ETFE
Ethylene- tetrafluoroethylene
- Ethene
- Tetrafluoroethylene
Copolymer
Fixed
1700 kg/m3
-100 ° C
50-58 ( Rockwell R, ASTM D 785)
250-350 %
0.24 W / ( m · K)
Ethylene- tetrafluoroethylene ( ETFE abbreviation ) is a fluorinated copolymer composed of the monomers of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene. Trade names are Dyneon ETFE ( Dyneon ), Tefzel (DuPont ) and Fluon ETFE ( Asahi Glass).
ETFE is a PTFE derivative. Sheets of this plastic material have a low weight and a high light and ultraviolet transmittance on (at 200 nm it is at a 25 micron thick sheet 91.5 %, while window glass is opaque at this wavelength ).
ETFE is to beta and gamma radiation resistant as PTFE, especially if it is exposed to oxygen. However, it has 0.03 M. - % water absorption similar to PTFE.
Use
Because of their properties of ETFE films are used with a thickness of 50 to 250 microns in the architecture predominantly in membrane structures. The sheets are used as roofing of swimming pools such as the National Aquatics Center and greenhouses or other buildings, such as Tropical Islands, Eden Project, Gondwanaland and " Bird's Nest". An important significance it has for football stadiums such as Allianz Arena, HDI Arena, Warsaw National Stadium and the Olympic Stadium Kiev.
Because of its good resistance to many aggressive chemicals (eg acids, aromatic hydrocarbons) ETFE is used as a coating material of chemical equipment and containers as well as material for valves, fittings and tubing. The thermal stability, as compared to PTFE low (150 ° C)
Because of the low dielectric constant ( 2.3 at 10 GHz to 2.6 below 100 kHz), connected with an acceptable dielectric loss factor ( max. 0.023 at 100 MHz) and high dielectric strength (up to 80 kV / mm) and ultraviolet resistance (influence of predischarges ) it is well suited as an insulating material for wires and cable insulation in electrical engineering / electronics, as well as aerospace.
ETFE is processed into protective coatings of optical fibers. A further application is the protection of thin film solar cells obtained by laminating with the ETFE film.