1. Application of Ethylene and Chlorotrifluoroethylene Copolymer (ECTFE) Films
Ethylene and Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) copolymer films have excellent weather resistance, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and resistance to high-energy (ionizing) radiation, and exhibit the highest dielectric strength among all fluoropolymer films.
They are used in the chemical processing industry as chemical tank liners, pump diaphragms, chlorine cells, water treatment, splash protection applications for pipe joints, and semiconductor processing environments. They can be used in outdoor protective applications due to their excellent weather resistance, UV stability, abrasion resistance, and high light transmittance. Another major application of ECTFE films is in the backsheet and frontsheet glass of photovoltaic (PV) panels, and as an external material for the backsheet to protect the PV module from the external environment for a long time.
ECTFE films are also used in tapes, cable insulation, printed circuits, capacitors, and flat cable structures in the electrical and electronics industries. Other uses of these films are diaphragms for aircraft cabin interiors and fuel cells.
2. Application of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film has the following characteristics:
Excellent weather resistance and UV radiation resistance
Resistant to a variety of chemicals
High fire resistance
Excellent wear resistance
High dielectric strength
Continuous operating temperature up to 150℃ (300℉)
High anti-stick and low friction performance
Piezoelectric and thermoelectric
Due to its high resistance to most acids and solvents, PVDF films are used as contact surfaces for the production, storage and transfer of corrosive liquids. Applications include chemical tank linings, pump diaphragms, water treatment and chemical storage bags.
Due to excellent dielectric properties, fire resistance and high solar transmittance, PVDF films are ideal for backsheets and frontsheet glass for photovoltaic panels. They are widely used as the outer material of the backsheet to protect the PV module from the external environment for a long time. Other applications are release films, piezoelectric films, thermoelectric films, fuel cell seals.
3. Application of tetrafluoroethylene, HFP and VDF terpolymer film (THV)
The main properties of THV (terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, HFP and VDF) film are:
Excellent optical clarity and light transmittance
Adhesion to a variety of elastomers and plastics
Excellent flexibility compared to other fluoroplastics
Excellent permeation resistance
Good chemical resistance
Low temperature processing
THV film offers a combination of performance advantages, such as low processing temperature, ability to bond to elastomers and hydrocarbon-based plastics, flexibility and optical clarity.
Its typical applications include automotive, chemical processing, multilayer pipes and hoses, semiconductors, solar energy, optical fibers, and architectural and protective coatings.
4. Application of Teflon AF film
Teflon AF film can be easily prepared by melt extrusion or by spin coating or dip coating techniques from a solution of the resin in a suitable solvent.
High gas permeability makes Teflon AF an excellent gas and liquid separation medium. In addition, diaphragms and films are also used as high-capacity barriers or gas transmission media. Examples include jet fuel and inkjet printer ink degassing.
These films are essentially transparent to microwaves and can therefore act as "windows" for high-frequency antennas. Low dielectric constants and dissipation factors may be beneficial in the construction of electronic devices, including specialty circuit boards and hybrid devices. Another application for these films is as electronic dielectrics, interlayer dielectrics, and deep UV-resistant films and components for next-generation high-speed computer circuits.
5. Applications of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) films
Commercial polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) films (Tedlar) are available in transparent films and various opaque colored film versions.
The color uniformity and fade resistance of colored films enable them to maintain their original appearance for many years. Transparent PVF films allow long-term light transmission while minimizing cracking, yellowing, or fogging of laminates. They increase the strength of indoor and outdoor fabrics and prevent them from becoming brittle or moldy. Surface-treated films are used for pressure-sensitive tapes and lamination with a variety of substrates, including cardboard, paper, flexible PVC, polystyrene, rubber, and polyurethane. These laminates are used for wall coverings, aircraft cabin interiors, duct coverings, pipe linings, and more.
To cover metal and rigid PVC, the film is first laminated to a flat, continuous sheet of metal or vinyl using a special adhesive, and then the laminate is formed into the desired shape. Such laminates are used for exterior siding in industrial and residential construction. Other applications include highway noise barriers, automotive truck and trailer siding, vinyl awnings, and backlit signs. On metal or plastic, the PVF surface is used as a primer for painting or gluing seams.
PVF films are used as release sheets for bag molding of epoxy, polyester, and phenolic composites and in the manufacture of circuit boards.
Oriented commercial PVF films are available in more than 150 standard opaque, translucent, and clear films in a variety of attractive standard and custom colors and finishes. The product line is constantly growing.
These films range in thickness from 12.5 µm (0.5 mil) to 50 µm (2 mil) or more, with a high degree of design flexibility in terms of surface texture and formability. They can be tailored to a range of special physical properties for specific processing and performance requirements.
The most common applications for PVF films are summarized below:
01. Aircraft PVF films provide airlines with the greatest design flexibility to create attractive, easy-to-clean and wear-resistant passenger areas. PVF films meet FAA25, as well as ABD-0031 regulations, are lightweight, conformable, and can be embossed and printed. PVF films are available in a variety of colors and are not easy to fade. If necessary, colors can be matched long after initial installation. Clear PVF films are excellent top layers for printed pattern laminates.
Typical applications for aircraft interiors are interior ceiling and sidewall trim panels, curtains, storage boxes, lavatories and galleys, ceiling panels, personal service units, partitions, insulation and moisture barriers, cargo box linings, aircraft wire markings, and composite sound insulation panels.
02.Architectural PVF films can be easily laminated to a range of architectural substrates, including metal, wood, cement, asphalt, vinyl, melamine composites, and fabrics.
They provide superior protection, significantly extending their service life and maintaining their beauty in interior and exterior applications. They do not support bacterial growth and provide additional protection against contamination in hospitals, laboratories, clean rooms, and restaurants. The inertness of PVF films prevents staining, while its chemical stability allows the use of the strongest cleaning agents without damaging the film or its substrate.
Typical applications of PVF films in architectural applications include wall coverings; ceiling and acoustic tiles; insulation sheathing; bagged films for thermal or acoustic insulation; residential and commercial siding, trim, and trim; fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) panels; formed or flat metal architectural panels; flexible laminates for inflatable structures, canopies, awnings, and stadium domes; rigid composite fiberglass reinforced polyester utility buildings and skylights; and comfort building panels.
03. Forming Unlike gelcoats, PVF films can be applied to FRP panels without the need for ozone-depleting solvents. Application of the film in lieu of paint eliminates most of the solvents typically associated with high-performance paints.
04. Graphics PVF films provide a tough, cleanable surface with excellent resistance to weathering and harsh chemicals. They are the best protection against graffiti and dirt. Clear versions shield against UV radiation. Translucent and opaque tinted films contain no plasticizers, so they resist fading, chalking, and discoloration for years. PVF films can be used for transfer, reverse, or direct printing applications using many water-based, solvent-based, or UV-curable inks.
For heavy-duty graphic protection, print directly onto white PVF film and then cover with a layer of clear PVF film.
Graphic applications using PVF film include
Gas pump skirts,
Flexible signs and awnings,
Billboards,
Highway signage, and
Labels.
05. Photovoltaic Applications In solar applications, PVF film is the first choice for photovoltaic module backsheets due to its excellent strength, weather resistance, UV resistance and moisture resistance.
Solar applications using PVF film include
Photovoltaic modules
Solar thermal collectors
