PVDF
A strong, chemical-resistant fluoropolymer
Typical values for the temper in the title
PVDF is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer (melting point about 170 °C). Compared with PTFE it is much stronger and stiffer, and can be molded, extruded and welded, while staying highly resistant to acids, many solvents, UV and weather.
It is used for piping, pumps and tanks in the chemical industry, ultrapure water systems in semiconductor fabs, cable insulation and durable architectural coatings. A limit: strong hot alkalis attack it.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 50 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 50% | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 2.0 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 1.78 g/cm³ | |
| Max continuous service temperature | 150°C | |
| Heat deflection temperature (HDT) | 145°C | |
| Machinability | 55% | relative rating in the site database |
Structure and family
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | semi-crystalline fluoropolymer | chemical resistance |
| Tm melting | about 170 °C | |
| UV resistance | very high | outdoor use |
Typical values per producer data sheets.
Grades and versions
In engineering polymers, the choice is between an unfilled grade, filled grades (glass or carbon fiber) and special grades (bearing, medical, food). Filler strongly changes strength, stiffness and expansion.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Homopolymer | strong and stiff | piping and parts |
| Copolymer | more flexible and impact resistant | flexible tubing, insulation |
Applications
- Chemical piping, pumps and tanks
- Ultrapure water systems in semiconductor fabs
- Cable insulation
- Architectural coatings
- Membranes
Fabrication
Machining
Use very sharp tools, a feed that does not overheat the material, and good support (the material is flexible and deforms under clamping). For precision parts, stress-relief annealing before final machining is sometimes performed.
Welding
Welds well by hot welding (hot gas, butt fusion) and ultrasonically, so it suits piping systems.
Chemical resistance
Resistant to acids and many solvents. Strong alkalis, especially hot, attack it.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | 25 MPa | Sintering only | PTFE: more resistant, weak and not weldable · material page |
| PP (Polypropylene) | 30–40 MPa | Hot Gas / Ultrasonic | PP: cheap, good chemical resistance, for low heat · material page |
| PVC | 40-60 MPa | Hot Gas / Spin | PVC: cheap, for low-temperature chemical piping · material page |
Common mistakes
Using it with a hot strong alkali
It is attacked. Check a chemical resistance chart.
Choosing PTFE for welded piping
PTFE is not weldable. PVDF is more suitable.
Ignoring thermal expansion in long piping
Design expansion loops and supports.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ISO | PVDF |
|---|---|
| ASTM | D3222 |
| Standards | ASTM D3222 |
| Forms | plate · rod · pipe · pellets |
| Producers | Arkema Kynar · Solvay Solef · 3M Dyneon |
Learn more
Values are typical for an unfilled grade (unless stated otherwise) and for comparison only. In polymers, properties depend on grade, filler, temperature, moisture and load duration. For design, rely on the producer data sheet for the specific grade. Sources: ASTM classification standards (D8033, D5205, D5204, D6394, D4067 and others), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026