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ETFE Film
Available Configurations
Properties common to all products in this list
| Thickness | Size |
|---|---|
| 0.025 mm to 0.25 mm | 10 x 10 mm to 500 x 500 mm |
Need custom configurations? Please contact us.
Key Features
ETFE Film (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a partially fluorinated copolymer film combining the UV and weathering resistance of fluoropolymers with better mechanical toughness than fully fluorinated grades:
Outstanding UV and Solar Transmission
ETFE transmits approximately 90% of solar UV-B radiation, making it unique among common plastic films in supporting UV-dependent biological and photochemical processes beneath the film surface. No other widely available plastic film achieves comparable UV-B transmission at practical thicknesses.
Better Mechanical Toughness Than Fully Fluorinated Grades
Tensile strength of 40–50 MPa and elongation of 100–300% give ETFE considerably better toughness than PTFE or FEP while retaining the fluoropolymer family’s chemical resistance and surface properties.
High-Temperature Capability
Upper service temperature of 150–200 °C supports use in composite manufacturing release films and aerospace wiring environments where standard polymer films would degrade. The V0 flammability rating and limiting oxygen index of 31% additionally qualify it for aerospace applications.
Reliable Electrical Insulation
Volume resistivity of 10¹⁵ Ω·cm provides reliable electrical insulation for wire and cable applications in aerospace wiring, where the V0 flammability rating is simultaneously required.
UV Stability and Weathering Durability
Fluoropolymer chemical inertness and outstanding UV stability provide long-term durability in outdoor and chemically aggressive environments, supporting multi-decade service in architectural and photovoltaic applications.
Industrial Applications
ETFE Film is used across architecture, agriculture, photovoltaics, aerospace wiring, and composite manufacturing wherever UV transmission, weathering durability, and fluoropolymer chemical resistance determine material selection:
- ✦ Architectural Roofing Cushions in Large-Span Structures
- Used for pneumatic cushion roofing systems in stadia and atria, where UV and weathering durability over decades of outdoor exposure and the low weight relative to glass qualify ETFE as the standard material for large-span transparent enclosure structures.
- ✦ Greenhouse and Controlled-Environment Covering
- Applied as greenhouse covering where UV transmission supports natural pathogen suppression and improved crop quality, distinguishing ETFE from UV-blocking plastic films that suppress these effects.
- ✦ Photovoltaic Module Front Sheets
- Used as PV module front sheet film where electrical output and long-term reliability match glass performance at substantially lower weight, supporting lightweight module designs.
- ✦ Aerospace Wire and Cable Insulation
- Applied as wire and cable insulation in aerospace wiring where the V0 flammability rating, elevated service temperature, and volume resistivity meet aerospace electrical insulation specifications.
- ✦ High-Temperature Release Films in Composite Manufacturing
- Used as release films in composite manufacturing where the upper service temperature and non-stick fluoropolymer surface support clean demolding at elevated cure temperatures.
- ✦ UV Transmission, Photostability and Solar Energy Research
- Used for UV transmission and photostability studies, agricultural controlled-environment research comparing UV-blocking and UV-transmitting coverings, and solar energy harvesting film development where its balance of transparency, chemical stability, and weathering resistance makes it a reference fluoropolymer substrate.
Material Properties
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Acids - concentrated | Good |
| Acids - dilute | Good |
| Alcohols | Good |
| Alkalis | Good |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | Good |
| Greases and Oils | Good |
| Halogenated Hydrocarbons | Good |
| Halogens | Good |
| Ketones | Good |
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Dielectric constant @1MHz | 2.6 |
| Dissipation factor @ 1MHz | 0.0005 |
| Dielectric strength( kV mm⁻¹ ) | 25 |
| Surface resistivity( Ohm/sq ) | >10¹⁴ |
| Volume resistivity( Ohmcm ) | 10¹⁶ |
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Flammability | V0 |
| Radiation resistance | Fair |
| Refractive index | 1.403 |
| Resistance to Ultra-violet | Excellent |
| Limiting oxygen index( % ) | 30-32 |
| Water absorption( % ) | 0-0.03 |
| Density( gcm⁻³ ) | 1.7 |
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardness - Rockwell | R50 |
| Elongation at break( % ) | 250-350 |
| Tensile modulus( GPa ) | 0.8 |
| Izod impact strength( J m⁻¹ ) | 1000 |
| Tensile strength( MPa ) | 28-48 |
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Heat-deflection temperature - 0.45MPa( C ) | 105 |
| Heat-deflection temperature - 1.8MPa( C ) | 70 |
| Lower working temperature( C ) | -100 |
| Upper working temperature( C ) | 150-160 |
| Specific heat( J K⁻¹ kg⁻¹ ) | 1900-2000 |
| Thermal conductivity( W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ ) | 0.24@23°C |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion( x10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ ) | 90-170 |
Tolerances
| Thickness | ±20% | |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimension | <100mm | ±1mm |
| Linear dimension | >=100mm | +2 / -1% |