What is the Difference Between PVDF and PTFE?

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PVDF and PTFE are two different polymer materials with distinct characteristics and application fields. Here are the main differences between them:

  1. Chemical Structure: PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a linear polymer material with polar functional groups, while PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a linear polymer material without polar functional groups.
  2. Physical Properties: PTFE is a white powder at room temperature, not easy to melt, has a low friction coefficient, and excellent wear resistance. PVDF is a colorless and transparent crystal with high hardness and strength, as well as a high dielectric constant and low-temperature bending performance.
  3. Density: PTFE has a higher density (2.1 to 2.3 g/cm³) compared to PVDF (1.8 g/cm³).
  4. Melting Point: PTFE has a higher melting point (327°C) than PVDF (178°C).
  5. Application Fields: PTFE is widely used in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and medical due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, radiation resistance, and insulation properties. PVDF, on the other hand, is mainly used in electrical, electronic, medical, and biotechnology fields, such as wire and cable, semiconductor devices, medical pipelines, and other products.
  6. Chemical Resistance: PTFE is more chemically resistant than PVDF, which is more chemically resistant than polyethylene (PE). The more fluorine atoms on the backbone, the more proteins will not be able to chemically latch onto the surface.
  7. Non-stick Property: Generally, PTFE is more 'non-stick' than PVDF, which is more non-stick than polyethylene (PE).

Comparative Table: PVDF vs PTFE

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are both thermoplastic fluoropolymers with unique properties and applications. Here is a table comparing their key differences:

Property PVDF PTFE
Chemical Formula CAS No. 2493-79-9 CAS No. 9002-84-0
Density (g/cm³) 1.8 2.1-2.3
Mechanical Properties Flexural Modulus: 1.5 GPa Flexural Modulus: 0.4-1.3 GPa
Elongation at Break: 200% Elongation at Break: 75-300%
Flexural Strength: 75 MPa Flexural Strength: 13-50 MPa
Tensile Strength: 49 MPa Tensile Strength: 13-25 MPa
Thermal Properties Heat Deflection Temperature: 85°C Heat Deflection Temperature: 66-70°C
Maximum Temperature: Mechanical: 140°C Maximum Temperature: Mechanical: 260-270°C
Melting Onset (Solidus): 170°C Melting Onset (Solidus): 330-340°C
Thermal Conductivity: 0.12 W/m-K Thermal Conductivity: 0.24-0.65 W/m-K
Electrical Properties Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI): 49% Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI): 90%
Water Absorption After 24 Hours: 0.0093-0.050% Water Absorption After 24 Hours: 0.0065-0.010%

PVDF has a lower density compared to PTFE, making it more flexible and more suitable for applications that require high flexibility. PTFE, on the other hand, has a higher density and is more suitable for applications that require high mechanical strength and temperature resistance. Additionally, PTFE has better non-stick properties compared to PVDF.