What Makes ETFE Superior To Other Similar Materials - Tuflite Polymers

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ETFE roofs are available as both single layers
membranes supported by cable net systems,
and cushions made up of 2-5 layers of ETFE
sheets. The cushions are kept continually
pressurized by a small inflation unit that
maintains the pressure at approximately 220 Pa,
thus providing insulation.
Transparency
ETFE is a naturally transparent material that
transmits light across the entire visible light
region, that is, 380-780 nm. A single layered
ETFE membrane has approximately 85 light
transmission, while an ETFE cushion has reduced
amount of light transmission property. However,
in both cases, the plants and vegetation
underneath the ETFE structure thrive and grow
well. This is because a large proportion of
infra-red light transmitted is absorbed by the
ETFE.
Insulation
While a single layered ETFE membrane can provide
a good amount of insulation, the standard triple
layer cushion can provide better insulation.
More the layers, better the insulation. This
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insulation can also be improved by treating the
foil with specialist coatings to enhance
its thermal property.
Life
Because ETFE is unaffected by UV light,
pollution, and other environmental weathering, it
has excellent life expectancy. Because of
these properties, no degradation,
discoloration, loss of strength, or fragility can
take place. All of this can let ETFE to have a
life expectancy of more than 50 years.
Solar Control
ETFE can be treated in a number of ways to alter
its light transmission properties, like
printing, tinting, radiation, and her surface
treatments. PRINTING ETFE is covered with a
variety of patterns to reduce solar gain, while
retaining its translucency. TINTING Colored
ETFE foils can be used to reduce glare RADIATION
Radiation treatments can reduce the level of
infrared and ultraviolet rays transmitting
through the membrane skin. SURFACE TREATMENTS
Surface treatments can be undertaken during the
manufacturing process to vary the properties of
ETFE like light transmission.
G value
G value is the fraction of solar energy
transmittance through glazing, which is
expressed between the values 0 to 1. Higher the
number, more the energy transmitted through the
glazing, and more the structure will get heated
up. A 2 layer ETFE cushion can have a G value
of as less as 0.48, and a 3 layer cushion can
have a value of 0.35. Compare this with the 0.88
value of glass, and you can see the significant
difference!
Repairing
In the unlikely case of any damage done to the
ETFE cushions, minor repairs can be carried
out within a very short timescale by using
an adhesive ETFE foil patch. And, in case
of more
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significant damage, an individual cushion can be
easily removed and replaced with
minimal disruption to the entire ETFE structure.
Risk Encounters
In case of power failure, ETFE cushions can
maintain pressure for up to 6 hours before
starting to deflate, depending upon weather
conditions. However, this time seems enough
for arrangement of a standby generator to support
the cushions in such a situation. Or, a cable
bracing system could also be installed.
Additionally, ETFE can take up very high loading
for a short period of time thus proving an
excellent choice to be used in areas where there
is risk of explosion. ETFE cushions do not break
or fall from the extrusion frames if
damaged. All these properties have led ETFE to
become one of the most popular constructional
materials today, which is why there has been a
rise in the number of ETFE suppliers in India
today. But, out of the many, you need to find
the best one like Tuflite Polymers, who has
partnered with the reputable Vector Foiltec to
provide the Indian sub-continent with high
quality ETFE sheets and cushions.
For more information visit Tuflite Polymers