PVDF, or polyvinylidene fluoride, is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer with a low density, high temperature tolerance (for a plastic), and low heat conductivity. When exposed to most solvents, PVDF, like many other fluoropolymers, is chemically inert—though PVDF can withstand a few things that other fluoropolymers cannot.
The following are some advantages of employing PVDF coatings for stainless steel wire forms over other typical fluoropolymer coatings:
Resistance to heat
PVDF is a material that retains the bulk of its strength even at temperatures as high as 280°F. In comparison, the maximum service temperature of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is only 140°F.
While 280°F is not high enough for PVDF to be used safely in oven-like conditions, it is high enough to resist several high-temp sanitation methods that sterilize surfaces by raising temperatures to 165°F. This alone permits PVDF to be employed in many situations where other materials would melt.
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Chemical Tolerance
Fluoropolymers are frequently very resistant to acids and alkalis. These chemical resistances, however, are not always absolute.
PVC, for example, is vulnerable to assault by ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and aromatics. Polypropylene is unstable in the presence of oxidizing acids, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and aromatics.
In contrast, PVDF Materials are resistant to the majority of acids, bases, organic solvents, chlorine, bromine, and other halogen chemicals.
Tensile Power
PVDF has a tensile strength of around 50 MPa (7,251 psi). In comparison to most other fluoropolymers, this makes the material fairly robust. Polypropylene, for example, has a tensile strength of 33 MPa (4,800 psi).
In other words, PVDF can withstand 1.5 times the load than polypropylene can.
Surface Toughness
Polyvinylidene Fluoride has a surface hardness of about 100 on the Rockwell Hardness “R” scale. This places the material at the upper end of semi-rigid coatings, being just slightly tougher than polypropylene. This makes the material just flexible enough to absorb impacts while yet being rigid enough to prevent it from being readily scraped away by ordinary abrasion, such as when baskets are moved via conveyors or handled manually with rough hands/gloves.
Resistance to Ultraviolet Light
Some coating materials, such as polyethylene, are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. UV rays from the sun will break down the chemical bonds of the polymer under direct sunlight, weakening the substance and potentially leading to deterioration.
PVDF, on the other hand, does not have this flaw. Because the material is UV resistant, it is ideal for covering baskets that will be kept or used outside.
Should You Make Your Next Custom Wire Basket Out of PVDF?
PVDF isn’t the greatest material for chemical resistance, and it doesn’t have the maximum tensile strength of any fluoropolymer. Some polyvinylidene fluoride coatings are also more temperature resistant. However, PVDF has one of the finest balances of strength, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance of any coating on the market.
If you want a well-rounded coating that combines strength and resistance to chemical attack in a procedure that does not exceed 280°F, PVDF may be the appropriate material for your application. Of course, it never hurts to look into different coating alternatives before choosing on one—or to get expert guidance from a degreed mechanical engineer with years of expertise designing bespoke wire baskets with a range of coating materials. For more info, visit Petron Thermoplast!
