ETFE, the wonder polymer of the future

OK, wait a minute, why are we talking about a polymer? Does it have anything to do with gadgets? Technically no, but it’s a cool thing that deserves mention on our website. ETFE comes from Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, and can be characterised as the building material of the future, thanks to its special properties, which makes it the ideal replacement for glass.

ETFE is a type of material plastic, related to Teflon, with only 1% of the weight of glass, better light transmission and better insulator. Installation costs are also much less to install (25 to 70 % less). Related to its structural strength, ETFE can sustain 400 times its own weight and doesn’t need to be cleaned because of its non stick surface.

ETFE is also ideal for Biospheres, but that isn’t cool anymore

ETFE is used already for 15 years in industrial buildings, but the 2008 Beijing Olympics will make it famous, as it will be used in Beijing National Stadium and Aquatics Center.

Source: Electro Plankton (via Bussiness Week)