What is ECTFE?
Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) is engineered to offer chemical resistance in heavy-duty corrosion applications. It withstands high concentrations and temperatures of acids, corrosive media, oxidizers, and many solvents, with chemical resistance similar to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). ECTFE is a partially fluorinated polymer (fluoropolymer), semi-crystalline, and can be processed in the melt. Chemically, it is a copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene.
ECTFE is marketed under the brand name Halar by Syensqo, a subsidiary of Solvay Specialty Polymers. Its applications span various fields, including chemical equipment, pipeline linings, cable sheathing, and outdoor protective films.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Structure and Performance
ECTFE exhibits exceptional chemical resistance, making it highly suitable for corrosion protection in the chemical industry. It can withstand high concentrations and temperatures of acidic and corrosive media. While ECTFE has a slow permeation rate for large molecules, small molecules such as H2O, O2, Cl2, H2S, HC, and HF can migrate through the polymer matrix. This characteristic must be carefully considered in lining and coating applications to ensure long-term corrosion protection.
Mechanical and Thermal Performance
ECTFE offers a wide continuous use temperature range, typically from -76°C to +150°C (-105°F to +300°F). It has excellent impact resistance and a Young’s modulus within the range of 1700 MPa, making it suitable for self-supporting structures and pressure piping systems. Even at low temperatures, ECTFE maintains high impact strength and possesses good fire resistance, with a limiting oxygen index of 52%.
ECTFE demonstrates good thermal stability within its melting point range, ensuring reliable performance in high-temperature applications. ECTFE films can be transparent and exhibit excellent UV resistance, particularly against UV-A and UV-B rays, making them ideal for outdoor applications.
Electrical Insulation Properties
ECTFE possesses excellent electrical insulation properties, characterized by high resistivity, a low dielectric constant, and low dissipation factor. These attributes make it an ideal material for the primary and secondary sheathing of wires and cables, ensuring reliability in electrical and electronic applications.
ECTFE can be welded using various techniques:
1.Butt welding
2.Infrared welding
3.High-frequency welding
4.Hot gas welding
5.Ultrasonic welding
Chemical Resistance Chart
How to use the chart
» Meaning of symbol:
OK: Recommended.
△: Must confirm if usable by testing in advanced.
X: Not recommended.
» This chart only provides the result of a single chemical to material, if a client uses more than one kind of chemical at the same time, please choose material by experience.
» This chart is for reference only which is not applicable to all working environments. Please refer to design equipment according to practical experience.
| Category |
Name |
ECTFE Chemical resistance |
Organic acid
|
Acetic acid |
OK |
| Acetic acid, glacial |
OK |
| Acetic anhydride |
OK |
| Citric acid |
OK |
| Organic compound |
Acetaldehyde |
N/A |
| Acetone |
OK |
| Methyl alcohol |
OK |
| Aniline |
OK |
| Benzaldehyde |
OK |
| Benzene |
N/A |
| Benzyl alcohol |
OK |
| Benzyl chloride |
OK (97%) |
| Corn oil |
N/A |
| Ethanol |
N/A |
| Ethylene glycol |
OK |
| Fatty acid |
OK |
| Formaldehyde |
OK (40%) |
| Formic acid |
OK |
| Hexane |
OK |
| Lactic acid |
OK (90%) |
| Methanol |
OK |
| Paraffin oil |
N/A |
| Petroleum |
OK |
| Phenol |
OK |
| Propane, liq |
OK |
| Propanol |
N/A |
| Stearic acid |
N/A |
| Tannic acid |
OK (10%) |
| Tartaric acid |
OK |
| Toluene |
N/A |
| Urea |
OK (30%) |
| Inorganic compounds |
Ammonia |
OK |
| Ammonium chloride |
OK |
| Ammonium hydroxide |
OK |
| Ammonium nitrate |
OK |
| Ammonium sulfate |
OK |
| Aqua regia |
OK |
| Barium chloride |
OK |
| Barium hydroxide |
OK |
| Brine |
OK |
| Calcium Chloride |
OK |
| Calcium hydroxide |
OK |
| Carbonic acid |
OK |
| Chloric acid |
OK |
| Chlorine |
OK |
| Detergent |
OK |
| Hydrobromic acid |
OK (50%) |
| Hydrochloric acid |
OK (10%) |
| Hydrofluoric acid |
OK (75%) |
| Hydrogen peroxide |
OK (30%) |
| Nitric acid |
OK (90%) |
| Phosphoric acid |
OK (95%) |
| Potassium hydroxide |
OK |
| Potassium nitrate |
OK |
| Potassium sulfate |
OK |
| Sodium carbonate |
OK |
| Sodium hydroxide |
OK (50%) |
| Sodium nitrate |
OK |
| Sulfuric acid |
OK (95%) |
| Sulfur dioxide |
OK |