Products · PVDF
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a high-performance fluoropolymer offering an exceptional balance of chemical resistance, weatherability, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength. The alternating CH2 and CF2 groups along the polymer backbone give PVDF its unique combination of properties: broad chemical resistance (similar to PTFE but with much higher strength), excellent UV resistance for outdoor exposure, intrinsic piezoelectric/ferroelectric behavior, and good processability by injection, extrusion, and powder coating. PVDF is the dominant binder material for lithium-ion battery cathodes, where battery-grade HSV and LBG grades enable high-voltage cycling and high adhesion to aluminum current collectors. Other major applications include chemical process piping, semiconductor wet-process equipment, weather-resistant architectural coatings, and membrane filtration. Reference grades from Arkema (Kynar), Solvay (Solef), and Kureha (KF Polymer) cover the full property range.
Section 1
A reference overview of the molecular architecture and the design variables that govern the performance of this polymer family.
PVDF is a homopolymer of vinylidene fluoride (VDF, CH2=CF2). The repeating unit has alternating CH2 and CF2 groups, giving an unusual combination of properties: the CH2 groups provide mechanical strength and flexibility, while the CF2 groups provide chemical resistance and UV stability. PVDF is semi-crystalline with typical crystallinity 35-70%, depending on thermal history. The polymer exhibits multiple crystalline phases (alpha, beta, gamma) — the beta phase is piezoelectric and is exploited in sensors and transducers. Copolymers of VDF with HFP (hexafluoropropylene) or TFE (tetrafluoroethylene) — known as PVDF-HFP and PVDF-TFE — have lower crystallinity and better flexibility, used in lithium battery binders and flexible films.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
PVDF offers a unique combination: high mechanical strength (much higher than PTFE), excellent chemical resistance (similar to PTFE for most acids, bases, and solvents), UV resistance, and broad processing versatility. Battery-grade PVDF grades (HSV, LBG) have carefully controlled molecular weight and chemistry for cathode binder applications.
| Property · 性能 | Homopolymer PVDF | PVDF-HFP copolymer | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.75 – 1.80 g/cm³ | 1.78 – 1.82 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Melt Point · 熔点 | 165 – 175 °C | 130 – 145 °C | DSC |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 40 – 60 MPa | 20 – 40 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 30 – 100 % | 200 – 500 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (0.45 MPa) · 热变形 | 140 – 155 °C | 60 – 90 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Continuous Use Temp · 连续使用温度 | 150 °C | 120 – 135 °C | UL 746 |
| Chemical Resistance · 耐化学 | Excellent (acids, bases, oxidizers) | Excellent | ASTM D543 |
| Water Absorption · 吸水率 | < 0.04 % | < 0.05 % | ASTM D570 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
Battery-grade PVDF (Kynar HSV 900, Kynar Flex LBG, Solef 5130/6020) is the dominant binder for lithium-ion battery cathodes (NCM, LFP, NCA). PVDF binders provide high adhesion to aluminum current collectors, good electrochemical stability up to 4.4V, and flexibility for electrode coating. The trend toward high-nickel and high-voltage cathodes is driving development of next-generation PVDF binders with higher voltage tolerance and lower impedance.
PVDF is widely used in chemical process piping, valves, fittings, and tanks where the combination of broad chemical resistance, high purity, and mechanical strength is required. Common in chemical processing, semiconductor wet process, and pharmaceutical industries. PVDF piping is rated for continuous service at 140°C and pressures up to 16 bar at 20°C.
High-purity PVDF (ultra-low extractables, low particle shedding) is used in semiconductor wet process equipment — chemical delivery tubing, valve components, bath housings, and wafer-handling fixtures. The combination of high purity, broad chemical resistance, and clean-room compatibility is critical for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
PVDF (typically as 70% PVDF / 30% acrylic resin) is the standard binder for high-end architectural coatings (Kynar 500®-based). The exceptional UV resistance, color retention, and weatherability make PVDF coatings the preferred material for curtain walls, roofing, and exterior architectural metal panels with 20-30 year warranties.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 200 – 260 °C (homopolymer); 180 – 230 °C (copolymers) |
| Drying | 80 – 100 °C for 4 – 8 hours (moisture < 0.05%) |
PVDF is corrosive to standard tooling at processing temperatures — chrome-plated or tool-steel screws and barrels are required. HF generation from PVDF degradation above 350°C is a serious safety hazard — ensure adequate ventilation and temperature interlocks. For battery binder applications, PVDF is typically dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) at 5-10 wt% solids for electrode coating.
Section 5
A summary of when this polymer family is the right choice and what to consider as alternatives. For project-specific grade selection, contact our business manager.
Choose PVDF for lithium battery cathode binders, chemical process piping, semiconductor wet process, architectural coatings, and membrane filtration. For higher temperature resistance (above 150°C continuous) or more aggressive chemical environments, consider ETFE, ECTFE, or PFA. For lower cost with similar weatherability, consider PVC or polyester in less demanding applications.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kynar® HSV 900Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | Arkema | Battery grade · High viscosity · High solids | Lithium battery cathode binder · High-voltage NCM |
| Kynar Flex® LBG | Arkema | PVDF-HFP · Flexible · High adhesion | Battery binder · Flexible films · Coatings |
| Solef® 6020 | Solvay | Battery grade · Medium viscosity | Cathode binder · Standard NCM/LFP |
| Kynar® 740Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | Arkema | Homopolymer · Extrusion grade | Chemical piping · Wire jacketing · Sheets |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.