ECTFE stands for ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene. Its more familiar name is ‘Halar ECTFE’, used for branding and marketing. But this is no marketing ploy: ectfe is a corrosion resistant powerhouse of purity, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Halar ECTFE is highly chemical resistant, even in extremely corrosive conditions, and is one of the best permeation resistants of the fluoropolymer family. It’s functional temperature range is between -105°F and +300°F, with a melting point of 220°C – 227°C. With good fire resistance and UV-A and UV-B resistance, ECTFE is also valued for its electrical insulator properties. Its impact resistance means it can be used in pressure piping, maintaining a high degree of impact resistance even cryogenic or extreme cold applications.
How ECTFE is Used
ECTFE can be welded using infrared, high frequency, ultrasonic, hot gas or other welding processes. It can be applied through electrostatic powder coating, sheet lining or roto lining, injection molding or extrusion, roto molding or, with the help of an adhesive, as a protective film.
ECTFE is also frequently found in use by the pharmaceutical industry, in the braiding or jacketing of electrical, heating and data cables, friction, and wear applications. The aircraft industry is a big user, and it is also used in the manufacture of gaskets used to store propellants and liquid oxygen and in photovoltaic sheets that convert solar energy into electricity. It can also be made into a monofilament fiber and used as thermoplastic lining in the chemical processing industry.
Corrosion protection, however, continues to be the most critical function for ECTFE. Some industries rely on ECTFE, including but not limited to the following uses:
* The production and storage of sulphuric acid
* Chlorine industry drying towers or electrolysis collectors
* Hazardous goods transport containers
* Treatment of flue gas
* Some mining industry applications.
Recent Developments
Non-woven fibers made of ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene are now being used as filters for alkalis or acids that are highly reactive. Sometimes called a “Halar veil,” these fibers are particularly useful in the construction of valves or pipes subject to corrosive conditions, such as those found in chloralkali facilities.
ECTFE and PTFE
The chemical properties of ECTFE are quite similar to those of PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, better known under its brand name “Teflon”. ECTFE, however, has a lower melting point.
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