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Why Are Etfe Membranes So Popular?

Apr. 01, 2020
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Architects have always regarded plastic polymer materials as secondary construction materials, which can be used as high-performance kitchen surface materials but cannot be applied to the entire building. However, with the improvement of material properties brought by technological progress, polymer materials have begun to be valued and become a useful tool in the architect's toolbox. One of the widely used fluoropolymer materials is ETFE (ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer).

ETFE Membrane was first known to the public during the 2008 Olympics and was used on the surface of a water cube. Now architects are aware of the new aesthetic effects expressed by film materials and can replace other more expensive transparent and translucent materials. ETFE was first developed by DuPont in the 1970s. As a lightweight, heat-resistant film, it can be used as a cover in the aviation industry. Since then, the film has been used sporadically in agriculture and construction.

Etfe Membrane,

PTFE Membrane

Due to its reliable building environment adjustment ability, it is possible to adjust the light by printing specific textures on the film and stacking them, which is necessary to establish an artificial climate suitable for the growth of specific plants. In addition, the architects found that ETFE's low coefficient of friction prevents dust from adhering to the surface, reducing maintenance costs.

Membrane structure manufacturers believe that, unlike plastics that pose a potential health threat, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ETFE is both recyclable and durable, and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Its manufacturing cost is moderate, and the manufacturing process consumes little energy. Its lightweight characteristics make it very low in transportation costs. Due to its plasticity, ETFE performs well in response to natural disasters such as earthquakes and is flame-retardant and fireproof.

According to preliminary analysis, there are several reasons why Bird's Nest switched to PTFE:

1. The membrane area is at least half larger than that of the water cube. Such a large area application is not available in the world, and the connection between membrane structure and steel structure is very difficult;

2. Its large-area open roof has increased the difficulty of design and construction, I am afraid it is also unique in the world at present;

3. Avoid risks. Since the two Olympic stadiums use ETFE, it is reasonable for Bird's Nest to switch to PTFE.

4, ETFE does have advantages, but it does have disadvantages, and Bird's Nest needs the advantages of PTFE. In other words, PTFE is more suitable for Bird's Nest, including from various angles such as structure;

The emergence of ETFE membrane provides an innovative solution for modern architecture. The roof and wall made of this film material are light in weight, only 1% of the glass of the same size; good toughness, high tensile strength, not easy to be torn, ductility greater than 400%; weather resistance and chemical resistance Strong, melting temperature up to 200 ℃, and will not spontaneously ignite.

As the ETFE membranes for the building materials of large-scale competition venues, the greater advantage is that they can be processed into any size and shape to meet the needs of large spans and save intermediate support structures. As a material used after inflation, it can adjust the shading degree and light transmittance by controlling the amount of inflation, effectively using natural light, saving energy, and playing the role of heat insulation.

Not only that, but this ETFE film also has a self-cleaning function, making it difficult for dust to adhere to its surface, and the cleaning cycle is about 5 years. Another great advantage of this material is that it can be pre-made into film bubbles on site, which is convenient for construction and maintenance. In addition, the reasonable cost is another competitive advantage. The cost of the cover plus the structure is only half that of glass, but the service life is up to 25 years.

Polyvinylidene fluoride membrane (VDF membrane) is a PVDF solution manufactured by advanced production technology in the support layer. It has a wide range of pH resistance and is a microporous membrane for good gas and organic liquid filtration.


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