What is Polyvinylidene Fluoride? (PVDF)

Published on October 13 2016

Updated 12/02/2026

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) is a tough, chemically resistant fluoropolymer known for its balance of mechanical strength, purity and cost efficiency.

First identified in 1969 by Dr. Heiji Kawai, PVDF quickly gained recognition for its unique combination of durability, processability and electrical performance. Today, it is widely used across Semiconductor, Chemical Processing, Hydrogen & Renewables, Oil & Gas, Defence and Medical industries.

PVDF offers a strong performance-to-cost ratio, making it one of the most versatile engineering fluoropolymers available.

Table of Contents

What Makes PVDF Different?

Key Advantages of PVDF

Typical Properties of PVDF (FL308)

Industry Applications

When to Choose PVDF

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Makes PVDF Different?

PVDF is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic fluoropolymer composed of repeating –CH₂–CF₂– units.

Its molecular polarity contributes to:

• Strong chemical resistance

• Excellent electrical insulation properties

• Piezoelectric behaviour (in specific grades and orientations)

• High dielectric strength

Unlike fully fluorinated polymers such as PTFE, PVDF contains both hydrogen and fluorine atoms, giving it a useful balance between performance and mechanical toughness.

Key Advantages of PVDF

Chemical Resistance

PVDF resists:

• Acids

• Halogens

• Aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons

• Most solvents

This makes it highly suitable for chemical processing and semiconductor fluid handling.

Radiation Resistance

PVDF exhibits excellent resistance to ionising radiation compared to many engineering plastics. While not at the level of PEEK or polyimide in extreme radiation environments, it performs strongly in medical and nuclear-adjacent applications.

Mechanical Strength and Toughness

• Tensile strength: ~50 MPa

• Good abrasion resistance

• High impact resistance (often “no break” in standard tests)

PVDF maintains structural integrity where many fluoropolymers would be too soft.

Thermal Performance

• Melting point: 170–175°C

• Continuous working temperature: up to ~150°C

• Processing temperature: ~220°C

While it does not match PTFE or PFA for high-temperature capability, PVDF provides excellent stability within its operating range.

Low Permeability

PVDF exhibits low permeability to many gases and liquids, which is critical in:

• Hydrogen handling systems

• Semiconductor chemical lines

• High-purity process piping

Electrical Properties

• Dielectric strength: 20–25 kV/mm (at 1 mm thickness)

• Good electrical insulation

• High Limiting Oxygen Index (44%)

• UL94 V-0 flame rating

This makes PVDF suitable for demanding electrical and safety-critical applications.

Lower Density

At approximately 1.78 g/cm³, PVDF has a lower density than many other fluoropolymers, supporting weight reduction in aerospace and industrial systems.

PVDF’s melt-processability allows for tighter tolerances and more complex geometries compared to PTFE.

Our FL308 is available in Rod, Tube and Sheet form and is processed by Injection moulding, compression moulding and hot moulding. Commonly used in the Semiconductor, defence, chemical and medical industries as well as in the production of lithium-ion batteries.

Typical Properties of PVDF (FL308)

Properties	Values	Units	Method
Resistance to Weathering	Excellent
Processing Temperature	Approx 220oC
Tensile Strength @ 23 °C	50	MPa	ASTM D638
Elongation at Break @ 23 °C	10-50	%	ASTM D638
Thermal Conductivity @ 23 °C	0.2	W/m.k	ASTM C177
Coefficient of Friction	0.4		ASTM D1894
Impact Strength	No Break
Dielectric Strength	20-25 at 1mm thick	KV.mm-1	ASTM D149
Melting Point	170-175	oC
Continuous Working Temperature	150	oC
Flame Rating +	V-0		UL94
Limiting Oxygen Index	44	%	ASTM D2863

^{The information in this table represents typical figures intended for reference and comparison purposes only} 

Industry Applications

Semiconductor

• High-purity piping and fittings

• Chemical handling components

• Wafer processing systems

PVDF’s chemical resistance and purity make it ideal for aggressive process chemicals.

Hydrogen & Renewables

• Valve components

• Gas handling systems

• Battery manufacturing (Li-ion cathodes & anodes)

PVDF is widely used as a binder in lithium-ion battery production and in hydrogen-compatible systems requiring low permeability.

Oil & Gas

• Chemical injection systems

• Corrosion-resistant piping

• Instrumentation components

Medical & Defence

• Radiation-resistant components

• Fluid handling

• Electrical insulation

When to Choose PVDF

PVDF is often the optimal choice when:

• Chemical resistance is required, but temperatures remain below 150°C

• Mechanical toughness is needed

• Melt-processability is beneficial

• Electrical insulation is important

• Cost must be balanced with performance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is PVDF a fluoropolymer?

Yes. PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) is a partially fluorinated thermoplastic polymer belonging to the fluoropolymer family.

What temperature can PVDF withstand?

PVDF typically has a continuous working temperature of up to 150°C, with a melting point around 170–175°C.

Is PVDF chemically resistant?

Yes. PVDF resists a wide range of acids, solvents and hydrocarbons, making it suitable for chemical processing and semiconductor applications.

Is PVDF suitable for hydrogen applications?

PVDF is used in hydrogen systems due to its chemical resistance and low permeability. However, material compatibility testing is recommended for high-pressure hydrogen environments.

How does PVDF compare to PTFE?

PVDF offers better mechanical strength and easier processing than PTFE, but PTFE provides superior high-temperature capability and lower friction.

Is PVDF used in lithium-ion batteries?

Yes. PVDF is commonly used as a binder material in lithium-ion battery cathodes and anodes due to its chemical stability and electrochemical performance.

Does PVDF have good radiation resistance?

PVDF has strong resistance to ionising radiation compared to many engineering plastics, though materials such as PEEK and polyimide perform better in extreme radiation environments.

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