3M INDIA DYNEON- ETFE

Freestyle Membrane Architecture

A relative newcomer in the construction materials scene, membrane architecture has made a stunning debut. No other

construction material gives designers and architects the same flexibility to push the creative envelope while working with a

strong, energy-efficient and aesthetically remarkable product.

Architectural membrane is, in fact, a nomenclature that describes a variety of products. Dyneon, a 3M company, contributes

elements to two of the most prominent styles. The first is a glass fabric coated with Dyneon™ PTFE and then with either

Dyneon ™ PFA or Dyneon™ FEP to provide additional sealing and weldability. The second form of membrane is a clear film

made from a fluorothermoplastic like Dyneon™ ET 6235 (ETFE). Each membrane product shares common strengths while

possessing enough unique attributes to extend the spectrum of design even further.

Translucent or transparent, flexible and dazzling, designs including membrane materials have opened up new perspectives in

architecture. From small awnings to vast stadiums, membranes easily inspire new forms. Self-supporting curved surfaces are a

reality. Light is incorporated more thoroughly than ever before. Strength and fire-resistance bring a functional yet striking style to

a diverse range of projects and functions.

The examples in this brochure depict what has already been achieved by using membranes made with Dyneon PTFE,

Dyneon PFA, Dyneon FEP and Dyneon ETFE. And these are just the beginning. With Dyneon™ Fluoropolymers, the

possibilities are endless.

Introduction If it looks like the future, that’s because it is.

Client: Eden Trust

Architect: Nicholas Grimshaw and

Partners, London, UK

Membrane material: Special film made

from Dyneon™ ET 6235

Membrane surface area: 100,000 m2

(25 acres, 1,076,000 sq ft) triple-glazed,

100 µm and 200 µm gauge film

Construction: Steel pole frame,

hexagonal structure

Planning, preparation and assembly:

Foiltec GmbH, Bremen, Germany

Film Production: Nowofol

Kunststoffprodukte GmbH & Co. KG,

Siegsdorf, Germany

Paradise found The Eden Project

A combination of environmental education and botanic attractions, the Eden

Project in Cornwall, England showcases biomes and plants from around the world.

Fascinated by the earth beneath their feet, Eden’s visitors have also responded

enthusiastically to the roof over their heads; the spectacular geodesic dome

structure is the world’s largest self-supporting roof construction.

To build a structure of that size, the designers sought a material that would be

cost-effective, while meeting several functional requirements. The roof needed to

be lightweight and highly transparent to allow the plants their sunlight. Designers

turned to transparent membrane cushions fabricated out of a versatile film made

from Dyneon™ ETFE. Its flexibility allowed it to transform into the geodesic form,

and retain its insulating capacity. Plants thrived because the 100 µm film made with

Dyneon ETFE enables up to 88% of UV rays and over 90% of visible light to come

through. And, in addition to the scientific benefits, the roof will remain impressive

looking, because the film is practically self-cleaning, needing just a good rain to

wash off accumulated dirt.

With such impressive architecture and flora, it’s no surprise that most of Eden’s

visitors don’t want to leave.

Arabian lights The Burj Al Arab Hotel

The Burj Al Arab luxury hotel juts out of the Arabian Sea near

Jumeirah/Dubai. Resting on an artificial island, it stands at 321

meters (1,053 ft) tall, making it the tallest hotel in the world – and

the most remarkable.

The hotel is designed to resemble a sail, and a 168-meter (551 ft) membrane façade

supports that vivid imagery. During the daytime the white, practically self-cleaning

façade shines brilliantly, appearing to billow out over the sea, letting light into the

hotel’s luxurious atrium. At night, multi-colored lights create an iridescent shimmer.

The demands of building in the Arabian climate meant that the designers needed a

material that was flexible and light, yet could accommodate the temperature differences

between day and night, strong winds, and earthquake safety codes. Glass fabric coated

with Dyneon™ PTFE and Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastics met those requirements.

Each membrane is up to 10-12% translucent, and has a high UV reflection power so

the atrium behind can be filled with light, yet remain cool. The membranes can sustain

broad span widths, even in the faces of high wind pressure.

It’s a design that luxury deserves.

Client: Jumeirah Beach Resort, Dubai,

United Arab Emirates

Architect: W.S. Atkins & Partner Overseas,

Epsom, UK

Membrane material: Glass fabric coated

with Dyneon™ PTFE and

Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic

Membrane surface area: 2 layers, 7,500 m2

(80,700 sq ft), height 168 m (551 ft)

Construction: Double curved membrane

panels between 12 horizontal steel arches,

each 14 m (46 ft) apart, with a vertical load

bearing into the building, and horizontal

steel support cables

Planning, preparation and assembly:

Skyspan GmbH (Europe), Rimsting, Germany

Fabric and coating: Verseidag-Indutex

GmbH, Krefeld, Germany

A sky without limits Munich Airport CenterAs the connecting link between Munich’s busy airport terminals, the Munich Airport Center has the character of a central

market place. It’s a rare public area that contains places to meet, eat and shop, yet feels cleaner and friendlier than your

average suburban mall (not to mention your average airport terminal). That friendly feeling is impressive, considering some

of the challenges the architects originally faced.

The roof needed to withstand extreme winds, meet strict fire safety requirements, and stay weather resistant. Examining their

options, the architectural teams found that glass fabric coated with Dyneon™ PTFE and Dyneon™ PFA or Dyneon™ FEP,

interspersed with steel and glass sections best fit their needs. Extremely strong and flame-resistant, this

membrane easily met the safety requirements. The architects designed an arching roof, spanning a central atrium

and creating space with a tremendously high ceiling. Seven white membrane shields act as a UV filter, and with

10-12% translucency, bathe the area in a pleasant light. Because the coated membrane is virtually self-cleaning,

the ceiling will stay clean for many years to come.

Stopovers have never been so nice.

Client: Munich Airport, GmbH

Architect: Murphy/Jahn, Chicago, USA

Membrane material: Glass fabric coated

with Dyneon™ PTFE and


Membrane surface area: 7,875 m2

(84,770 sq ft)

Construction: Mixed construction of real

glass and glass/PTFE membranes,

seven membrane fields, each attached to

support cables

Planning, preparation, assembly: Skyspan

GmbH (Europe), Rimsting, Germany

Fabric and coating: Verseidag-Indutex

GmbH, Krefeld, Germany

Client: Prien am Chiemsee Town Council

Architect: Zeller & Romstaetter, Traunstein, Germany

Membrane material: Membrane film made from

Dyneon™ ET 6235

Membrane surface area: 1,980 m2 (21,330 sq ft)

6,000 m2 (64,600 sq ft) treble-layered construction film

Construction: Wooden truss beam construction

Planning, preparation and assembly: Skyspan GmbH

(Europe), Rimsting, Germany

Film production: Nowofol Kunststoffprodukte GmbH &

Co. KG, Siegsdorf, Germany

Sea shell by the sea shore Prienavera Leisure Center and Adventure Pool

Perched on the shores of Lake Chiem in the Bavarian Alps, the Prienavera Leisure Center emphasizes its aquatic theme with a complimentary use of

membrane design. A transparent membrane roof, built in the shape of a shell, stretches over the interior adventure swimming pool and out onto the lake,

linking the interior with the natural world around the resort.

For the shell-shaped roof, the architects used highly transparent membranes made with flame resistant Dyneon™ ETFE. They expanded the capabilities of

this membrane film by literally printing a series of dots on it, providing an effective UV filter while still creating a sunny indoor experience. The membrane

system also provides a simple means of insulation.

Forget about oysters – this shell is a pearl in itself.

World Class Pusan Dome

When soccer’s World Cup 2002 kicked off, one of the largest and most spectacular stadiums in Korea opened its doors – the

Pusan Dome. Designed as a multi-function stadium, and covering a total area of 93,000 square meters (1,001,000 sq ft) the Pusan

Dome has already proved its mettle by playing host to the world.

The dome was inspired by Pusan’s coastal location. The stadium roof rises above the city like a white sea urchin, linking the

stadium to an adjacent sports complex. Despite its size, the light membrane material makes the roof appear delicate.

In the planning stage, the architects were faced with a number of challenges. Struggling with rocky soil, humidity, and safety

requirements, the architects also needed to restrict the weight of the roof material, and select something that provided adequate

noise reduction. The solution was glass fabric coated with Dyneon™ PTFE and

Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic. With its low weight, humidity and flame resistance,

acoustic absorbancy and virtually self-cleaning properties, it was a simple choice.

The world cheered in the Pusan Dome. Designers still cheer for it.

Client: City of Pusan, Korea

Architect: Space Group Seoul, Korea

Roof architect: Schlaich Bergermann & Partner,

Stuttgart, Germany

Membrane material: Glass fabric coated with

Dyneon™ PTFE and Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic

Membrane surface area: Outer 34,000 m2 (366,000 sq ft),

Inner 25,000 m2 (269,000 sq ft)

Construction: Cable support construction, held by 48

supports, connected to a steel stress ring

Detail planning, preparation, and assembly: B&O Hightex

GmbH, Rimsting-Hochstaett, Germany

Fabric and coating: Verseidag-Indutex GmbH,

Krefeld, Germany; Taconic International Ltd.,

Mullingar, Ireland

Client: Government of Nigeria

Architect: Planungsbuero Weidleplan, Stuttgart, Germany

Membrane roof: Schlaich Bergermann & Partner, Stuttgart, Germany

Membrane material: Glass fabric coated with Dyneon™ PTFE and


Membrane surface area: 30,000 m2 (323,000 sq ft)

Construction: Cable support construction, held by supports

connected to a circular concrete stress ring

Detail planning, preparation, and assembly: B&O Hightex GmbH,

Rimsting-Hochstaett, Germany

Fabric and coating: Verseidag-Indutex GmbH, Krefeld, Germany

A landmark for tomorrow National Stadium Main Bowl Complex

Taking a cue from the Pusan Dome, membrane architecture plays a significant role in the

design of Nigeria’s new National Stadium, the location of 2003’s "All African Games."

Designed as a link between traditional regional architecture and the most modern

construction technology, a membrane roof made up of 36 separate fields stretches over

the 30,000 m2 (323,000 sq ft) stadium area and 60,000 seats. The Dyneon™ PTFE and

Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic coated glass fabric sections that make up the roof are

translucent, but at the same time protect against powerful UV radiation, rain and weather

conditions. The membrane is so effective at blocking out UV rays that it will also reduce the

build-up of heat inside the stadium, even on the sunniest days. Decade-long durability and

positive acoustic properties also made this membrane the first choice for Nigeria’s newest

national landmark.

Talk about home-field advantage.

Visiting state dignitaries at the Berlin Federal Chancellery

are welcomed by a mix of architecture that honors its

history while embracing a futuristic design. Representing

"the future" here, is a translucent membrane roof that

stretches over the Courtyard of Honor and acts as a

counterpoint to the weighty architecture of the

chancellery.

The membrane awning links form and function perfectly.

It fits in with the prestigious nature of the square without

taking focus away from the buildings, and it offers the

guests of honor protection from wind and weather. The

translucent nature of the material, glass fabric coated with

Dyneon™ PTFE and Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic,

allows the light to be conveyed with subtle differences –

perfect in a location likely to be visited by photographers

and filmmakers.

As a self-supporting construction, the large 240 m2

(2,600 sq ft) membrane field is resistant to an enormous

amount of force. And, due to its durability, it will welcome

honored guests for many years to come.

Honoring the past, welcoming the futureCourtyard of Honor, Berlin Federal Chancellery

Client: Bundesbaugesellschaft Berlin GmbH

Architect: Axel Schultes Architekten, Berlin, Germany

Membrane material: Glass fabric coated with

Dyneon™ PTFE and Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic

Membrane surface area: 240 m2 (2,600 sq ft)

Construction: Cable support construction, anchored in

pillars, circular two-part aluminum trim

Planning, preparation, and assembly: Skyspan GmbH

(Europe), Rimsting, Germany

Fabric and coating: Verseidag-Indutex GmbH,

Krefeld, Germany

Dyneon, a 3M company, is one of the world’s leading

manufacturers of fluoropolymers. With more than 800

employees worldwide, we develop, produce and sell

innovative fluoropolymers for the most diverse requirements.

Our product portfolio for architectural applications includes

high performance PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA

(a copolymer from tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinyl-

ether), FEP (a copolymer from tetrafluoroethylene and

hexafluoropropylene) for glass membrane coatings and

ETFE (a polymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene) for films.

Leading scientists, technicians and other experts at

Dyneon work in the research and further development of

fluoropolymers for architectural applications. Our efforts to

research and create the best pay off: Dyneon™ PTFE and

Dyneon™ Fluorothermoplastic coatings and Dyneon™ ETFE

for films distinguish themselves while meeting the

requirements for membrane architecture.

Dyneon is committed to creating new opportunities in

space planning and design. Thus, it is our goal, together

with project designers, to develop comprehensive solutions

for users of these materials and offer individual technical

support to increase the user-friendliness of this forward-

thinking technology.

We’ll help you build what you’ve only imagined.

The final frontier

The Strengths of Dyneon™ PTFE and Dyneon™Fluorothermoplastic Coated Membranes:• Material: Glass fabric with PTFE/Fluorothermoplastic coatings

• Processing: Malleable, can be welded

• Long life span: Installations in place over 22 years and still performing

without significant degradation

• Translucency: 10-25%

• UV stability: Excellent, even in intensive sunshine

• Weather resistant: Practically no water absorption, universal

chemical resistance

• Virtually self-cleaning: Non-stick, shiny surface

• High flame resistance: Fire classification A2 according to DIN 4102,

depending on actual membrane construction

• Temperature resistance: ~ -200ºC to +260ºC

• High tensile strength: Up to 10,000 N/5cm for large span widths

• Stable: High propagative tear strength

• Weight advantage: 500 g-1500 g/m2, based on strength of membrane

• Colors: White, colored

The Strengths of Dyneon™ ETFE Membranes:• Material: Film made from partially fluorinated thermoplastic

(Dyneon™ ET 6235)

• Very transparent: >90% light transmittance

(380-780 nm; 100 µm film)

• Dye-able and printable: Can reduce light transmittance to

nearly 0%

• UV transmittance: 83-88% (320-380 nm; 100 µm film)

• Stable: Highly resilient, shatter proof, good hail

resistance, high propogative tear strength

• Virtually self-cleaning: Non-stick, shiny surface

• Weather-resistant: Installations in place over 18 years

without significant changes in properties

• Does not support combustion: Fire classification B1

according to DIN 4102, flame retardant non-burning drip

• Wide span widths: Can be sewn and welded

• Weight advantage: 175 g/m2 for 100 µm film

• Economic: Low maintenance

Koch Membranen GmbH

Nordstrasse 1

D-83253 Rimsting

Tel. +49 8051 6909 80

Fax +49 8051 6909 83

Skyspan GmbH

Nordstrasse 10

D-83253 Rimsting

Tel: +49 8051 6888 0

Fax: +49 8051 6888 290

Skyspan Ltd.

The Portway Centre

Old Sarum, Salisbury

Wiltshire SP4 6EB, UK

Tel: +44 1722 331599

Fax. +44 1722 415922

FABRIC AND COATINGDyneon™ PTFE/FTP

Taconic International Ltd.

Mullingar Business Park

Ireland-Mullingar, County

Westmeath

Tel. +353 44 40477

Fax +353 44 42514

PROJECT CONTACTSB&O Hightex GmbH

Hochstaett 12

D-83253 Rimsting-Hochstaett

Tel: +49 8054 9029 0

Fax: +49 8054 9029 25

Covertex GmbH

Berghamer Strasse 19

D-83119 Obing

Tel. +49 8624 8969 0

Fax +49 8624 8969 20

Foiltec GmbH

Steinacker 3

D-28717 Bremen

Tel. +49 421 69351 0

Fax +49 421 69351 19

CT ADDRESSESFoiltec NA

13 Green Mountain Drive

Cohoes, New York 12047

Tel: +1 518 783 0575

Fax: +1 518 783 0474

Vector Special Projects Ltd.

Studio 4, The Cooperage

91 Brick Lane, London W1 6QL

Tel: +44 20 7375 2756

Fax: +44 20 7375 2759

Verseidag-Indutex GmbH

Industriestrasse 56

D-47803 Krefeld

Tel. +49 2151 876 222

Fax +49 2151 876 291

FILM PRODUCTIONDyneon™ ET 6235

Nowofol Kunststoffprodukte

GmbH & Co. KG

Postbox 1263

D-83310 Siegsdorf

Tel. +49 8662 6602 0

Fax +49 8662 6602 50

Technical Information and Test Data

Technical information, test data, and advice provided by Dyneon personnelare based on information and tests we believe are reliable and are intendedfor persons with knowledge and technical skill sufficient to analyze teststypes and conditions, and to handle and use raw polymers and relatedcompounding ingredients. No license under any Dyneon or third partyintellectual rights is granted or implied by virtue of this information.

Important Notice:Because conditions of product use are outside Dyneon’s control and vary widely, usermust evaluate and determine whether a Dyneon product will be suitable for user’s intendedapplication before using it. The following is made in lieu of all express and impliedwarranties (including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particularpurpose): If a Dyneon product is proved to be defective, Dyneon‘s only obligation, and user’s only remedy, will be, at Dyneon‘s option, to replace the quantity of product shown to be defective when user received it or to refund user’s purchase price. In no event will Dyneon be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential loss or damage, regardless of legal theory, such as breach of warranty or contract, negligence, or strict liability.

© Dyneon 2002Issued: 12/02

Printed in USA98-0504-1459-2All Rights Reserved

Dyneon is a trademark of Dyneon

Dyneon LLC

6744 33rd Street North

Oakdale, MN 55128, USA

Tel. +1 612 733 5353

Fax +1 612 737 7686

e-mail: [email protected]

Dyneon GmbH & Co. KG

Werk Kelsterbach

D-65444 Kelsterbach, Germany

Tel. +49 6107 772 516

Fax +49 6107 772 517



Werk Gendorf

D-84504 Burgkirchen, Germany

Tel. +49 8679 7 4709

Fax +49 8679 3992



Succursale France

Boulevard de I'Oise, Tour 3M

F-95006 Cergy Pontoise Cedex, France

Tel. +33 1 3031 6611

Fax +33 1 3031 6613


Sede Secondaria Italia

Via San Bovio, 3

Milano San Felice

I-20090 Segrate (MI), Italy

Tel. +39 02 7035 3206 7

Fax +39 02 7035 3208


P.O. Box 1, 3M House

Market Place

Bracknell

Berkshire, RG12 1JU, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 1344 420675

Fax +44 1344 427904

Sumitomo 3M Limited

33-1 Tamagawadai 2-Chome

Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

158 Japan

Tel. + 81 3 3709 8111

Fax + 81 3 3709 8743

Internet: www.dyneon.com

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3M INDIA DYNEON- ETFE