As demand out of the renewable energy market sucks the market dry of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), plastics processors and manufacturers who need the material for other applications are left wanting. Working to fill the gap is Quantum Polymers, which announced the immediate availability of extruded stock shape plastic products made with Kynar 450 PVDF from plastics supplier Arkema Inc.

The increased demand for PVDF -a semi-crystalline high molecular weight polymer of vinylidene fluoride-is being bought for use primarily in the renewable energy industry and for lithium ion batteries. PVDF films see use in solar arrays, for example. But PVDF also sees use in the chemical processing and other industries. 

Hemant Bheda, president and CEO of Quantum Polymers, spoke to PlasticsToday about the supply crunch. Solar is one fast-growing source of PVDF demand. "We also see a large demand in the lithium ion battery manufacturing applications," he said in a telephone interview. "There has been a serious shortage of PVDF materials, so we're trying to get the word out to customers that we now have a replacement material."

Arkema supplies the PVDF to Quantum Polymers, which then extrudes the shapes at its facility in Newark, DE. Quantum is offering the Kynar 450 PVDF in extruded rods (available from ½" to 5" diameter) and plates (available from 2/8" to 4.5"). According to Quantum Polymers, Kynar 450 works well for applications requiring resistance to harsh chemicals for long periods of time. The material is chemically resistant to halogens (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine) and strong acids even at high temperatures.

"We are pleased to announce the incorporation of Kynar PVDF 450 as the newest member in our PVDF offerings," said Bheda. "Kynar 450 stock shape products will provide our customers access to readily available PVDF grade products for specific applications in chemical processing."