PTFE – A VERSATILE FABRIC

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a Teflon™ (trade mark of Chemours) for coating glass fibre membrane that is extremely durable and weather resistant. It is used for large-scale permanent tensile and membrane structures that typically require low flammability, durability, strength and compliance with tough construction codes. PTFE varies in translucency from 7% to 15% and reflects between 68%-75% of incident sunlight. The light transmitted is diffused and glare-free. 

At Temme // Obermeier, we have extensive knowledge of PTFE coated glass fibre fabrics and Tenara™ PTFE fabrics, we help clients solve ambitious design and technical challenges bringing their sophisticated membrane structures to life.

IMPORTANT PTFE PROPERTIES

PTFE-coated glass fibre fabric has impressive properties that make it an obvious choice for tensile and membrane architecture. It displays excellent resistance to extreme weather conditions, UV and chemicals. PTFE has a low coefficient of friction and is easy to clean. It is extremely durable and has a service life in excess of 25 years.

Important properties of PTFE coated glass fibre fabric
  Material A Material B Material C
Tensile strength (warp / weft) 84 / 80 kN/m 140 / 120 kN/m 160 / 140 kN/m
Weight of coated fabric 800 g/m² 1150 g/m² 1550 g/m²
Combustibility class EN 13501-1 B; s1 d0 B; s1 d0 B; s1 d0
Transluscence at 550 nm 17 % 14 % 11 %

PTFE coated glass fibre fabrics are suited to tensile and membrane structures with requirements for high tensile strength, high temperature resistance and resistance to extreme environmental conditions.