PVDF – polyvinylidene fluoride
Stiff, weldable fluoropolymer for the chemical industry up to 140 °C
PVDF is the fluoropolymer of the chemical industry: it has almost all of PTFE's resistance to acids, halogens and oxidizers, but it is much stiffer, more abrasion resistant and weldable. It works up to about 140 °C, resists UV and weathering, and is used in tanks, piping, pumps and valves.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation (ISO 1043) | PVDF |
| Trade names | TECAFLON PVDF (Ensinger); Symalit PVDF 1000 (MCAM); Kynar / Solef (resins) |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Resin and stock shapes | ASTM D3222* |
| Food contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.2510 (depending on grade) |
| Machined part to drawing | ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing |
Composition and filler
Pure polymer
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) | 100% |
Mechanical properties
Typical values from the stock-shape manufacturer's catalog, 23 °C; ISO/ASTM methods as per the source
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 62 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity (tensile) | 2,200 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 17% |
| Compressive strength | 59 MPa |
| Hardness | Shore D 80 |
| Notched impact | 132.9 J/m |
Typical physical and thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.78 g/cm³ |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 140 °C |
| Maximum short-term temperature | 150 °C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 113 °C |
| Melting point or glass transition | 171 °C |
| Linear thermal expansion | 180 µm/m·K |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.25 W/m·K |
| Water absorption (24 h) | 0.02% |
| Dielectric strength | 20.1 kV/mm |
| Flammability (UL 94) | V-0 |
Calculate the weight of PVDF – polyvinylidene fluoride bar, plate or pipe →
Chemical resistance
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acids | Excellent (including halogens and oxidizers) |
| Bases (alkalis) | Good to limited: strong bases and amines attack it at temperature |
| Solvents | Good; polar ketones and esters (e.g. acetone, DMF) attack it |
| Hydrocarbons and oils | Excellent |
| Steam and hot water | Good (Ensinger: + for hot water/bases) |
Stock forms and sizes
- Rod (round bar)
- Sheet (plate)
- Tube and bushing
- Weldable sheet
- Raw material: rod (round bar), sheet (plate) and tube, cut to size
- Machined part to drawing or sample, in the same order as the metal parts
- Lot certificate of conformity; FDA/EU 10/2011 declaration when the grade allows
Service temperature, machining and assembly
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Continuous service up to 140 °C, short peaks up to 150 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep). |
| Annealing (stress relief) | Stress-relief annealing after welding or heavy machining. |
| Bonding and welding | Welds well by hot plate, hot air and extrusion welding: it is the fluoropolymer used to build tanks and pipes. |
| Machining | Machines well with a sharp tool. |
Typical applications
- Chemical tanks, ducts and piping
- Pump casings, impellers and valves
- Electroplating and pickling parts
- Ultrapure water and semiconductor equipment
Alternatives: PTFE for temperatures above 150 °C or strong bases; PP for less aggressive chemicals at lower cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards cover PVDF?
Resin and stock shapes: ASTM D3222*. Food contact: FDA 21 CFR 177.2510 (depending on grade). Machined part to drawing: ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing.
Up to what temperature can PVDF be used?
Continuous service up to 140 °C, short peaks up to 150 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep).
Which materials can replace PVDF?
PTFE for temperatures above 150 °C or strong bases; PP for less aggressive chemicals at lower cost.
PVDF or PTFE?
PTFE resists more chemicals and higher temperature; PVDF is stiff, abrasion resistant and weldable, so it is preferred for tanks, pipes and pump casings.
Where to buy PVDF in Brazil?
Dustre supplies PVDF as bar, plate, tube, block and forged or machined parts, subject to availability, with a quality certificate. Head office in Osasco/SP, branches in Joinville/SC and Baixo Guandu/ES, delivery across Brazil and export worldwide (export documents and 3.1 certificate; Incoterm agreed in the quote). For a quote, message Helena, our virtual assistant on WhatsApp +55 11 98649-0075, or write to vendas@dustre.com.br.