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Membrane Structure Material Introduction

Membrane structure materials consist of two parts: the base fabric and the coating. The base fabric is primarily made of polyester fibers and fiberglass materials, while the coating materials mainly include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

PTFE

PTFE membrane material is made by coating ultra-fine fiberglass fabric with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin. The key characteristics of PTFE architectural membrane material include being lightweight, high-strength, fire-resistant, and having excellent self-cleaning properties. It is unaffected by ultraviolet light, resistant to fatigue and twisting, durable, and has a long lifespan. PTFE membranes also feature high light transmission and absorb very little heat. The invention of this revolutionary membrane material has enabled membrane structure buildings to become modern permanent architectural solutions.

PVDF

PVDF membrane material is made by coating polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin on the surface of PVC (polyester fiber) fabric. It not only addresses the issues of poor self-cleaning in PVC membranes and the migration of plasticizers to the surface that attracts dirt from air and rain, making it difficult to clean, but also significantly enhances durability. This type of membrane material was developed and applied relatively early. It has high mechanical strength, impact resistance, wear resistance, and creep resistance, along with good toughness. Additionally, PVDF has been widely used in the market, providing a cost-effective advantage due to its large production scale.

ETFE

ETFE membrane material is directly made from ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer raw material. Known as "soft glass," it is lightweight, weighing only 1% of glass of the same size. It has excellent toughness, high tensile strength, and is difficult to tear, with an elongation greater than 400%. ETFE also has strong weather resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, with a melting temperature as high as 200°C. It can effectively utilize natural light, saving energy, and provides good acoustic performance. The self-cleaning function prevents dirt from adhering to the surface, and rainwater can easily wash away any small amount of dirt. The cleaning cycle is approximately five years.

Frame-supported Membrane Structure

This structure consists of a roof framework made of steel or laminated timber, with membrane material tensioned over it. The lower support structure provides high stability. Due to the relatively simple roof shape, openings are not easily restricted, and the structure has high economic efficiency. It is widely applicable to both large and small-scale spaces.

Features and Advantages

• Large Span
  Membrane structures are lightweight and have good seismic performance. They do not require internal supports, overcoming the difficulties faced by traditional structures in achieving large-span (unsupported) buildings. This allows for the creation of vast, unobstructed visual spaces, effectively increasing the usable area of the space.
• Artistic Appeal
  Membrane structures break through the limitations of traditional architectural structures. Relying on principles of form and color, they can be combined with natural conditions to fully unleash the architect's imagination. This allows for the construction of curves and various forms that are difficult to achieve with traditional buildings. Membrane structures also feature rich colors and a modern aesthetic, showcasing the beauty of structural forces. When combined with lighting, they can create striking nighttime effects, offering a visually pleasing modern experience.
• Economy
  Membrane materials have a certain level of light transmission, reducing the need for daytime lighting intensity and duration, thereby saving energy. At night, colorful lighting can create brilliant visual landscapes. Additionally, membrane structures can be disassembled and easily relocated, making them especially economical for the construction of large-span buildings intended for short-term use.
• Safety
  Membrane materials have flame retardant and high-temperature resistance properties, which meet fire safety requirements. As flexible structures, membrane buildings can withstand significant displacement without collapsing entirely. Moreover, due to their lightweight nature, membrane structures exhibit good seismic performance.
• Self-cleaning
  Membrane buildings use membrane materials with protective coatings that are non-sticky, allowing dust that settles on the surface to be easily washed away by rainwater, achieving excellent self-cleaning results. This also helps ensure the building's longevity.
• Short Construction Period
  The cutting of the membrane panels, and the fabrication of the steel cables and steel structures are all completed in the factory, reducing on-site construction time. These processes can proceed simultaneously with the construction of the lower concrete structures or components, avoiding worksite overlap. On-site installation mainly involves positioning, connecting, and tensioning the steel cables, steel structures, and membrane panels, making the construction process faster and more efficient compared to traditional building projects, thus shortening the overall construction period.
• Wide Applicability
  From a climatic perspective, membrane structures can be used in a wide range of regions. In terms of scale, they can range from small structures like individual tents and garden installations to buildings covering tens of thousands of square meters. Some have even envisioned covering a small town, creating an artificial natural environment.