Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, or ECTFE, is a popular copolymer material selection for protecting wires and cables in automotive and aerospace applications. This melt-processable material can be extruded as a drawn fiber for braiding over wires and cables for robust protection from chafing. ECTFE’s mechanical and electrical properties make this material well-suited to wiring applications.
ECTFE’s chemical resistance and very low permeation have made this polymer a preferred option for use as a chemical barrier. Known as Halar® in some settings, ECTFE has an upper temperature limit of 298 °F (148 °C), allowing it to be used close to engines, such as in automotive applications. Supporting its use in hot environments, ECTFE is flame-resistant and does not melt or drip.
ECTFE can be sterilized via gamma irradiation and e-beam methods, and its highly smooth surface minimizes opportunities for the potential growth of bacteria and other microbes on its surface. ECTFE also has a lower water permeation than most fluoropolymers.
For outdoor use, ECTFE shows superior durability against weathering with only slight changes to its properties over prolonged exposure to UV light and climate. ECTFE is hydrophobic, forming an excellent water barrier, and this material is also weldable.
Zeus ECTFE products include extruded tubing and drawn fiber. ECTFE products offer good performance at a competitive price.
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Note: The information in the Zeus website, catalog, and other sources presents and discusses generally accepted properties for non-pigmented virgin polymer resins from which Zeus fabricates its line of extruded products. Actual properties may change due to processing method, resin grade, extruded dimensions, and other variables. It is the end user’s responsibility to fully evaluate and test the fitness of the product for their specific application.
Barrier Layers – The broad chemical resistance of ECTFE makes this material a good match for use as liners and barrier layers for anti-corrosion protection as well as a defense against chemical contamination and seepage. ECTFE is also hydrophobic to keep water out.
Critical Fluid Transfer – ECTFE is particularly useful for chemical processes and laboratory applications involving corrosive chemicals. ECTFE’s low permeability, hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties are preferred in these applications.
Wiring Harness – ECTFE has a high presence in the aircraft and automotive areas, where it is particularly preferred to provide flame-resistant insulation for wires and cables. In addition to adding stiffness and protection from abrasion, ECTFE tubing does not melt or drip should ignition occur.
Convoluted Tubing – This type of tubing contains multiple convolutes in series, resulting in a highly flexible and maneuverable tubing material. Frequently referred to as flexible conduit, convoluted tubing is used as a protective covering for wires in critical areas of aerospace, automotive, and general industrial applications where flexibility and performance are paramount.
Extruded Tubing – ECTFE tubing can be used to protect contents from chemical contaminants, mechanical stresses, or water, all while providing excellent flame-resistant insulation over wires. ECTFE’s durability makes it highly suitable for long-term use outdoors, easily tolerating weathering and UV exposure for years. Where complete coverage is not required, ECTFE spiral cut tubing allows unwieldy cables and wires to be bundled and stowed more easily.
Fiber – As drawn fiber, this material is excellent for braiding over electrical wiring and hoses. This material imparts excellent impact resistance to the protected components and is comparable to more expensive polymers such as PEEK or FEP. This fiber has a very smooth surface finish and holds up extremely well to weathering.
Chemical Resistance – ECTFE exhibits excellent resistance to a broad group of chemicals, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, halogens, salts, and organic and inorganic acids and bases.
Flame Resistance – ECTFE has a UL 94 rating of V-0, meaning that this material is highly resistant to burning. Even under combustion conditions, ECTFE does not melt or drip and produces little to no smoke; these qualities have made it highly preferred in aerospace and mass transit applications. Additionally, ECTFE has a Limiting Oxygen Index of 52 (compared to ETFE’s of 32, for example), ensuring that it will almost certainly not burn in an open atmosphere.
Sterilizable – ECTFE is sterilizable via gamma irradiation and e-beam methods.
Weather Resistance – ECTFE shows only a very slight change in appearance or properties with long-term outdoor use. ECTFE exhibits excellent stability under extended duration UV exposure and weathering.
Wide Working Temperature Range – ECTFE has a wide service temperature range, enabling it to be used in almost all ordinary working environments.
Ultra-Low Permeability – ECTFE offers excellent permeation resistance to many chemicals. ECTFE’s chemical structure gives it very low permeation to simple gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen. ECTFE’s permeation is lower than that of other polymers, such as HDPE, ETFE, and PFA, and it is typically further reduced for more complex molecules.
UV Resistant – This material is highly resistant to UV exposure, meaning it will not easily break down or deteriorate under sunlight exposure.
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