What is a ETFE roof?
ETFE roofs or canopies allow the transmission of almost the entire UV spectrum (95 percent). This makes them ideal for buildings containing plants that need UV light for photosynthesis. If full exposure to the sun is not required, ETFE plastic foil can include a number of frit patterns within the material.
What is ETFE building material?
ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is an industrial-strength construction plastic used for exterior cladding since the 1980s. ETFE is strong and lightweight. It is often applied in layers that are welded together around the edges and held by a metal framework.
How is ETFE connected?
Single Layer Here a single film of ETFE film is installed which are connected to the primary structure and reinforced by means of wire cable or aluminum or lightweight steel.
Can ETFE be used as windows?
The most sought after building material of the moment, ETFE foil is a high translucency fabric which is extremely practical and economical. As a result, ETFE is often used as an effective replacement for glazing as it transmits up to 95 per cent of natural light and weighs a fraction of the mass.
How expensive is ETFE?
ETFE pricing can average between $125 and $185 per square foot. Vinyl coated polyester (PVC/PVDF). Of all the shade fabrics, PVC/PVDF is the most common material used on the market today.
Is ETFE a fluoropolymer?
Typical Characteristics and Properties of ETFE. ETFE has the best of all fluoropolymers the wear resistance, the impact toughness and radiation resistance. ETFE is melt processable. The mechanical properties of ETFE are similar to those of fully fluorinated polymers.
What is the difference between ETFE and PTFE?
ETFE vs PTFE PTFE is constructed from carbon and fluorine atoms whereas ETFE is built from carbon, fluorine and hydrogen. Giving advantages to using both. The tensile strength of ETFE can be as much as 38% greater than PTFE, meaning ETFE material can be subjected to harsher operating conditions than its counterpart.
Is ETFE waterproof?
ETFE FOIL/FILM Cost: ($$+) Most cost-effective waterproof screening material. Ventilation: 0% open / 100% solid (non-ventilated) Colors: Clear, Fritted Clear or Opaque White and/or Custom Tint (Certain Materials Only)
Is ETFE better than glass?
Due to it’s non-stick surface, ETFE is self-cleaning and therefore requires no cleaning. Glass on the other hand has only the added 5% transparency over its rival in ETFE. Other than that, it is: Heavy – Increasing the weight on the overall building and adding more demand on your structural support.
Is ETFE a Teflon?
Considered one of the most durable fluoropolymer coatings, Teflon™ ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) industrial coatings are used widely across the chemical, power, energy production, and semiconductor industries.
Is ETFE flammable?
Fire: ETFE Foil as a material has low flammability (270C) and is considered self extinguishing.
Is ETFE more expensive than glass?
ETFE is very cost-effective A glass construction is comparatively a costlier investment than an ETFE structure. This is because a standard ETFE cushion has much better U-value than triple-glazed glass. In fact, ETFE cushions can be installed for approximately half the price of high-performance glass!