ETFE Tubing
ETFE is a fluoropolymer that is chemically and structurally similar to polyolefins such as polyethylene, thus providing a higher abrasion, impact, and crush resistance than its fully fluorinated (perfluoropolymer) counterparts -PTFE, FEP, and PFA.
ETFE tubing is commonly used in wiring harnesses, in exterior film applications where weathering resistance is desirable, and as a liner in tanks where specific chemical and wear resistance is required. Its high tensile strength at 25 C also leads to a higher working pressure at that temperature. ETFE’s mechanical and chemical properties were (and still are) so strong that it was chosen as a material for the Olympics! The Beijing National Aquatic Centre, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, is the largest building made of ETFE laminate film.
Key Properties
- High abrasion and wear resistance while maintaining chemical inertness
- Higher tensile strength and working pressure than PTFE, FEP, PFA at 25 degrees Celsius
- More limited chemical resistance than PTFE, FEP and PFA
- Great for mechanical, electrical, architectural, and aerospace applications
- Maximum use temperature of 300 F (~150 C)
- Natural ETFE is semi-transparent
- More information in Technical Resources
*Manufactured in the USA by experienced fluoropolymer manufacturer Fluorotherm™, ETFE tubing is semi-transparent in color and gamma, steam, gas, or chemically sterilizable.
