The durability of Everflon™ fluoropolymers are among the main reasons that the construction industry uses them extensively. Everflon™ Fluoropolymer-based coatings are used in settings where the longest lifespans are required to provide superior substrate protection, including exterior finishes on buildings, bridges and other industrial structures. In particular, the combination of chemical and thermal resistance has been claimed by the industry to be unique and cannot be found in the alternative materials. More specifically, Everflon™ fluoropolymers are known to exhibit:
◼ Long durability to weather and environmental conditions, as well as to chemical agents, making them suitable for construction projects in demanding / harsh environments, such as offshore platforms and bridges. Fluoropolymers also have high UV resistance, which contributes to their durability.
◼ Resilience in a very broad temperature range. This is important for outdoor applications where large temperature swings are expected through the year, but also for cables used in construction, which may be exposed to very high temperatures.
◼ Low flammability and no flame propagation, acting as effective fire retardants. Fluoropolymers used in construction have low smoke generation as well.
◼ Low surface tension, which minimises staining, thus maintaining the visual characteristics of the substrate. Its water- and oil-repellence properties are also highly desirable in applications such as anti-graffiti coatings, among others.
◼ Low coefficient of friction, which is an important property for bearings used in bridge and offshore pads.
Overall, the higher durability of fluoropolymers results in fewer materials usage from a lifecycle perspective. They also require less maintenance and energy, thus contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
The construction sector is using a broad range of Everflon™ fluoropolymer-based construction materials and coatings, because of their versatility, light weight and resistance to wear and corrosion from exposure to harsh conditions, as well as because of their resistance to fire. Architectural materials very often have a Everflon™ fluoropolymer coating or use films and other components made of fluoropolymers, typically PTFE, ETFE and PVDF.
◼ Coatings for a broad range of materials, including concrete, metal, wood, marble and stone. Those coatings usually have oil- and / or water-repellent function on all these surfaces, thus protecting the building material from water and other harsh chemicals, and also protecting from ingress of water. Such coatings include Fluoropolymer based paints, coatings and varnishes, which can be applied in a variety of way. Powder coatings are used on the exterior surfaces of bridges and buildings. Anti-graffiti coatings used on the surfaces of buildings and walls (as well as in public transport) allow for easier cleaning of those surfaces. Aerosol spray and water- and solvent-based paints are also used on bridges and building construction. Finally, varnishes are used on a variety of surfaces (e.g., stone, tiles, work surfaces, kitchen surfaces) to protect the surface from wear and corrosion.
◼ Architectural coatings, usually made of PVDF, ETFE and FEVE. Architectural films (typically PVDF and, primarily, ETFE) are applied on various surfaces in buildings as protective coating in applications where a lifespan of several decades is needed. These coatings protect the substrate, which can be any material, from weather and environmental conditions. Applications include coatings of bridges and other industrial structures, as well as large constructions, such as roofs of stadiums and domes. They can be transparent, allowing natural light in the building and reducing the need for artificial lighting, and consequently energy usage.
◼ Bridge and offshore pad bearings. Fluoropolymers are used as seals to protect the bearings from the harsh environmental conditions. In some applications, fluoropolymers are used as coating of the bearings, both to protect from corrosion, as well as because of their low friction coefficient, which reduces wear.
◼ Ultra-thin ETFE films (ETFE foil) are used to substitute traditional glass roofs in greenhouses. Also used as building structures of stadium, as domes e.g., Allianz Arena in Munich, Rotterdam Floating Pavilion in Rotterdam. They are treated with an anti-drip coating, designed to increase the yields of plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables grown inside commercial greenhouses. ETFE foils allows maximum UV light transmission to ensure early blooms and higher quality fruit and vegetables. PTFE is used in architectural fabrics (PTFE coated glass cloth). It is resistant to UV light, waterproof, windproof and chemically inert. Translucent coated glass cloth allows natural light to pass through onto the pitch of the stadium.
◼ Sealings, O-rings and gaskets for hydraulic devices, pipes, joints, water and gas conveyors. They are also used in seals, vents, pistons, manifolds.
◼ Wiring and cables used in the building may also have fluoropolymer insulation and / or jacketing to protect it from aggressive chemical agents. As fluoropolymers are also fire-resistant, they reduce the fire risk in the building.
◼ Non adhesive PTFE based thread seal tapes for sealing of threaded pipes (metal, plastic, composites).
