | No break | J/m | D 256 |
| Compressive Stress at 1% deformation | 1500 10.3 |
psi MPa |
D 695 |
| Yield Strength At 23°C | 2800 19 |
psi MPa |
|
| Density | 1.7 | gm/cu.cm | |
| Coefficient of friction | 0.4 | D 1894 | |
| Thermal Properties | |||
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion | 9 x 10-5 | K-1 | |
| Melting Point | 225-270 | °C | |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.137 0.238 |
Btu/hr-.ft-°F watt/meter-K |
ASTM C 177 |
| Specific Heat | 0.45–0.48 | 1.9–2.0 | Btu/lb/°F kJ/Kg/deg K |
| Heat Distortion Temperature 66 lb/sq.in (0.455 MPa) |
104 | °C | D 648 |
| Service Temperature | -100-150 | °C | |
| Processing Temperature | 325-345 | °C | |
| Electrical Properties | |||
| Dielectric Strength, short time, 0.080″ | |||
| Surface Arc-Resistance | 75-110 | sec | D 495 |
| Volume Resistivity | >1016 | ohm-cm | D 257 |
| Surface Resistivity, @ 100% RH | >1014 | Ohm sq-1 | D 257 |
| Dielectric Constant, 60 Hz to 1 MHz | 2.5 | e | D150-81 |
| Dielectric Strength | 59 at 0.25mm thick |
kV mm-1 | |
| Dissipation Factor, @ 1 kHz | 0.0008 | D150-81 | |
| Other Properties | |||
| Refractive Index | nD25 | D 542 | |
| Water Absorption | <0.02 | % increase in weight | D570-81 |
| Flame Rating+ | VE-0 | UL-94 | |
| Limiting Oxygen Index | 30 | % Oxygen | D 2863 |
| Resistance to Weathering | Excellent | ||
| Water Vapor Transmission rate | 752 | Ng cm m-2 s-1 | E 96 |
+ Numerical rating for flame spread is not intended to reflect hazards presented by this or any other material under actual fire conditions
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- Proven manufacture, knowledgeable project management experience and excellent customer service all come as part of the package when working with Holscot.
- If you buy from Holscot, you will be buying directly from the manufacturer, based in the UK, not an agent or intermediary.
- Access to Holscot proprietary in-house manufacturing techniques and expert engineers.
- Holscot is a world leader in providing Fluoropolymer solutions, with more than 50 years experience supplying customers worldwide
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