ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) tubing—commonly known as Tefzel® tubing—is used in low‑pressure and medium‑pressure chromatography systems where chemical inertness and higher pressure capability are required from a polymeric material. This tubing is commonly installed before the injector, after the detector, at mobile‑phase inlets, and on “to‑waste” lines in HPLC systems, as well as in low‑pressure LC and general laboratory applications.
All MicroSolv™ ETFE tubing is manufactured from virgin, high‑purity ETFE resin and is intended for solvent handling and auxiliary fluid paths where metal‑free construction is desired.
Why Choose ETFE Tubing
Among commonly used polymeric tubing materials, ETFE offers the highest pressure rating for plastic tubing used with mobile phases. It is widely selected when additional pressure tolerance is needed beyond PTFE, PFA, or FEP, while still maintaining flexibility and chemical resistance.
Key characteristics include:
Extruded from virgin ETFE with no additives mixed into the base material
Relatively high burst‑pressure compared to other low‑pressure plastics
Suitable for low‑ and medium‑pressure laboratory applications
Chemically inert for many common HPLC solvents
Chemical Compatibility Considerations
While ETFE provides broad chemical resistance, it is not compatible with all organic solvents. Certain aggressive solvents may:
Cause swelling of the tubing wall
Reduce pressure stability over time
Solvent compatibility should be confirmed before use, especially in systems operating near upper pressure limits.
Dimensional Tolerances
ETFE tubing is manufactured to controlled tolerances appropriate for low‑pressure chromatography applications:
1/16″ OD tubing: ± 0.05 mm
1/8″ OD tubing: ± 0.10 mm
These tolerances support reliable fitting engagement and predictable flow characteristics in low‑pressure zones.
Purity & Material Classification
ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a fluoropolymer and falls within the broader PFAS material group, but it is PTFE‑free. MICROSOLV™ ETFE tubing contains:
No fillers
No plasticizers
No performance‑altering additives
Any coloration is used solely for identification and does not affect the internal fluid path.
Typical Applications
ETFE tubing is commonly used for:
HPLC mobile‑phase inlet lines
Post‑detector waste lines
Low‑pressure solvent transfer
Medium‑pressure laboratory fluid paths
Situations requiring higher pressure tolerance than PTFE or FEP
Specifications
👉 View polymeric tubing specifications and available sizes
Related Categories
