Chemical properties and applications of ETFE

Fluorine plastic film (ETFE) is an emerging building material, made of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene copolymerization, with high light transmittance (visible light transmittance of more than 90%, and decay is very slow, after 10-15 years of use, it can still be maintained at more than 90%).

 

Strong weather resistance, anti-static, light dust, but expensive, waste film must be recycled by the manufacturer. ETFE has a high melting temperature, excellent chemical, electrical and high-energy radiation resistance.

 

When burned, the fluoroplastic film releases hydrofluoric acid.

An example of an application is as a pneumatic panel to cover the exterior of the Allianz Arena soccer Stadium or the Beijing National Aquatics Center (aka the 2008 Olympic Water Cube).

 

This is the largest ETFE membrane (laminate) structure in the world. The Eden Project's panels are also made from ETFE, where the Tropical Island resort boasts 20,000 square meters of Windows made from this translucent material.

 

Another key use for ETFE is to cover electrical and fiber cabling used in high-stress, low-smoke toxicity, and high-reliability environments. Aircraft and spacecraft wiring is a prime example. Some small section wires such as those used in winding technology are coated with ETFE.

 

 

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

The Eden Project building in Cornwall, England

Beijing Olympic Water Cube venue

National Space Centre, Leicester, UK

The Great Khan Tent Entertainment Center in Astana, Kazakhstan