Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a fluorine-based plastic. ETFE (TEFZEL) is distinguished from perfluopolymers (totally fluorinated polymers) as a partially fluorinated copolymer of ethylene and TFE.
ETFE (TEFZEL) Coating has the best of all fluoropolymers the wear resistance, the impact toughness and radiation resistance. ETFE (TEFZEL) is melt processable. The mechanical properties of ETFE (TEFZEL) are similar to those of fully fluorinated polymers.
Most commonly referred to as “Teflon”, PTFE is a high-molecular weight fluorocarbon that is hydrophobic in nature. This polymer is primarily used to provide exceptional low friction and wear resistant surface properties in combination. PTFE is used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware. It is nonreactive, partly because of the strength of carbon–fluorine212 bonds, and so it is often used in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals.
Other useful PTFE properties are its high flexural strength, even in low temperatures, high electrical resistance and dielectric strength, resistance to water (owing to fluorine’s high electronegativity), and low coefficient of friction.