ETFE (vinyl tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) film is a transparent synthetic material consisting of multiple layers of film. Its structural characteristics mainly have the following aspects:
1. Multi-layer structure: ETFE film is usually composed of three or five layers of film, each layer of film thickness between 100-250 microns. The multi-layer structure makes the ETFE film have better weather resistance and corrosion resistance.
2. Air membrane: ETFE membrane is a kind of air membrane structure, the membrane is filled with gas. This structure enables the ETFE film to have lower weight and better light transmission.
3. Transparency: ETFE film has excellent light transmission, can pass through 80-95% of the natural light, making the indoor to obtain better natural lighting effect.
The construction methods of ETFE membrane structure are mainly as follows:
1. Film pre-stretching: Before installing ETFE film, it is necessary to pre-stretch the film. This step can increase the weatherability and corrosion resistance of the film, while reducing the deformation of the film during use.
2. Film fixation: ETFE film usually uses aluminum alloy or steel as a support structure, and the film is fixed on the support structure by bolting or welding. At the same time, the edge part of the film material needs to be sealed to ensure that the connection between the film material and the support structure is tight and reliable.
3. Air bag inflation: After the installation is completed, the air bag inside the film needs to be filled with gas through the inflation system to maintain the shape and stability of the film. The inflation system usually consists of a compressed air unit, an air bag and a control system.
ETFE membrane structure has the following advantages over traditional building materials:
1. Lightweight: The specific gravity of ETFE film is only 1/100 of glass, which is lighter than glass or metal materials, which can reduce the building's own weight and load and reduce construction costs.
2. Light transmittance: ETFE film has excellent light transmittance, which can make the indoor get better natural lighting effect, reduce energy consumption and lighting costs.
3. Weather resistance: ETFE film has good weather resistance and corrosion resistance, and can be used in a variety of harsh environments for a long time, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
4. Flexible design: ETFE membrane can be freely designed according to the shape and needs of the building, and can realize various shapes of the building structure such as curved surface and spherical surface.
5. Sustainability: ETFE membrane is a recyclable material that meets the requirements of sustainable development and has less impact on the environment.
ETFE membrane structures are widely used in transparent roofs, curtain walls and long-span buildings. Specific applications include the following aspects:
1. Transparent roof: ETFE film can be used to cover the top of the building to achieve indoor lighting, shading and insulation functions.
2. Curtain wall: ETFE film can be used to cover the exterior wall of the building to increase the aesthetics and light transmission of the building.
3. Long-span building: ETFE membrane can be used for long-span structures of buildings, such as stadiums, exhibition halls, etc., to achieve the coverage and lighting of large Spaces.
4. Greenhouse: ETFE film can be used in greenhouse structure to provide good lighting conditions and climate control.