PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a high molecular weight polymer of vinylidene fluoride with the predominant repeating unit -CH2-CH2-. It is a crystalline material whose melting point is 338 degrees Fahrenheit. Useful properties are typically retained to temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

What can make PVDF (also recognized by the tradename Kynar PVDF) favorable over PTFE, PFA, and FEP, is its greater strength and wear resistance. Tensile properties are comparable to most engineering thermoplastics. Creep resistance is outstanding and may sustain large stresses over a useful service life without measurable strain.

Wear rates and friction are becoming increasingly important against metals. Corrosion protection, too, is often an integral part. For these reasons, PVDF is very important, both for its structural properties and strong resistance to chemical corrosion. PVDF resists most chemicals and solvents, including oxidizers such as liquid bromine and bromine salt solutions.

PVDF coatings are available in powder and liquid dispersion. Advantages to choosing a powder-based coating are the higher coating builds attainable, which can be important in long term chemically corrosive environments. But many of the same characteristics can be seen from coating versions in the liquid dispersions, since comparatively thin films of PVDF may prove even more beneficial.