Polyvinylidene fluoride – PVDF is a thermoplastic material that is part of the fluoropolymer family, due to the fluorine monomers it contains. It can be delivered in the form of sheets, bars and welding electrodes.
Belonging to the fluoropolymer family, PVDF sheets are characterized by excellent chemical resistance, even at high temperatures. PVDF is resistant to the action of halogens or other chemicals with an oxidizing effect even at high temperatures.
PVDF is one of the few plastics that has a high working temperature range. Thus, PVDF sheets withstand high mechanical and chemical loads even at temperatures of +140°C.
Even if they contain fluorine monomers, PVDF sheets retain the characteristics typical of thermoplastic materials, i.e. they can be processed, welded or bent. Chemically, PVDF sheets are similar to polyethylene sheets in terms of processing easiness and similar to Teflon (PTFE) sheets in terms of excellent chemical resistance even at high temperatures.
PVDF sheets are generally used in special applications that require good mechanical properties, high resistance to the action of various highly corrosive chemicals (even at high temperatures) and where limited smoke emissions are required in the event of a fire.
Because PVDF sheets are generally quite expensive, to reduce the total cost of the tank, laminated PVDF sheets have been designed and made on one side with a fiberglass fabric. This fabric can be glued with certain adhesives to the different support materials of the tank.
In this way, large tanks made of metal, concrete or fiberglass can be made to take on the mechanical loads. On these tanks will be glued PVDF sheets laminated with fiberglass fabric to withstand the action of chemicals.
If you have to carry out a work (e.g. a metal coating plant) in which you know the chemical used, the concentration of the chemical, the working temperature and the tank volume required, fill-in the attached questionnaire and our consultants together with SIMONA AG Germany specialists will send you a professional offer that meets your requirements and safety rules for the construction of that tank.
Applications and benefits
Applications of PVDF sheets:
PVDF sheets are recommended to be used in any application that requires excellent chemical resistance at high temperatures and can be used in:
chemical industry
food industry
construction of vats and tanks for the realization of metal coatings
textile and paper industry
semiconductor industry
realization of protections against strongly oxidizing chemicals
construction of nuclear waste treatment plants
construction of facilities in the chemical industry
mining
pharmaceutical industry and bio-industry
power plant engineering
Benefits of PVDF sheets:
wide range of working temperatures (-30°C ÷ +140°C)
high chemical resistance to most chemicals and solvents
good mechanical properties
good abrasion resistance and wear
high thermal stability
good electrical insulation properties
resistant to UV rays and nuclear radiation
long lifespan
can be welded, machined, bent
approved for food contact
Processing
PVDF sheets can be processed with woodworking machinery.
PVDF allows the following operations: cutting, turning, drilling, bending, milling and welding.
In the Processing Manual below you will find all the information needed for processing.
