View source for Chemistry:ECTFE

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| IUPACName = poly(1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorobutane-1,4-diyl)
| OtherNames = poly(ethene-co-chlorotrifluoroethene)
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'''ECTFE''' ('''ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene''') was designed to provide chemical resistance in heavy duty corrosion applications. It is a partially fluorinated polymer (a [[Chemistry:Fluoropolymer|fluoropolymer]]), semi-crystalline and can be processed in the melt. Chemically it is a copolymer of [[Chemistry:Ethylene|ethylene]] and [[Chemistry:Chlorotrifluoroethylene|chlorotrifluoroethylene]]. It is marketed under the brand name '''Halar ECTFE''' by Solvay Specialty Polymers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solvayplastics.com/sites/solvayplastics/EN/Pages/Solvayplastics.aspx|title=Solvay Plastics|author=SOLVAY S.A.|work=solvayplastics.com}}</ref> a subsidiary of Solvay.

==Physical and chemical properties==

Since its introduction in 1970, ECTFE has been used in industries where corrosion resistance is needed. It is resistant to acids at high concentrations and temperatures, caustic media, oxidizing agents and many solvents. It is said to have similar chemical resistance to PTFE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atkinsandpearce.com/manufacturing-solutions/fibers/available-fibers/high-performance-fibers/ectfe/halar/|title=Halar ECTFE - Precision Fiber Engineering - Atkins & Pearce|work=Atkins & Pearce - Our Spirit Drives Discovery!}}</ref> A chemical resistance table<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.integument.com/Portals/34/Files/Chemical-Resistance/ectfe.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212200452/http://www.integument.com/Portals/34/Files/Chemical-Resistance/ectfe.pdf |archive-date=2013-12-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> based on immersion tests is available. Permeation of large molecules is usually rather slow in fluoropolymers and thus not relevant in the final application. Small molecules, however, may permeate through the polymer matrix in a relevant time. In lining or coating applications, the permeation of certain small molecules determine the lifetime of anticorrosion protection. [[Chemistry:Water|H<sub>2</sub>O]], [[Chemistry:Oxygen|O<sub>2</sub>]], Cl<sub>2</sub>, [[Chemistry:Hydrogen sulfide|H<sub>2</sub>S]], HCl, [[Chemistry:Hydrogen fluoride|HF]], [[Chemistry:Hydrogen bromide|HBr]], N<sub>2</sub>, [[Chemistry:Hydrogen|H<sub>2</sub>]], [[Chemistry:Methanol|CH<sub>3</sub>OH]], etc. are relatively mobile in a polymer matrix and lead to measurable effects.<ref>C.M. Hansen, Progr. Org. Coat., 42, 167 (2001)</ref><ref>Polymer Handbook, J. Brandrup (Editor), E. H. Immergut (Editor), E. A. Grulke (Editor), Publication Date: May 29, 2003 {{ISBN|978-0471479369}}</ref> In particular in lining and coating applications, the permeation resistance is necessary as permeating species may attack the underlying mechanical layers, such as fiber reinforced plastic or steel. This high permeation resistance to small molecules is a consequence of the free volume occupied by the [[Chemistry:Chlorine|chlorine]] atom on the polymer chain.

ECTFE has a wide continuous usage temperature range between typically –76&nbsp;°C and +150&nbsp;°C (–105F to +300F). It has good impact resistance and a [[Physics:Young's modulus|Young's modulus]] in the range of 1700 MPa (see suppliers website)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solvayplastics.com/sites/solvayplastics/EN/specialty_polymers/Fluoropolymers_Coatings/Pages/Halar_ECTFE.aspx|title=Halar® ECTFE for Coatings|author=SOLVAY S.A.|work=solvayplastics.com}}</ref> allowing for self standing items and pressure piping systems. ECTFE offers high impact strength even in cryogenic applications.<ref name="Fplastics">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hyulhAiqUqoC&q=ECTFE&pg=PA38 | title=Fluoroplastics | publisher=iSmithers Rapra Publishing | author=Jiri Drobny | year=2006 | pages=39 | isbn=978-1-84735-007-7}}</ref>

ECTFE shows good fire resistance with a [[Engineering:Limiting oxygen index|limiting oxygen index]] of 52%.<ref>[http://catalog.ides.com/Datasheet.aspx?I=92041&FMT=PDF&U=0&CULTURE=en-US&E=36357 technical datasheet of a typical ECTFE grade]</ref> This is between the fully fluorinated polymers PTFE, PFA and [[Chemistry:Fluorinated ethylene propylene|FEP]] with a limiting oxygen index of 95% and other partially fluorinated polymer like PVDF with a limiting oxygen index of 44% and [[Chemistry:ETFE|ETFE]] with a limiting oxygen index  of 30%.

ECTFE has good electrical insulator properties, i.e. high resistivity and a low dielectric constant as well as a low [[Physics:Dissipation factor|dissipation factor]] allowing its use for wire and cable primary and secondary jacketing. 
Similar to other fluoropolymers, ECTFE has good UV resistance, in particular against UV-A and UV-B allowing its use for outdoor applications. ECTFE films<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajedium.com|title=Ajedium™ Films|author=SOLVAY S.A.|work=ajedium.com}}</ref> can be transparent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajedium.com/A01E004_-_HALAR_films_Data_Sheet.pdf|title=Halar film datasheet|website=ajedium.com}}</ref> Specialty ECTFE films Press release UV blocking Halar ECTFE film<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solvayplastics.com/sites/solvayplastics/EN/news/Pages/Solexis_09_06_16_Solvay_Solexis_Launches_New_Halar%C2%AE_for_Photovoltaic.aspx|title=Solvay Solexis launches new Halar® ECTFE Front sheet films for photovoltaic industry|author=SOLVAY S.A.|work=solvayplastics.com}}</ref> provide transparency and UV protection for underlying layers.

Finally ECTFE can be welded in different ways :
* [[Engineering:Butt welding|Butt welding]]
* [[Physics:Infrared#Heating|Infrared welding]]
* High frequency welding
* Hot gas welding
* [[Physics:Ultrasonic welding|Ultrasonic welding]]

==Applications==
ECTFE can be applied in different ways:
* By [[Physics:Electrostatic coating|electrostatic powder coating]] on metal surfaces
* By rotolining on metal surfaces rotolining grade Halar 6012F<ref name="ides.com">http://catalog.ides.com/Datasheet.aspx?I=92041&FMT=PDF&E=158590</ref>
* By sheet lining on metal surface or on fiber reinforced plastic FRP ([[Chemistry:Glass fiber|glass fiber]], carbon fiber, …).
* By extrusion or injection molding of self standing items, in particular pressure pipes
* By rotomolding of self standing items like tanks or other shapes (rotomolding grade)<ref name="ides.com"/>
* As a protective film using an adequate adhesive

ECTFE powder has been used for several decades in electrostatic powder coating.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tP-zoIUikc|title=Halar, ECTFE, coating applied by Kersten Kunststof(f)coating|date=15 May 2011|work=YouTube}}</ref> It has a good film forming characteristic, can be applied in certain cases directly to the metal without a primer and leads to a high coating thickness. ECTFE powder coatings have a typical thickness of 0,8&nbsp;mm but can be applied up to 2&nbsp;mm with a special grade for high build up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hueni.de/|title=Oberflächenbeschichtungen – Kunststoffbeschichtungen – Korrosionsschutz und Antihaft :: Hüni GmbH & Co. KG|work=hueni.de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adelhelm.de/de/kunststoffbeschichtungen.aspx|title=Adelhelm Kunststoffbeschichtungen, Lohnbeschichter für Antihaft, Antihaftung, Korrosionsschutz, Chemikalienschutz, adcoat, PFA, FEP, PTFE, Medizintechnik|work=adelhelm.de|access-date=2013-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208215306/http://www.adelhelm.de/de/kunststoffbeschichtungen.aspx|archive-date=2014-02-08|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ggbearings.com/de/unsere-produkte/polymer-beschichtungen/triboshield-reibungsarme-beschichtungen|title=GGB TriboShield Reibungsarme Polymerbeschichtungen|work=ggbearings.com/de}}</ref>

Extrusion of ECTFE fabric backed sheets and subsequent fabrication to vessels, pipes or valves is used in the chemical industry. Typical sheet thickness is around 2,3&nbsp;mm but can go up to 4&nbsp;mm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agru.at/en/products/semi-finished-products/product-catalogue/cat/ectfe-semi-finished-products/p/10025%2C100/d/1/|title=ECTFE Semi Finished Products : Product Catalogue - AGRU|work=agru.at}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://products.simona.de/en_GB/$category/25574/Product%20group%20E-CTFE/$menu/automotive_life_science/$root/pvs/$constraint1/38/$hsasr/true/$mainMenu/Umwelttechnik/index.xhtml|title=SIMONA, Category: Product group E-CTFE|author=Simona|work=simona.de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quadrantplastics.com/en/products/machinable-plastics/lining-materials/symalit-R-ectfe.html|title=corrosion resistant, chemical resistant, physical, mechanical and flame resistant, fluoroplastic, fire safe systems, impact strength, color consistency, high purity - Quadrant|work=quadrantplastics.com|access-date=2013-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213100408/http://www.quadrantplastics.com/en/products/machinable-plastics/lining-materials/symalit-R-ectfe.html|archive-date=2013-12-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thick sheets are compression molded and can go up to 50&nbsp;mm in thickness. They are used in the semiconductor industry for wet benches or for machining of other parts. Pressure piping systems composed of pipes, fittings and valves made of ECTFE are on the market up to 160&nbsp;mm diameter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agru.at/en/products/industrial-piping-systems/product-catalogue/cat/ectfe-industrial-piping-system/p/10010%2C100/d/1/|title=ECTFE Industrial Piping System : Product Catalogue - AGRU|work=agru.at}}</ref>
ECTFE rotomolded items complete the offer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solvayplastics.com/sites/solvayplastics/EN/Solvay%20Plastics%20Literature/TB_Halar%20ECTFE_Rotomolding%20Guide_EN.pdf|title=Halar rotomolding guide|website=solvayplastics.com}}</ref>

The most important application of ECTFE is in the field of corrosion protection. ECTFE has been used for several decades in different industries:
* [[Chemistry:Chlorine dioxide#Bleaching|Bleaching towers]] in pulp and paper<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ien.com/article/lining-limits-corrosive/3650|title=Lining Limits Corrosive Reach of Bleach|work=ien.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tappi.org/Downloads/Conference-Papers/2011/2011-PEERS-Conference/11PEERS62.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528201922/http://www.tappi.org/Downloads/Conference-Papers/2011/2011-PEERS-Conference/11PEERS62.aspx |archive-date=2012-05-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Chemistry:Sulfuric acid|Sulfuric acid]] production and storage<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simona.de/static/sites/default/de/assets/Informationsmaterial/englisch/case_study_e/PraxisStudie-7-engl.pdf|title=Case study H2SO4 and solvent|website=simona.de}}</ref>
* [[Physics:Flue gas|Flue gas]] treatment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simona-city.de/simona-cases/singleview/article/simonasupRsup-e-ctfe-gk-im-verbundsystem-fuer-eine-kaminauskleidung.html|title=SIMONA City|author=kommunikation + design|work=simona-city.de|access-date=2013-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715071656/http://www.simona-city.de/simona-cases/singleview/article/simonasupRsup-e-ctfe-gk-im-verbundsystem-fuer-eine-kaminauskleidung.html|archive-date=2014-07-15|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agru.at/en/solutions/concrete-protection/concrete-protected-by-agru-suregrip/|title=Concrete protected by AGRU SureGrip - AGRU|work=agru.at}}</ref> in particular in the SNOX and WSA process
* Electrolysis collectors or drying towers in the chlorine industry
* Transport vessels for hazardous goods, in particular class 8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.admorcomposites.fi/materials.html|title=Admor Composites Oy|work=admorcomposites.fi|access-date=2013-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212081252/http://www.admorcomposites.fi/materials.html|archive-date=2013-12-12|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://electrochemical.net/projects/case-studies|title=Case Studies|work=electrochemical.net}}</ref><ref>[http://www.eldredgeco.com/waste-disposal-recycling-services.html Elredgeco Halar lined transport tanks]</ref>
* Halogen related industry ([[Chemistry:Bromine|Bromine]], [[Chemistry:Chlorine|chlorine]], [[Chemistry:Fluorine|fluorine]])
* Acid handling ([[Chemistry:Sulfuric acid|sulfuric acid]], [[Chemistry:Nitric acid|nitric acid]], [[Chemistry:Phosphoric acid|phosphoric acid]], [[Chemistry:Hydrogen halide|hydrogen halide]]s, [[Chemistry:Hydrogen sulfide|hydrogen sulfide]], etc.)
* Mining applications, in particular high pressure heap leach

ECTFE has been widely used in the semiconductor industry, for wet tool and tubing systems for lithographic chemicals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agru.at/en/products/industrial-piping-systems/product-catalogue/cat/ectfe-industrial-piping-system/p/1001040%2C10010%2C100/d/2/|title=ECTFE Industrial Piping System : Product Catalogue - AGRU|work=agru.at}}</ref><ref>http://www.laminations.com/industry/industry/all_products_assets/SemiconECTFE.pdf</ref>

ECTFE is also used in the pharmaceutical industry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.agru.at/en/solutions/industrial/complete-ectfe-piping-system-in-vaccine-production/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124193236/http://www.agru.at/en/solutions/industrial/complete-ectfe-piping-system-in-vaccine-production/ |archive-date=2014-01-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ergapc.co.uk/downloads/ERGNovartisCSLowres.pdf|title=Novartis case story|website=ergapc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ergapc.co.uk/chem_pharm.htm|title=Plume suppression, reactor off gases, thermal oxidation, chemical and pharmaceutical case studies|work=ergapc.co.uk}}</ref>
ECTFE is useful when the equipment is exposed to chemical cleaning.

Moreover, ECTFE is used for primary and secondary jacketing in specialty cables like data cables or self-regulating heating cables, applications where good fire resistance and electrical properties are key properties. ECTFE is also used for braiding in that field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dtl-connectors.co.uk/store/htn013tb.html|title=Braid Halar (HT) Self Extinguishing 11mm ethylene chlorotriflouroethylene (ECTFE) copolymer monofilament, Nominal 1/8 (3.17mm), Expands 3/32-1/4 (2.38-6.35mm), Colour Black with White tracer DTL Connectors|work=dtl-connectors.co.uk|access-date=2013-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214152125/http://www.dtl-connectors.co.uk/store/htn013tb.html|archive-date=2013-12-14|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techflex.com/prod_htn.asp|title=Techflex - Halar® Plenum Rated Expandable Sleeving|work=techflex.com}}</ref>


ECTFE is available as monofilament fiber for applications in the chemical process industry and in flue gas treatment.

Latest developments in fibers include ECTFE nonwovens. ECTFE covers most of the aggressive chemicals which are covered by PTFE, but in contrast to PTFE, ECTFE fibers can be crimped. The nonwoven has low reactivity but high [[Surface area|surface area]] and [[Earth:Porosity|porosity]]. It is used as filters for highly reactive acids or alkalis even at elevated temperatures, coalescing of oil from water using the high surface energy or battery separators. 
Another application of ECTFE fibers is a so-called “Halar veil” that can be used to construct pipes or valves for use in corrosive environments such as chloralkali facilities.

Thanks to its good fire resistance and optical properties Halar films have been used for many years in the [[Engineering:Aircraft|aircraft]] industry as well as for photovoltaic front and back sheets. For front sheets a UV blocking version is available.
ECTFE Halar films have gained reputation as a lightweight front sheet in the [[Engineering:Solar Impulse|Solar Impulse]] project of Bertrand Piccard, the first who aims to fly around the world in a solar driven plane.

ECTFE is used for manufacturing gaskets for storing [[Physics:Liquid oxygen|liquid oxygen]] and other [[Physics:Propellant|propellant]]s for [[Earth:Aerospace|aerospace]] applications.

In many ways the chemical properties resemble [[Chemistry:Polytetrafluoroethylene|PTFE]] but with a lower [[Physics:Melting point|melting point]].

==See also==
* bs4994 ECTFE as a thermoplastic lining for dual laminate chemical process plant equipments
* RTP-1 ECTFE as a thermoplastic lining for dual laminate [[Organization:ASME|ASME]] stamped vessels.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Plastics]]
[[Category:Fluoropolymers]]
[[Category:Copolymers]]
[[Category:Thermoplastics]]

{{Sourceattribution|ECTFE}}