How does an ETFE roof work?
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 roof?
ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a lightweight material that is a superb alternative to glass. It is a popular choice for applications where high light and UV transmission are required, such as: Large-span roofing. Skylights.
Is ETFE flammable?
Fire: ETFE Foil as a material has low flammability (270C) and is considered self extinguishing.
What is ETFE membrane?
ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) is a plastic derivative that is frequently used as a building material in the form of ETFE membranes. The material is characterized by high light and UV transmittance, temperature resistance and very low weight.
How strong is ETFE?
ETFE has an approximate tensile strength of 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 resins are resistant to ultraviolet light.
Is ETFE waterproof?
ETFE solar panels are waterproof, UV-resistant, lightweight and have a long service life (more than 5 years).
Is ETFE heat resistant?
This is because ETFE has better mechanical toughness than PTFE. In addition, ETFE exhibits a high-energy radiation resistance and can withstand moderately high temperatures for a long period.
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.
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.
Does ETFE block UV rays?
While maintaining a high light transparency (94-97\% towards visible light and 83-88\% towards ultraviolet light depending on the thickness), ETFE can considerably reduce the dangerous UV-B and UV-C radiation (which causes burning and is carcinogenic) through filtration compared with open air environment.
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?
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 are the benefits of ETFE roofing?
The best part about ETFE is that even if it cracks or damages at some point of time, which is very rare, it can be easily repaired. There is no need to replace the entire roof for just a single defect. It used as an ETFE sheet, the damage can be repaired by using an ETFE patch over the damaged area.
What power supply do I need for my ETFE foil roof?
The system requires a dedicated and secure power supply consisting of two 240V 13 amp electrical connections as the ETFE foil roof is a live system the cushions are permanently linked to the air inflation unit to ensure the pressure is maintained. As standard our ETFE cushion roofs are supplied with a state-of-the-art active monitoring system.
Is etetfe a plastic or thermoplastic?
ETFE is basically a thermoplastic as it uses the same manufacturing and processing techniques as thermoplastics do. These techniques bring the following benefits to ETFE – It is very strong and durable. It undergoes no mechanical or visible aging under stress. It is abrasion resistant. It has amazing resistance to solvents and chemicals.
Is there an ETFE structure for aluminum foil?
While no ETFE structures have been in place for long enough to gain a true understanding of the life cycle of the foil, the material has been extensively researched and tested in a laboratory environment and out in the field.