ETFE (ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene)

ETFE (Ethylene-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene), is a copolymer of TFE, (Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene) and Ethylene and therefore, unlike the other fluoropolymers described here, it is not fully fluorinated. In fact it can be thought of as a ‘half-way house’ between PTFE and PE, (Polyethylene). It is not surprising therefore that many of the properties of ETFE fall some way between PTFE and PE. ETFE is therefore stronger, harder and tougher than PTFE but has lower, (but still very good), resistance to aggressive chemicals and to extreme temperatures. Usually a small amount of a third monomer is added to enhance flex resistance.

ETFE can be extruded and injection moulded just like FEP and PFA though the processing temperatures are lower.

ETFE has good UV and weathering resistance and also good clarity, so is often used as an architectural roofing film. Where mechanical toughness is more important than high temperature resistance, ETFE can replace FEP in electric cable coating, wrapping, and tubing. It is also very resistant to radiation so is often used in the nuclear industry. Sometimes, for some specialist applications, ETFE is cross-linked using irradiation  after the cable coating process, and we offer a cross-linkable grade also.