POWER TESTING OF ETFE FILM

Abstract

Studies of mechanical properties of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film they are relevant for wide application in the construction of translucent coatings in the climatic conditions of Russia, especially in the Arctic zone. Power tests were performed for a film with a thickness of 250 microns on an INSTRON bursting machine, as well as with a uniformly distributed load at positive and negative temperatures. The initial modulus of elasticity according to GOST 34370-2017 was established, which was 1090 MPa. Three loading stages have been identified for the calculations of translucent coatings. In the elastic stage of operation of the ETFE film, the average modulus of elasticity was 35.8 MPa, in the elastic-plastic stage - 1.78...2.71 MPa and in the plastic stage of operation - 0.06...0.086 MPa. Force tests of a membrane made of ETFE film with a thickness of 250 microns on a power triangular frame with a uniformly distributed load of up to 8,577 kPa did not lead to rupture of the membrane at any positive (+15 ...+18 ^о С) not at subzero temperatures (-23...-29 ^о С). Repeated mechanical damage (cuts) of the membrane under a load of 8.50 kPa at a temperature of -26 ^о С also did not lead to its rupture. The deflections of the membrane at positive temperatures reached 84 mm, at negative temperatures - 58.2 mm. Power tests of the ETFE film have shown its ultra-high strength characteristics, which makes it possible to widely use it to create a comfortable environment in structures erected in the Arctic and other territories of Russia when localizing production in Russia.