EVOLUTION OF ETFE (ETHYLENE TETRA

FLUORO ETHYLENE) SHEET

Research methodology assignment

Submitted by,

Meljin Mano M J

II nd yr M.Arch (Gen)

MEASI ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE

 EVOLUTION OF ETFE (ETHYLENE TETRA FLUORO
ETHYLENE) SHEET

ETFE foil is fast becoming one of the most exciting materials in todays design industry and
has set the construction world alight with the potential it offers.

Research behind ETFE sheet:

Originally invented by DuPont as an insulation material for the aeronautics industry,
ETFE was not initially considered as a mainstream building material. Its principal use was as
an upgrade for the polythene sheet commonly used for greenhouse poly-tunnels. The
advantages of its extraordinary tear resistance, long life, and transparency to ultraviolet light
offset the higher initial costs, and 20 years later, it is still working well.
In the early 1980s, when German mechanical engineering student Stefan Lehnert
investigated ETFE in his quest for new and exciting sail materials, that its use was
reconsidered. Although discounted for Lehnerts original purpose, he saw its strength, high
light transmission, and structural properties as advantages to the construction industry and
started to develop the systems we see today. Over the past 20 years, Lehnert has increased
awareness of the material and its uses, and it is rapidly bursting into the consciousness of
architects and designers worldwide.
ETFE film, then conventionally used in agricultural applications such as greenhouses or for
the coating of solar cells has since demonstrated its worth in the architectural sector as well.
The first application in the building industry took place in the early 1980s in Europe.
With the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, the tremendous potential of ETFE had been
shown. With three major projects, the Eden Zoo project in 1998, the Allianz Arena for the
2006 Soccer World Cup and the Water Cube at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, ETFE film
has gained recognition and is now being considered the premium material for transparent
cladding applications whether in roofing or facade construction.
The Characteristics and uses of ETFE :
Largely used as a replacement for glazing, due to its high light transmission
properties.
Weighing approximately 1% the weight of glass,thus reducing the structural
framework.
A major benefit of ETFE is its high translucency . Transmitting up to 95% of light.
Unaffected by UV light, atmospheric pollution, and other forms of environmental
weathering, ETFE foil is an extremely durable material.
100% recyclable and requiring minimal energy for transportation and installation

The Areas of Application of ETFE

Owing to its transparency property, ETFE found its use on projects such as botanical gardens,
zoological gardens, swimming pools, and exhibitions spaces. However, ETFE is increasingly
finding its place in more traditional buildings as roofing for courtyards, shopping malls, atria
and stores. The ETFE material has been used on prominent architectural projects such as the
Eden Centre and the Water Cube and it is currently considered for a number of high profile
inter-national sports venues.

The Future possibilities and breakthruoughs:

Much has happened very quickly in the development of ETFE. In 30 years, it has
gone from creation to one of the industrys most sought-after building materials. But there is
plenty more advancement to come. The makings of ETFE as a long-term construction
material will lie in the development of various high-tech coatings and methods of printing,
which will modify not just the translucency, but also the thermal and acoustic properties of
the fabric itself. By increasing the number of layers and by incorporating nanogels, it is
possible to increase the thermal properties of ETFE foil. Its use in an internal setting has yet
to be fully discovered, partly due to its current lack of acoustic absorption properties. The
latter is a major selling point for foil for traditionally noisy areas such as indoor sports halls
and swimming pools; the echoing noise now simply escapes through the roof. Still, when
noise exclusion is required (e.g. external traffic noise and heavy rain and hail in airports),
ETFE currently struggles. However, noise and rain suppression systems are now being
incorporated into external structures with successful results, and there is much potential for
this to be developed further to improve acoustics.

ArchitenLandrell, A renowned architect is running an active test program to develop IR

reflective coatings that will allow multilayer ETFE systems to transmit visible light yet block
(insulate) infrared transmission. Current systems have insulation levels similar to
conventional glazing products, so the search is on for products that will dramatically improve
on these values. All of these developments will move ETFE into a wider product arena.
Case study:National Aquatics centre,2008 Beijing olympics
The building's distinctive appearance inspired by soap bubbles.
Facade constructed from ETFE, which has 1% the weight of glass.
The National Aquatics Center, also known as the 'Water Cube', was one of the most dramatic
and exciting sporting venues constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Distinctive sustainable facade

The buildings form is inspired by the natural formation of soap bubbles. Arups
designers and structural engineers realised that a structure based on this unique geometry
would be highly repetitive and buildable, while appearing organic and random.

Ethyl tetrofluoroethylene (ETFE) was chosen for the facade. This material weighs just 1% of
glass and is a better thermal insulator. Around 20% of solar energy is trapped and used for
heating. The daylight allowed into the cube saves up to 55% on the lighting energy required
for the leisure pool hall.

To reduce the energy consumption of the centre further, the design has incorporated many
energy recovery systems, such as heat recovery from warm exhaust air for warming up the
cold outside air (fresh air supply).

Seismic design

Although fragile in appearance, the structure is ideally suited to the seismic conditions
in Beijing and is arguably the most seismically-resistant building in the world.

Conclusion

ETFE continues to open new horizons for architects and designers, and it is sure to remain in
the architectural sphere for the foreseeable future.