What's PTFE membrane?

PTFE Architecture Membrane is made by coating a non-chemically reactive PTFE resin on an ultrafine glass fiber cloth. PTFE Membrane structure is a brand-new form of building structure.

Features of PTFE Coated Architecture Membrane

Super Anti-UV characters: For outdoor application, it would last 25-35 years without damage

High strength, the tensile strength of PTFE membrane reaches the level of steel; and the lower modulus of elasticity is beneficial to the complex surface shape of the membrane

Unique optical properties, and the incident light becomes natural warm light during the day, preventing glare, no shadow, and even light distribution; almost no ultraviolet light is transmitted, preventing the fading of interior decoration materials and equipment; night high reflection performance makes the room It has excellent lighting effect, reduces power consumption, and can bring out the brilliance of buildings in the night sky

Self-cleaning, rainwater can wash away the attachments on the surface

Having high light transmittance, a light transmittance of 13%, a thermal energy reflectance of 73%, and a small heat absorption amount

Stable sizes: With fiberglass fabric, it never shrinks or elongation.

Main Specifications of PTFE Glass Architecture Membrane

Item No.	Base Fabric	Thickness (mm)	Weight (gsm)	Tensile strength (Warp/Weft)	Tear strength (Warp/Weft)	Light transmit (%)	Solar Reflection (%)
DER300T	Fiberglass EC6	0.32	480	3000/2800	160/110	20	70
DER601M	Fiberglass EC6	0.7	1350	7000/6000	350/350	15	70
DER602M	Fiberglass EC6	0.5	900	5000/5000	350/350	15	70
DER603M	Fiberglass EC6	0.6	1200	6000/5500	350/350	15	70
DER300H	Fiberglass EC3/4	1	1700	9500/8500	500/500	10	70
DER301H	Fiberglass EC3/4	0.8	1450	8000/8000	400/400	12	70
DER302H	Fiberglass EC3/4	0.55	1050	6000/5500	350/350	15	70
DER303H	Fiberglass EC3/4	0.65	1150	7000/7000	400/400	15	70

Difference of PVC Membrane Architecture and PTFE Architectural Membrane

Item	PVC Membrane	PTFE Membrane
Service Life	3-8 years	25-35 years
Self-Clean	●●●○○	●●●●●
Anti-Mold	●●●●○	●●●●●
Size Stability	●●○○○	●●●●●
Flame Retardant	B1, B2	B1, A2
Tensile Strength	<5000N/5cm	Up to 9500N/5cm
Cost	Low	High

PTFE-coated architectural membranes Vs. PVC industrial membranes for construction and tensile structure applications:

1. Material Composition

Property	PTFE-Coated Membrane	PVC-Coated Membrane
Base Fabric	Fiberglass (most common)	Polyester (occasionally PVC-coated fiberglass)
Coating	Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)	Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), often with additives (e.g., UV stabilizers)
Reinforcement	High-strength fiberglass yarns	Polyester scrim (woven or knitted)

2. Key Performance Comparison

Feature	PTFE Membrane	PVC Membrane	Winner
Lifespan	25–30+ years	10–15 years	PTFE
UV Resistance	Excellent (minimal degradation)	Good (requires UV stabilizers)	PTFE
Fire Resistance	Non-combustible (Class A)	Self-extinguishing (varies by formulation)	PTFE
Self-Cleaning	Yes (dirt slides off)	No (requires cleaning)	PTFE
Temperature Range	-70°C to +250°C	-30°C to +70°C	PTFE
Light Transmission	10–40% (diffused)	5–15% (varies)	PTFE (better diffusion)
Weight	Heavier (fiberglass base)	Lighter (polyester base)	PVC
Flexibility	Less flexible (rigid when tensioned)	More flexible (easier to install)	PVC
Chemical Resistance	Exceptional (resists acids, solvents)	Moderate (can degrade with chemicals)	PTFE
Maintenance	Very low (occasional cleaning)	Requires periodic cleaning & recoating	PTFE

3. Cost & Economic Factors

Aspect	PTFE	PVC
Initial Cost	High (2–3× PVC)	Low
Installation Cost	Higher (requires skilled labor)	Lower (easier handling)
Long-Term Cost	Lower (minimal maintenance, long lifespan)	Higher (recoating/replacement needed)
ROI	Better for permanent structures	Better for short-term/temporary use

4. Applications

PTFE-Coated Membrane	PVC-Coated Membrane
- Permanent structures (stadiums, airports)	- Temporary tents, canopies
- High-end architectural facades	- Industrial warehouses
- Skylights, atriums	- Low-budget shade structures
- Projects requiring fire safety (e.g., airports)	- Events/exhibitions