Applications for Copolymers of Ethylene and Tetrafluoroethylene

FIGURE 4.18 Molded parts from ETFE. (Courtesy of DuPont.) 

ETEE resins in the powder and bead form are rotationally molded into varied structures, such as pump bodies, tanks, and fittings and linings, mostly for the chemical process industries. Inserts can be incorporated to provide attachment points or reinforcement [48]. Adhesion to steel, copper, and aluminum can be up to 3 kN/m (5.7 pli) peel force [51]. 

Carbon-filled ETFE resins (about 20% carbon) exhibit antistatic dissipation and are used in self-limiting heater cables and other antistatic or semiconductive applications [49]. 

Certain grades of ETFE are used for extruded foams with void contents from 20% to 50%. The closed foam cells are 0.001 to 0.003 in. (0.02 to 0.08 mm) in diameter. Special grades of ETFE processed in gas-injection foaming process may have void contents up to 70%. Foamed ETFE is used in electrical applications, mainly in cables, because it exhibits lower apparent dielectric constant and dissipation factor and reduces cable weight. 

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