ETFE Properties - Fluorotherm™

Materials Overview

ETFE Properties

ETFE is distinguished from perfluopolymers (totally fluorinated polymers) as a partially fluorinated copolymer of ethylene and TFE. This chemical modification provides significantly higher strength relative to PTFE, FEP or PFA. It is less flexible than PTFE, but has superior impact strength, abrasion and cut through resistance. Addition of a third component to the chemical structure creates a modified ETFE that has lower weight per unit volume, is stiffer and tougher than PTFE, PFA or FEP. These properties allow it to withstand greater physical abuse during its lifetime. For example, glass reinforced ETFE has outstanding wear characteristics and may be used for bearing applications. ETFE is also suitable for pump impellers or moving parts of equipment that are operating in chemically aggressive environments (check to ensure chemical compatibility).

ETFE – Ethylene tetrafluoro ethylene - TYPICAL PROPERTIES
Property Value Units Method
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Tensile Strength, 73°F 5500 - 7000
38 - 48
psi
MPa
D 638
Elongation at break, 73°F 100 - 350 % D 638 ??
Flexural Strength, 73°F D 790
Impact Strength, Izod, 23 deg C No break J/m D 256
Compressive Stress at 1% deformation, 1500
10.3
psi
MPa
D 695
Yield Strength
At 23 deg C
2800
19
psi
MPa
Density 1.7 gm/cu.cm
Coefficient of friction 0.4 D 1894
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Coefficient of Linear Expansion 9 x 10-5 K-1
Melting Point 437 - 518
225 - 270
deg F
deg C
Thermal Conductivity 0.137
0.238
Btu·in/h·ft2·°F
W/m·K
ASTM C 177
Specific Heat 0.45 – 0.48
1.9 – 2.0
Btu/lb/deg F
kJ/Kg/deg K
Heat Distortion Temperature, 66 lb/sq.in (0.455 MPa) 219
104
deg F
deg C
D 648
Service Temperature <-148 to 302
<-100 to 150
deg F
deg C
Processing Temperature 617 - 653
325 - 345
deg F
deg C
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
Dielectric Strength, short time, 0.080”
Surface Arc-Resistance 75 - 110 sec D 495
Volume Resistivity > 1016 ohm-cm D 257
Surface Resistivity, @ 100% RH > 1014 Ohm sq-1 D 257
Dielectric Constant, 60 Hz to 1 MHz 2.5 e D150-81
Dielectric Strength 59 at 0.25 mm thick kV mm-1
Dissipation Factor, @ 1 kHz 0.0008 D150-81
OTHER PROPERTIES
Refractive Index nD 25 D 542
Water Absorption <0.02 % increase in weight D570-81
Flame Rating+ VE-0 UL-94
Limiting Oxygen Index 30 % Oxygen D 2863
Resistance to Weathering Excellent
Specific Gravity D792-66 (1979)
CO2 Permeability 113 (M3 (STP) m s-1 m-2 Pa 1) x 105 D 1434
O2 Permeability 45 (M3 (STP) m s-1 m-2 Pa 1) x 105 D 1434
N2 Permeability 14 (M3 (STP) m s-1 m-2 Pa 1) x 105 D 1434
Helium Permeability 405 (M3 (STP) m s-1 m-2 Pa 1) x 105 D 1434
Water Vapor Transmission rate 752 Ng cm m-2 s-1 E 96

+ Numerical rating for flame spread is not intended to reflect hazards presented by this or any other material under actual fire conditions
ETFE can be cross-linked by ionizing radiation.

NOTE: The information, recommendations and opinions contained herein is only a guide and is intended solely for your consideration, inquiry and verification. The suitability of any material under specific conditions of application is not guaranteed in any manner. Fluorotherm™ Polymers Inc does not assume legal responsibility for the use of data presented here in any form, under any circumstances, any application, test or communication. Nothing contained herein is to be interpreted as a license or authorization to operate under or infringe any patent.