What Is ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) Roof In Construction?

What Is ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) Roof In Construction?

ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a fluorine-based plastic designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. It is commonly used in construction as a replacement for glazing due to its light transmittance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

ETFE is created by extruding polymer resin into a thin film, which can then be used for roofs, enclosures, and façades.

It is also used for electrical and fiber-optic wiring in high-stress, low-fume-toxicity, and high-reliability situations such as aircraft, spacecraft, and motorsport wiring. ETFE has the added benefit of being self-cleaning due to its nonstick surface and recyclability.

What Is The Difference Between ETFE And PTFE Roofs?

ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is composed of carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen, and has higher tensile strength than PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). ETFE also has a higher heat resistance than PTFE.

However, PTFE has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction, making it more suitable for applications that require high flow rates. The tensile strength of ETFE can be as much as 38% greater than PTFE, meaning ETFE material can be subjected to harsher operating conditions.

Additionally, PTFE has a Limiting Oxygen Index (the minimum concentration of oxygen in the air required to support combustion) that is twice as high as ETFE’s. These differences make ETFE and PTFE suitable for different applications such as roofs and cabling respectively.

What Are The Advantages Of ETFE Roofs?

ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is a thin, translucent copolymer sheeting that has become a popular construction material for roofing due to its many advantages.

1. ETFE is much lighter than glass, allowing for roof designs that would be impossible with other materials.
2. It also offers excellent light transmission, especially in the UV spectrum, which makes it ideal for buildings containing plants that need UV light for photosynthesis.
3. Additionally, ETFE foil has a long service life and is highly sustainable.
4. It is also flame-retardant and self-extinguishing in fire situations, and its low weight reduces the CO2 footprint of transport and installation.
5. Finally, ETFE roofs require less maintenance than other materials due to their durability and long service life.

What Are The Disadvantages Of ETFE Roofs?

1. The main disadvantages of ETFE roofs are that they produce toxic gases in a fire, have poor sound insulation, and have a high operating cost.
2. Additionally, ETFE transmits more sound than glass, which can be too noisy in some places. This is especially true when the roof is subject to raindrops or hail, as it will make a drum-like sound.
3. Furthermore, if the ETFE cushions are incorrectly fabricated, they may puncture or deflate, leading to solar and heat issues. To reduce noise from raindrops or hail, solutions such as acoustic baffles can be used.

Where Is ETFE Used?

ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a fluorine-based plastic that was designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range.

It is commonly used in the nuclear industry for tie or cable wraps and in the aviation and aerospace industries for wire coatings.

ETFE is also used in film mode as a mold-release film, and as a covering of electrical and fiber-optic wiring used in high-stress, low-fume-toxicity, and high-reliability situations such as aircraft, spacecraft, and motorsport wiring.

Additionally, ETFE foils are increasingly being used since the 1980s for roofs and building claddings due to their high-temperature resistance. ETFE is also available in cross-linked form (XL-ETFE) which is primarily used in avionic and airframe applications.

What Are The ETFE Properties?

ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a modified copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene with medium stiffness. It has excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, high purity, high impact strength, and excellent dielectric insulation properties.

Its tensile strength is 42 MPa (6100 psi) with a working temperature range of 89 K to 423 K (−185 °C to +150 °C or −300 °F to +300 °F). ETFE also has good light transmission properties, with the efficiency of light transmission remaining almost the same over time.

Additionally, it is fire-resistant and emits HF under combustion when exposed to high temperatures. ETFE is also eco-friendly and can be used in construction for its sustainability aspects.