Solef® PVDF is suitable for non-load-bearing applications up to 150°C (300°F). The maximum service temperature can be affected by the presence of system stresses and chemical exposure.
Solef® PVDF grades are available as homopolymers or copolymers made using either emulsion polymerization or suspension polymerization. Homopolymers are produced from the polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF or VF2). Copolymers are produced by the polymerization of VDF with other co-monomers like HFP or CTFE. Note that grades made with the same composition and polymerization process can have different molecular weights, which affects the material’s melt flow index (MFI). If you need assistance with material selection, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Material selection is driven by application requirements. Suspension PVDF offers higher yield strength and better resistance to tensile creep and pressure. This is important for applications like piping systems, valves, and fittings that are extruded or injection molded, as well as for water purification membranes processed by temperature induced phase separation (TIPS). Emulsion PVDF is available as a fine powder used for dispersion coatings and water-based latex applications.
Yes, Solef® PVDF is soluble in some solvents. In general, copolymers are more soluble than homopolymers. For more information, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Yes, Solef® PVDF latex emulsions are suitable for a variety of water-based applications, ranging from waterborne coatings to the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. For more information, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Solef® PVDF has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals. Supporting data is available in the Solef® PVDF design guide. For resistance to chemicals not listed, Syensqo can provide an educated opinion based on our knowledge of the chemistry of PVDF along with our growing database of internal experimental test results.
Solef® PVDF is highly resistant to natural aging and does not require additives to resist exposure to direct sunlight. The material’s remarkable stability when exposed to solar radiation and weather has been demonstrated by both accelerated and multiple-year outdoor weathering studies.
Yes, stress-strain curves and elevated temperature data are available for our most commonly used products. For more information, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Yes, material parameters have been developed for our most commonly used products. This includes PVT data needed for warpage analysis. For more information, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Solef® PVDF is self-extinguishing and exhibits excellent fire resistance based on independent tests, such as UL-94, limiting oxygen index and auto-ignition temperature. For Factory Mutual (FM) listed grades, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Solef® PVDF can be processed in the same manner as conventional thermoplastics, using standard melt-processing equipment. For injection molding or extrusion, conventional three-zone single screw extruders can be used, however, some peculiarities must be taken into account. Detailed processing recommendations are available in the Solef® PVDF design guide.
As with all polymeric materials, good safety practice requires adequate ventilation when processing Solef® PVDF to prevent exposure to irritating or toxic fumes and gases that may be generated in case of excessive heating. For a general reference on how to process PVDF safely, please consult the “Guide to the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins” published by Plastics Europe (Brussels, Belgium) or by the Society of the Plastics Industry (Washington, DC).
Select Solef® PVDF grades comply with regulations for contact with food (FDA, NSF 51, EU Regulation No. 10/2011 and its amendments) or drinking water (NSF61, various national regulations in Europe). A general discussion on regulatory status can be found in the Solef® PVDF design guide. For information on updated listings of specific grades, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Solef® PVDF products meet the relevant requirements of these European Directives as related to the content of cadmium or cadmium compounds, lead, and mercury as well as hexavalent chromium polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE).
Yes, Solef® PVDF-based masterbatches are available from major suppliers like Colorant Chromatics, Clariant, Polyone, DainichiSeika and RTP. If you need resin to match a specific color instead of using a color concentrate, please contact your Syensqo representative.
Yes, please contact your Syensqo representative for additional information.