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What Is PVDF?

What Is PVDF?

by | Dec 8, 2022 | Piping

Pipe can be manufactured from all sorts of materials, sizes, and configurations. At US FUSION, we work most often with various types of plastic piping, including HDPE, PolyPro, and PVDF. 

In this article, we’re discussing PVDF. We talk about what PVDF is, how it’s made, when it’s used, and more. 

What Is PVDF? 

PVDF stands for polyvinylidene fluoride, which is a semi-crystalline, highly inert, stable thermoplastic fluoropolymer. It has a melting point of 347°F and service temperatures of up to 302°F. It boasts outstanding properties overall, such as great durability and toughness, excellent chemical resistance, high crystallinity, and good thermal stability. 

PVDF is one of the best radiation-resistant plastics available in the market, only bested by PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and polyamide. Today it is sold under different brand names with various additives and melt flow rates, all of which increase the processing capabilities and heighten properties for specific applications.

How Is PVDF Made?

PVDF resin is produced by free-radical polymerization of 1,1-Difluoroethylene (abbreviation = DFE, chemical formula = C2H4F2). The polymerization occurs in the emulsion of 50-302°C and 10-300 atm pressure. The obtained material is then processed into films, rods, tubes, and sheets.

The most common methods to produce PVDF polymer are chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) or hexafluoro propene (HFP). HFP-made PVDF copolymer shows higher flexibility compared to PVDF homopolymer grades. Copolymers made by CTFE are superior even yet to polymers made by HFP. They are more flexible, have low shrinkage, and have a fantastic low-temperature performance range.

Furthermore, polyvinylidene fluoride is exposed to ionizing radiation using crosslinking, making various modifications to the thermal and mechanical properties possible. Additionally, different resins like methacrylic and acrylic rubbers have partial compatibility with the polymer.

Mechanical Properties of PVDF

PVDF has a good tensile modulus but fairs weak in the impact strength department. Rearrangements done using HFP and CTFE can help improve the flexibility and impact strength, as well as decrease the tensile modulus.

PVDF is also non-flammable and won’t drip. It is self-extinguishing and has decent resistance to UV light.

IS PVDF Acid Resistant?

PVDF exhibits excellent chemical- and acid-resistant properties. It can withstand a variety of aggressive fluids and solvents. It mainly shows impressive physical resistance toward organic and inorganic acids, halogenated solvents, and hydrocarbons.

PVDF Applications

PVDF has many applications, in all sorts of industries. Here are a few common examples. 

Electrical/Electronics

PVDF has many applications in the electrical and electronics industries, such as:

  • Wires and cables in aircraft
  • High-temperature wirings
  • Home appliances
  • Wire coating
  • Industrial power control systems

Heavy Industries 

With help from common additives, PVDF’s good corrosion properties can improve its applicability to heavy industries like oil and gas, automotive, marine, and petrochemicals used for gaskets, seals, and linings. Lately, it is most commonly used in filtration equipment like housings, filters, membranes, etc.

Batteries

PVDF is also used for making separators in lithium-ion batteries, thanks to their reliable thermal and chemical stability. These membranes are in demand as the market for electric mobility will see sizable growth in the future.

Piping and Liners 

Chemical processing equipment depends on PVDF resin to make flexible piping, tubing, and liners to be used in water systems, chemical pipes, automobile fuel lines, and storage. Piezoelectric films are very sensitive transducers. They are malleable, rigid, and lightweight; thus, they can be shaped into various geometries resulting in unique and innovative applications.

Coatings 

PVDF is also used for coating and layering applications on metals like aluminum and galvanized steel. The coatings improve these materials’ chemical resistance and weatherability.

What Is Red PVDF?

PVDF red piping systems have been used successfully in outdoor applications for over 25 years. Red PVDF provides the same pressure/temperature range and chemical resistance as traditional Kynar® PVDF with no pigmentation.

Natural, unpigmented PVDF is unaffected by ultraviolet (UV) light, but is does permit UV rays to pass through it, affecting the media within the pipeline. Since UV rays pass through natural Kynar®  PVDF, chlorine or peroxide can cause stress cracks in Kynar®  components.

By adding a specific red pigment to Kynar®  PVDF, the UV light spectrum is unable to pass through the polymer. This protects the media within and eliminates the potential of UV rays to radicalize the chemicals.

Red PVDF not only protects the material chemistry but also extends the service life of the piping system. The red pigment also enables the material to better withstand weathering and outdoor exposure. 

However, red pigmented Kynar®  PVDF is not usually recommended for indoor use with high-purity systems such as deionized water, as it can potentially leach impurities into the media.

Contact US FUSION for Your PVDF Pipe & Fittings Needs

At US FUSION, we have the capabilities to supply, fuse, and install high-performance PVDF pipes and fittings. Our cost-effective solutions, comprehensive inventory, and custom services can meet any demand or project scope. Give our team a call or contact us online to get started.

All About Protex™: US FUSION’s Unique Erosion Control System

All About Protex™: US FUSION’s Unique Erosion Control System

by | Sep 12, 2022 | Erosion Control Systems

Erosion control is a critical element of every large-scale construction project. It keeps your project safe from external threats like wind, water, and sediment erosion, and it could keep the environment protected from any threats introduced by your process, such as hazardous chemicals and substances. 

At US FUSION, we’re passionate about erosion control and doing work in the safest way possible. We’re proud to offer one of the most durable, versatile erosion control systems on the market: Protex™. 

Read on for more details on Protex™, what it’s used for, and how it can work for you. 

What Is Protex™?

Protex™ is US FUSION’s solution to erosion control using fabric formed concrete. Our experience and ability to provide the premier solution to each application is what makes Protex™ one of the most reliable, stable, and long-lasting erosion control solutions on the market. 

Protex™ can replace traditional types of erosion control methods like riprap, sheet pile, wire containment baskets, concrete slope paving, hard armoring systems, and precast block mats. 

Here are some of Protex™’s  highly prized features and capabilities: 

  • Custom fabric forms pumped with fine grout
  • No additional forming or finishing is required
  • Variety of styles and thicknesses for any application
  • Primed for precise placement
  • Ideal for underwater installation
  • Gentle and safe installation for geomembrane protection

What Erosion Control Applications Is Protex™ Used For? 

Just like any other erosion control system, Protex™ is critical in preventing wind, water, and sediment erosion from disrupting your project and the environment around it. It can be used to stabilize slopes, manage stormwater runoff, avoid water pollution, build protection berms, and safeguard liner systems and pipelines. Protex™ can be installed temporarily while a construction project is underway, or it can be installed permanently for long-term erosion control. 

Some more specific examples of Protex™ erosion control applications include: 

  • Dam face and spillway protection
  • Impermeable linings for ponds and canals
  • Wastewater basins
  • Underwater pipeline protection
  • Wharf and dock armoring
  • Shoreline and seawall restoration

This is by no means an exhaustive list of Protex™ applications. To learn more about what applications our clients trust Protex™ for, check out our Protex™ brochure. 

5 Benefits of the Protex™ Erosion Control System

Installing any type of erosion control system would be a beneficial move for your construction project — but what exactly makes Protex™ stand out among the rest? These are its main five benefits. 

1. Unmatched Erosion Control

For reliable erosion control, there’s no better solution than Protex™ from US FUSION. Fabric-formed concrete, especially when combined with other erosion control solutions, is one of the most durable materials out there — and at US FUSION, we’ve mastered the installation process. We’ve made a promise to always put safety first, and our Protex™ application helps us keep that promise.

2. Heavy-Duty Strength & Long-Term Durability

Protex™ is designed for maximum strength and stability for both temporary and permanent applications. You won’t find a higher-performing solution. 

Protex™ can even outlast grouted riprap. It’s a bit lower-profile as well, so you don’t have to worry about any eyesores next to your modernized construction. 

3. Simple & Quick Installation

Some erosion control systems can take weeks to install, setting your project timelines back considerably. That’s not a problem with Protex™. 

With the help of the erosion control experts at US FUSION, Protex™ can be installed on your timeline. Protex™ installation doesn’t require any heavy machinery or cranes and can be done anywhere — even in underwater or limited-access locations. This often reduces our project timelines by months, since our operation can take place simultaneous to other project tasks. 

4. Environmentally Friendly Design

Protex™ is made from sustainable, low-impact materials that can last on your construction site for years. Plus, its entire purpose is to prevent environmental damage caused by erosion, pollutants, etc. It’s a solution that helps you and helps the world around you. 

5. Reduced Material & Labor Cost

Protex™’s great features and capabilities can significantly reduce your overall project costs. Since its makeup is so strong and durable, you can use less of it than you would with traditional erosion control system materials. Also, since you can trust a Protex™ system to last for years, you won’t need to worry about constant replacement costs. 

Ready to See What the Protex™ Erosion Control System Can Do For You?

In search of a high-quality, long-lasting erosion control system for your specialty construction application? Choose Protex™ from US FUSION. With superior technology and versatile features, it will provide the stability you need to effectively keep environmental hazards at bay. Contact us online for more information.