What is ETFE?
ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) is a plastic derivative commonly used as a construction material in the form of ETFE film. This material is characterized by high light and UV transmittance, temperature resistance and very low weight. ETFE film is hundreds of times lighter than glass and allows more sunlight to pass through. Therefore, it is often used to build translucent roofs.
ETFE film is highly fire-resistant and has a melting point of 270°C. This, coupled with the material's self-cleaning qualities, ensures that ETFE film can be used in a wide range of applications. The self-cleaning function is provided by the lotus effect: The special surface structure ensures that wind and rain are sufficient to remove dirt from ETFE leather. Additionally, the copolymer is fully recyclable and comes in more than 40 colors.
When ETFE membrane was first developed, it was designed to withstand both corrosion and a wide operating temperature range. ETFE membrane is suitable for use at temperatures up to 155°C, making it a flexible solution for your construction needs.
Advantages of the ETFE roof model
Light transmission of more than 90 percent: ETFE film is almost completely transparent (>90%) and can transmit almost all solar energy transmission. The high transparency of the infrared band also creates the best conditions for photosynthesis and therefore plant growth.
Available in most colors: To reduce light transmission, ETFE awning patterns can be printed with highly reflective patterns. They can be adapted to a building's individual requirements. There are virtually no limits to the patterns and colors that can be printed on ETFE film.
Outstanding resistance: ETFE membrane has exceptionally high elongation at break. NOWOFLON ET for example is about >500 percent. The tensile strength of NOWOFLON ET is 23 N/mm² at the elastic limit and > 55 N/mm² at break.
Fire protection: ETFE meets the fire classes ASTM E84 Class A, ASTM E108 Class A, UL 94VTM Class 0, EN 13501-1 Class B-s1-d0, NFPA 701 and B1 according to DIN 4102.
Long lifespan and low maintenance: ETFE is extremely weather resistant and virtually does not age. Minimum service life is > 30 years, if you choose NOWOFLON ET.
High energy efficiency: From extrusion to assembly, ETFE materials consume significantly less energy than glass or comparable construction materials.
Low cost: Sample ETFE roof has low weight and low production input material costs. This helps save costs on substructures. In addition, large spans help save costs.
Recyclable: When ETFE roof Replaced after long-term use, waste materials are fully recyclable. Among other benefits, ETFE is one of the most sustainable construction materials available today.
What is ETFE used for?
- Alternative to glasses
- Roofs and shingles
- Inside - outside space
- Cover the walkway
- Window
- Light roof
- Vertical facade
- Greenhouse
- Agricultural center
- Pneumatic panels for thermal covers
- Places with cold climates
- Locations prone to explosions or earthquakes
Durability benefits of ETFE roofing models
- 1% the weight of glass and typically costs 40% -50% less than traditional glass structures.
- The support structure can be lightweight because the material is light.
- Working temperature range -300 F to 300 F / -185 C to 150 C.
- Accelerated weather testing over 30 years of exposure shows virtually no signs of deterioration.
- The oldest ETFE structure is in Europe and is almost 40 years old.
What are the environmental benefits of ETFE?
- Recyclable ETFE 100%.
- ETFE from previous projects can be reused in new projects.
- Reduce heat and solar energy
Excellent shading properties with polished ETFE to reduce solar heat. - The production process of the ETFE canopy model requires material and energy reduction.
Lighting benefits of the ETFE roof model
- Transparency up to 95%.
- Facilitates natural light transmission
Light is diffused and diffused, reducing heat and solar gain with abraded ETFE. - Transmits UV light without the harmful UV rays of ETFE.
- Great for landscaping, as it does not block the UV rays needed for plant growth.
Safety benefits of ETFE
- Maintains strength over wide temperature gradients
- Melting temperature is relatively high around 500 F / 260 C).
- Self-extinguishing in case of fire.
- Meets ASTM E 84 standard, Class “A” material.
Design benefits of the ETFE roof model
- flexible
- Can be stretched up to 3 times and remains taut with change in size.
- Can be shaped into curves.
- Can have multiple layers, can move
- LED lighting and flexible photocells can be combined for dynamic lighting effects.
- Standard and custom printing options
- Metallic and reflective coatings can be applied for dramatic effects in low light.
- Sound transmission is about 70%.
- Can be designed to respond to the environment.
Maintenance benefits of ETFE
- High corrosion resistance
- Resistant to chemicals, electricity and radiation.
- Self-cleaning, due to the non-stick surface.
- Can be repaired with patches and panels, eliminating the need to replace the entire film of ETFE roofing models.
What is ETFE pattern printing technique?
The technique of printing patterns on the ETFE canopy model is that a layer of patterned paint is printed on the underside of the top layer of the ETFE stretch film. Using silver ink, the pattern reflects light and will radiate heat before it shines through the ETFE canopy pattern layer into the space below.
Based on ink density, pattern type, plus canvas stretch range we can adjust light levels for any specific project, reducing light levels from 85% to 20% and the space becomes balance.
The choice of pattern and ink is usually determined by the project design team, the selection criteria often must meet both the goals of light transmission and G value /solar thermal energy.
So, what will the ETFE patterned printed material panels look like after installation? This will vary depending on the pattern shape, however many will be difficult to spot from a few meters away. Additionally, you can choose the pattern based on your intuitive experience as long as it can control solar energy.
Printed ETFE pattern is aesthetically pleasing
Printing patterns on ETFE roofing models is not always used to control light transmission, sometimes, it is chosen for the aesthetics it brings.
Unique shapes such as the leaves used at Trinity Walk, Wakefield, the colorful peacock covering the ETFE film at Kertajati Airport or the colored dots used at the Serpentine Arthouse Pavilion, printed with patterns ETFE has the ability to create unique aesthetics.
Printing the ETFE Pattern is functional
The level and density of ETFE pattern printing is usually determined at the design stage and gives a fixed level of light transmission. However, there is another more feasible type, which is smart ETFE pattern printing. This type is a combination of printing technology and ETFE film layer system to provide maximum flexibility.
Smart ETFE pattern printing is used with a 3-layer system of ETFE film, both the top and middle layers are offset printed with a pattern layer (usually square). By varying the air pressure between the layers of the film, the layers are placed close together to provide maximum print coverage or spaced out to maximize natural light transmission.
What examples are there of ETFE membranes being used?
ETFE canopy models are durable, highly transparent and extremely lightweight compared to glass structures. As sales increased, ETFE roofing models became increasingly popular and reputable. ETFE is considered the material of choice for a number of architectural projects. From traditional skylight applications to long-span structures and building facades, ETFE membranes are becoming the solution for professionals. Below are 2 common ETFE classifications:
- One-layer application: ETFE can be applied as a single layer if you need a lightweight structure. It can be reinforced with wire, steel or aluminum cables to ensure that ETFE retains its shape and stability.
- Two-layer or three-layer application: Use ETFE in two-layer, three-layer or multi-layer systems if the project requires a structure with greater thermal insulation and stability.
What is ETFE air cushion?
ETFE roof model air cushions can be made up of single-layer ETFEs, supported by a cable mesh system, injecting compressed air into the space between 2 layers of ETFE and forming one or more ETFE air cushions to serve different classes. your project item.
ETFE air cushions not only provide an aesthetically pleasing surface for the building but also help reduce the amount of radiation from outside temperature into the inside working environment, helping to save energy consumption inside the building.
ETFE air cushion has a lifespan of 30 years because it is unaffected by UV rays, atmospheric pollution and other forms of environmental weathering. In fact, we believe it will last much longer as the oldest versions of ETFE air cushions are now around 3 decades old and many are still in good working order.
What is the maximum size of ETFE air cushion?
ETFE air cushions can be manufactured to any size to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes. As a general rule, size is limited to 3 – 4m in one direction and can go up to about 25-30m in the other direction. This way we can keep the system as efficient and economical as possible.
What happens in the event of a power outage to the ETFE air mattress?
An air cushion ETFE canopy requires a constant source of electrical power to ensure that air pressure within the pillow cushion is maintained to ensure structural stability. And this depends on the power source provided by the customer.
All of our air handling units are equipped with one-way valves, so in the event of a power failure, the air cushion will not immediately deflate. However, emission through the cover over time will lead to a drop in air pressure and the air cushion will be at risk of damage from wind, rain, snow and ice; The rate of damage will depend on weather conditions but can take as little as 2-4 hours during a thunderstorm or snowstorm.
Explain how the rain-retardant layer of ETFE air cushion works?
To counteract the 'drum-like' noise of rain, we can use a rain delay layer. The structure of this layer acts as a shock absorber to reduce the level of reverberation to a comfortable level. The rain arrester is usually pre-installed into the existing brace system and can be added during the ETFE air cushion installation or as an addition.
Two things to consider with rain arresters are:
Light transmission: by adding a mesh to the top surface of the ETFE air cushion, this will reduce the level of light transmission into the space below and this will be a plus if heat build-up occurs. and glare due to absorbing too much light from the air cushion affects you.
Maintenance: A standard ETFE air cushion is a low maintenance material and does not require cleaning. However, installing an additional mesh will make the surface of the membrane rough, easily allowing dirt to accumulate, so cleaning needs to be taken care of.
What happens if the material of the ETFE air cushion needs repair?
Minor repairs can easily be made on-site using ETFE air mattress adhesive pads, but if the mattress is more significantly damaged, an individual mattress can be easily removed and replaced. The reason for small punctures is from birds and their pecks; However, this does not affect the stability of our air cushions and ETFE structures, as they have been fitted with additional bird deterrent wiring to minimize the risk of harm.
How does ETFE gas cushion react to fire?
ETFE air cushion membrane has low flammability (270oC) and has the ability to self-extinguish. In the event of a fire, hot smoke will cause the membrane to soften, deteriorate and shrink away from the fire source to create natural ventilation. In particular, the membrane will not melt or smoke and spread the fire source because it meets BS 476 Class 0, German B1 and Euroclass B, s1, d0 standards for fire blocking.
Flexiiform is a company that designs and constructs professional Tensile Fabric roofing services in Vietnam. We are proud to be the only unit in Vietnam to receive expert advice from Fastech Company – The leading company designing and constructing stretch canvas roofs in Thailand.
With a team of Architects and Engineers who are professionally trained and skilled, along with the strength of creative ideas in designing cover solutions from high-quality canvas structures to suit every project. usage and needs Đọc thêm: Những lưu ý trong thiết kế và thi công ETFE.
FlexiiForm Proud to be one of the leading units in Vietnam providing stretch canvas design and construction solutions. The predecessor comes from the company FasTech, FlexiiForm team brings together experts with over 10 years of experience in the industry and a team of consulting solutions according to requirements for a variety of models and projects at home and abroad. Contact FlexiiForm consulting or visit Fanpage FlexiiForm and Website to learn more about service and product information.
