What is PVDF plastic?
PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a high performance engineering plastic. It is a relatively new fluoropolymer best regarded for its chemical resistance. Although similar to PTFE, the mechanical features such as tensile stress and compressive strength are notably higher. Where PTFE trumps PVDF is in resistance to high temperatures (up to 300°C as opposed to 150°C for PVDF).
PVDF has very good machinability and therefore there are few restrictions to consider when machining.
Sharp cutting tools are recommended to avoid chipping during machining.
You may also see PVDF referred to as:
Main attributes
- Outstanding chemical resistance to acids and alkali
- High density
- Mechanical strength and toughness
- Very low moisture absorption
- Good UV and weather resistance
- Flame retardant
- Very good weldability
- Food compliant
- Wide operating temperature range (-50°C to 150°C)
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Good electrical insulating properties
- Low thermal conductivity
Note for designers
PVDF is an expensive thermoplastic and therefore should be reserved for applications requiring the highest strength, purity and chemical and heat resistance.
If the superior tensile stress and compressive strength are not required, or a higher operating temperature is desired, PTFE may be considered as an alternative.
UK stock sizes
Here are some indicative stock sizes/colours for PVDF in the UK. Please note we do not supply stock material, the information provided is purely for design and research purposes.
Examples PVDF Stock Sizes
Stock sizes will vary depending on supplier. Please get in contact to discuss further.
PVDF is typically available in rod, tube and plate form in lengths of 1000mm and 3000mm.
PVDF Rod
- From 4 to 16mm
- Natural / Black modificated (electrical conductive)
PVDF Plate
- 10x500mm to 20x1000mm
- Natural / Black modificated (electrical conductive)
PVDF Tube
- 040 / 0025mm to 090 / 0070mm
- Natural
Please note: some sizes may be non-stocked items and subject to minimum order quantities.
Common Applications
- Chemical processing & storage equipment
- Laboratory equipment
- Solar power systems
- Valves & pumps
- Food processing machinery & equipment
- Bearings & bushings
Technical properties
Here are the properties for TECAFLON PVDF natural which is an unfilled, unreinforced PVDF brand. Reinforced and modified grades will have different properties.
TECAFLON PVDF Properties
Mechanical properties
| Mechanical Properties | Value | Parameter | Norm | Notes |
| Modulus of Elasticity (tensile test) | 2200 MPa | 1mm/min | DIN EN ISO 527-2 | For tensile test: specimen
type 1b |
| Tensile Strength | 62 MPa | 50mm/min | DIN EN ISO 527-2 | |
| Tensile Strength at Yield | 62 MPa | 50mm/min | DIN EN ISO 527-2 | |
| Elongation at Yield | 8% | 50mm/min | DIN EN ISO 527-2 | |
| Elongation at Break | 17% | 50mm/min | DIN EN ISO 527-2 | |
| Flexural Strength | 77 MPa | 2mm/min, 10 N | DIN EN ISO 178 | For flexural test: support span 64mm, norm specimen |
| Modulus of Elasticity (flexural test) | 2100 MPa | 2mm/min, 10 N | DIN EN ISO 178 | |
| Compression Strength | 16/28/59 MPa | 1% / 2% / 5% 5mm/min, 10 N | EN ISO 604 | Specimen 10x10x10mm |
| Compression Modulus | 1900 MPa | 5mm/min, 10 N | EN ISO 604 | Specimen 10x10x50mm |
| Impact Strength (Charpy) | 150 kJ/m2 | max. 7.5J | DIN EN ISO 179-1eU | For Charpy test: support span 64mm, norm specimen |
| Ball Indentation Hardness | 129 MPa | | ISO 2039-1 | Specimen in 4mm thickness |
Thermal properties
| Thermal Properties | Value | Parameter | Norm | Notes |
| Glass Transition Temperature | -40°C | | DIN EN ISO 11357 | Found in public sources |
| Melting Temperature | 171°C | | DIN EN ISO 11357 | |
| Service Temperature | 150°C | short term | | Found in public sources. Individual testing regarding application conditions is mandatory |
| Service Temperature | 150°C | long term | | |
| Thermal Expansion (CLTE) | 16 10-5 K-1 | 23-60°C, long | DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2 | |
| Thermal Expansion (CLTE) | 18 10-5 K-1 | 23-100°C, long | DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2 | |
Electrical properties
| Electrical Properties | Value | Norm |
| Specific Surface Resistance | 1014 Ω | DIN IEC 60093 |
Other properties
| Other Properties | Value | Parameter | Norm | Notes |
| Water Absorption | <0.01 / <0.01% | 24h / 96h (23°C) | DIN EN ISO 62 | Ø ca. 50mm, h=13mm |
| Resistance to hot water/bases | + | | - | + good resistance |
| Resistance to weathering | + | | - | |
| Flammability (UL94) | V0 | Corresponding to | DIN IEC 60695-11-10 | Corresponding means no listing at UL (yellow card). The information might be taken from resin, stock shape or estimation. Individual testing regarding application conditions is mandatory. |
| Density | 1.78 g/cm3 | | | |
Contact us
