PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride, or polyvinylidene difluoride) is a specialty thermoplastic fluoropolymer that is highly inert. PVDF is obtained by polymerization of vinylidene difluoride.

PVDF resins are offered as pellets for easy processing in compounding, molding and extrusion as standard thermoplastic polymers and as a fine powder for making solutions, processing aid additives and for rotomoulding.

Parts produced from PVDF by injection or extrusion moulding are commonly used to handle aggressive chemicals for long periods of time. PVDF is chemically resistant to halogens (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine) and strong acids even at high temperatures. As a wire jacketing, PVDF resin can be used at working temperatures up to 175°C with inherently flame resistant properties.

Arkema is the biggest [b]PVDF producer worldwide. Production sites are located in USA, France and China. Arkema produces both homopolymer and copolymer grades under the brands Kynar® and Kynar Flex®.

Kynar® polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) production started in 1965 to service applications in chemical handling, wire insulation and jacketing, Kynar® PVDF has grown to be a material of choice for many high performance applications.

Kynar Flex® PVDF was commercialized in the 80's as a material with similar performance properties of Kynar® but with increased flexibility to fulfill new application needs.

PVDF main properties

• Easy processing as standard thermoplastic polymers
• High chemical resistance even at high temperatures
• Inherently flame retardant
• Exceptional UV and radiation stability
• Very low microbiological attachment
• Abrasion resistance

Above mentioned properties allow PVDF to be used for the following applications:

• Injection molding: PVDF is suitable to make parts used in the chemical and nuclear industries, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, electrical , automotive.
• Tubing: PVDF is used in single-layer and multilayered constructions in pharmaceutical, beverage, chemical, and fuel handling applications.
• Coatings: PVDF is an exceptional resin for a variety of coatings. Various grades lend themselves to dispersion, dissolution, and spray coating methods. The resulting finishes are suitable for architectural, automotive, industrial, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor applications.
• Polymer Processing Aids : PVDF based additives designed to aid in extrusion processes of thermoplastic resins. PVDF PPA can be used in blown film, cast film, blow molding, wire and cable jacketing, pipe and tube extrusion, and extruded fiber processes.