Which is more durable, PTFE membrane material or ETFE membrane material

1. PTFE Membranes

   • Structure: Composed of a glass fiber base coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin, forming a composite material.
   • Durability: Derived from chemical inertness and thermal stability.
   • Key Properties:
     • Stable carbon-fluorine bonds resist most acids, alkalis, salts, and organic solvents.
     • Operational temperature range: -70°C to 230°C.
     • UV-resistant, maintaining performance under prolonged sunlight exposure.
   • Application: Proven lifespan of over 30 years. Landmark projects like the Shanghai Stadium (in use for over 20 years) demonstrate sustained performance.

2. ETFE Membranes

   • Structure: A fluoropolymer thermoplastic directly formed from ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer.
   • Weather Resistance: Validated by 16,000-hour accelerated aging tests (equivalent to 30+ years of real-world exposure).
   • Key Properties:
     • Stable performance across -200°C to 150°C.
     • Chemically inert to strong acids, alkalis, and most chemicals.
     • Exceptional self-cleaning: Rainwater effectively removes surface contaminants.
   • Application: Projects like the Beijing Water Cube show minimal aging after 20+ years of use.

Comparative Insights:

• PTFE holds a slight edge in theoretical lifespan and chemical stability, making it preferable for industrial environments requiring long-term corrosion resistance.
• ETFE excels in extreme temperature adaptability (e.g., polar or high-heat zones), self-cleaning efficiency, and light transmittance (up to 95%), better suited for structures prioritizing natural lighting, such as stadiums or greenhouses.