Due to its exceptional strength and UV resistance, ETFE (Ethylene-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene) was originally developed for the space industry as electrical insulation. Existence on Earth offers this material more benign conditions, so that architectural structures made of polymer membranes are guaranteed to withstand all tests.
More than a quarter century ago, engineering and manufacturing company Vector Foiltec invented a transparent ETFE membrane system called Texlon. Texlon consists of pneumatic cushions fixed in an aluminum profile. This system is supported by a lightweight supporting structure. In order to create the shape specified by the project, to provide thermal insulation and resistance to wind loads, the sealed cushions are inflated with low pressure air.
Pillows are made from two to five layers of ETFE film. Their transparency reaches 90-95%.
Each layer can include different types of shading to optimize the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building envelope. For example, to create systems of shells that react to the sun and change their light transmittance during the day. In addition, the elements of the Texlon system can be selected to selectively transmit or reflect different waves of the solar spectrum and thus control the ultraviolet and infrared filters. And the inner layer is designed in such a way as to be able to regulate the microclimate in the building. Texlon reduces overall heat loss by 15%.
The film can support 400 times its own weight. Texlon technology is optimal for use in areas of high seismic activity, in areas of high wind and snow loads, since the pillows act as shock absorbers, absorbing short-term loads, reducing their intensity and the total load on the building substructure.
The ETFE membrane can withstand temperatures from -80 ° C to 155 ° C. The polymer is inert to alkaline and acidic media, does not harden, does not turn yellow and does not lose its chemical properties during the entire service life (about 25 years). Due to the anti-adhesive properties and the very smooth surface of the membrane, it cleans itself under the influence of rain and snow. So membrane buildings do not require additional maintenance and maintenance costs. Other trade names for ETFE polymer: Tefzel (DuPont), Fluon (Asahi Glass).
ETFE is difficult to ignite, does not spread the flame over the surface, extinguishes itself immediately and does not emit sparks in case of fire. At temperatures above 200 ° C, pillows burst and flames, heat and smoke are ejected, reducing the risk of collapse of the building's supporting structures, and the molten polymer droplets do not burn.
The environmental value of polymeric membranes is expressed in the fact that these shells are transparent and have high thermal insulation properties, and therefore help to reduce energy consumption for lighting, air conditioning and heating of the building. In addition, you can install the optional Texlon Solar system, which is a photovoltaic cell that converts solar energy into electrical energy. Texlon Solar is applied by continuous spraying and sits on top of the membrane.
Texlon pillows are not just transparent bubbles, they can be decorated with drawings and lettering or serve as a screen for light shows, image projections or videos. And the structures themselves can be a source of light, with the help of LEDs installed in them.
Naturally, such a multifaceted building material of the 21st century could not fail to interest architects:
