ETFE
A strong, radiation-resistant fluoropolymer
Typical values for the temper in the title
ETFE is a copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. It is not a perfluoropolymer, so its chemical and thermal resistance are somewhat lower (service up to about 150 °C), but it is the strongest (about 40–48 MPa) and toughest of the fluoropolymers, abrasion and radiation resistant, and lighter than them (about 1.7).
It is used for aerospace and space cable insulation, chemical pipe and vessel linings, chemical-resistant molded parts, and transparent films for roofs and facades.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 38–48 MPa | |
| Density ρ | 1.70–1.76 g/cm³ | |
| Max continuous service temperature | 150°C | |
| Machinability | 60% | relative rating in the site database |
Structure and family
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Family | partially fluorinated (ethylene-TFE) | |
| Tm | about 270 °C | melt-processable |
| Service | up to about 150 °C |
Typical values per producer data sheets.
Grades and versions
In fluoropolymers the choice is by service temperature, processing route (melt or sinter) and strength. All are highly chemically resistant.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Cable grade | thin, strong insulation | aerospace cables |
| Molding grade | molded parts | chemical parts |
| Film | transparent | roofs and facades |
Applications
- Aerospace and space cable insulation
- Pipe and vessel linings
- Chemical-resistant molded parts
- Transparent roofing films
- Parts in radiation environments
Fabrication
Machining
Use very sharp tools, a feed that does not overheat the material, and good support (the material is flexible and deforms under clamping). For precision parts, stress-relief annealing before final machining is sometimes performed.
Thermal expansion
The expansion coefficient of an unfilled polymer is several times that of a metal. In a precision part or an assembly with metal, design clearances accordingly.
Melt processing
Can be molded and extruded.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVDF | 50 MPa | Hot Gas / Ultrasonic | PVDF: strong, cheaper · material page |
| FEP | 20–30 MPa | Hot welding | FEP: more chemically and thermally resistant, soft · material page |
| PTFE | 25 MPa | Sintering only | PTFE: for high heat, soft · material page |
Common mistakes
Using it above about 150 °C
For higher heat PFA or PTFE.
Expecting full PTFE chemical resistance
Resistance is somewhat lower.
Choosing PTFE where abrasion matters
ETFE is more abrasion resistant.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ASTM | D3159 |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM D3159 |
| Forms | sheet · rod · pellets |
| Producers | Chemours (Tefzel) · AGC (Fluon) |
Learn more
Values are typical for an unfilled grade (unless stated otherwise) and for comparison only. In polymers, properties depend on grade, filler, temperature, moisture and load duration. For design, rely on the producer data sheet for the specific grade. Sources: ASTM classification standards (D8033, D5205, D5204, D6394, D4067 and others), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026