PVDF

Name: PVDF, Polyvinylidene Fluoride, KF, Hylar, Solef, Kynar

Real Name: Polyvinylidene Fluoride

Composition: C2H2F2

Family: Thermoplastics

Density: 1.77

Temperature Range: -40°C/130°C

Ownership: Total/Arkema, Kobayashi Institute of Physical Research (disputed)

The development of polyvinylidene fluoride dates back to the mid-20th century, in the context of the rise of fluorinated polymers. It was discovered by researchers at Pennwalt Corporation (now Arkema) in the 1940s, when they were searching for plastics with greater resistance to heat and chemical agents that would overcome the limitations of other conventional polymers. Unlike PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is extremely resistant but difficult to process, PVDF offered the advantage from the outset of being injection and extrusion moldable without losing its key properties. Its industrial production began in the 1960s and quickly found applications in sectors such as the chemical industry, energy, and high-precision electronics. Over time, advances in suspension and emulsion polymerization techniques made it possible to produce increasingly pure PVDF grades with greater molecular control and improved performance for specialized applications.

Polyvinylidene fluoride is a semi-crystalline polymer that combines high chemical resistance, excellent UV stability, and remarkable oxidation behavior. Its thermal resistance allows it to operate continuously in a range of approximately −40°C to 150°C, withstanding even higher temperature peaks without deforming. Another notable feature is its low moisture absorption, making it an ideal material for environments where the presence of water or steam could degrade other polymers.

Electrically, PVDF exhibits remarkable piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge under mechanical deformation or temperature variation. This uniqueness makes it ideal for sensors, actuators, and advanced electronic devices. Furthermore, its fire and corrosion resistance, combined with its high purity, allows it to be used in systems where chemical contamination must be avoided. Its processability using conventional techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, coatings, and thermofusion welding makes it a versatile and adaptable material.

The combination of physical, chemical, and electrical properties makes PVDF a highly sought-after material in high-value-added industries. In the chemical industry, it is used to manufacture pipes, valves, pumps, and protective coatings exposed to aggressive acids, bases, and solvents. In the energy sector, especially in renewable energy and energy storage, it is used in membranes for lithium batteries and photovoltaic systems due to its purity and long-term stability.

In the field of electronics and precision instrumentation, PVDF is used in high-specification sensors, transducers, and cables thanks to its piezoelectric behavior and excellent electrical insulation. In architecture and civil engineering, PVDF coatings applied to metal sheets guarantee weather protection and a long-lasting aesthetic finish, highly valued on facades and exposed structures. It is also used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as it does not release contaminants and withstands rigorous cleaning processes.

Polyvinylidene fluoride has evolved from a laboratory discovery to become an indispensable material for cutting-edge industrial solutions. Its history reflects the constant search for polymers capable of offering greater durability and performance, while its technical characteristics explain why it remains the preferred choice for critical applications. With the growth of sectors such as renewable energy, advanced electronics, and high-end infrastructure, PVDF will continue to be a fundamental pillar of modern engineering and technological innovation.