Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or ETFE, is a copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). This copolymer combines the fully fluorinated TFE with non-fluorinated ethylene to produce a material with considerably increased strength compared to PTFE, PFA, or FEP. ETFE possesses superior impact strength and abrasion resistance when compared to PTFE, but with somewhat less flexibility. ETFE also has improved cut-through and stress cracking resistance. ETFE maintains its mechanical properties at a continuous working temperature of up to 300 \u00baF (148 \u00baC).<\/p>\n
ETFE can be extruded in various forms, including flexible convoluted tubing. In heat shrinkable form, this copolymer has a lower recovery temperature than most polymer heat shrinks and possesses excellent dielectric strength. This insulating feature and lower heat shrink temperature make ETFE highly suited as a splicing aid for wire harness applications and as a simple jacketing material.<\/p>\n
ETFE is nearly chemically inert; thus, it is suited to chemical fluid handling and analytical applications. ETFE is radiation resistant, allowing it to stand up to gamma sterilization protocols; this, together with ETFE tubing\u2019s flexibility, has allowed it to be used in medical device applications. With its superior toughness, durability, and chemical resistance, ETFE has found its way into a broad spectrum of applications.<\/p>\n
We produce ETFE in extruded tubing, multi-lumen tubing, Sub-Lite-Wall\u2122 tubing, heat shrink, and special profiles. We can also combine ETFE with fillers to modify this product for specific applications. For example, ETFE with glass filler greatly increases the material\u2019s ability to tolerate physical stresses and wear. This filler also lowers the weight per volume of the finished product.<\/p>\n
ETFE can be sourced with flares, flanges, draw downs, drilled holes, or a combination of more than one value-add service, and it can be made in long continuous lengths. This material is also available in custom extruded shapes, sizes, colors, profiles, and multi-lumen forms.<\/p>\n