Expanded PVDF
New Solef® PVDF 80 000 Series is a lightweight expanded material that
retains the key characteristics of pure polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
Solef® PVDF can be molded into complex three-dimensional shapes offering new characteristics previously unobtainable using existing materials.
SOLEF® PVDF MANUFACTURING
Manufactured using a proprietary expansion technology, the material is formed into small plastic beads. This form of Solef® PVDF remains free of additives or residual CO2 preserving its inherently pure and inert characteristics. These small, closed-cell beads are injected into a steam chest to create parts custom molded into complex shapes using steam heat & pressure.
SOLEF® PVDF APPLICATIONS
Applications that demand high purity, chemical, fire, UV, and radiation resistance rely on Solef® PVDF foam for insulation and structures. Offering dramatic weight reduction, Solef® PVDF 80 000 Series (Expanded PVDF) is up to 16 times lighter than standard Solef® and due to its properties, highly versatile for use in a growing number of applications across industry.
SOLEF® PVDF MOLDING TECHNIQUES
Our molding expertise can help customers derive maximum benefit from Solef® PVDF for an expanding range of applications. A range of specialized molding techniques developed by JSP can add versatility and, ultimately, add product value to manufacturers and end-users such as inserts for fixings, internal hinges, snap fittings and multiple density parts.
A key advantage of molded parts and consistent geometry are the properties are exactly the same in every direction; thermal conductivity and resilient response are the same in three dimensions. Due to the lower clamping forces required, steam-chest molding machines and mold tools are more cost-effective than other molding technologies. Additionally, the time to manufacture mold tools is very fast dramatically reducing development timescales.
WHAT IS PVDF
PVDF is a fluorinated semi-crystalline thermoplastic which is obtained by polymerizing vinylidene fluoride. This fluorinated polymer has been manufactured and marketed as Solef® for more than thirty years by the Plastic Sector of the Solvay Group.
PVDF, without any additives has the intrinsic stability inherent to fluoropolymers , even when exposed to harsh environments. It provides users with a unique combination of properties leading to longer equipment life.
