August 2023
Kureha Corp. of Japan intends to expand polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) manufacturing at its Iwaki facility in Fukushima. PVDF finds its application as an engineering plastic in chemical processes and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, as well as a binder material for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs).
Kureha plans to debottleneck and construct a new 8,000 tonnes/year production line in order to increase capacity from the current 11,000 to 20,000 tonnes/year by March 2027.
Furthermore, by March 2031, capacity is predicted to increase by up to 40,000 tonnes annually. PVDF is now produced by the Kureha Group at its wholly-owned subsidiary in China (5,000 tonnes annually) and at the Iwaki factory (6,000 tonnes annually).
July 2023
Solvay, a market leader in polymers and composite materials, and the world's leading producer of lightweight cross-linked polyolefin block foams and an expert in cutting-edge technical foams, Zotefoams, have entered into a long-term supply arrangement for Solef polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF – a type of Fluoropolymer). The high-performance closed-cell crosslinked aerospace foam line from Zotefoams, called ZOTEK F, will be made using Solef. The partnership will focus on ducting, carpet underlay, environmental control systems, and insulation, among other interior aerospace applications where low weight, high flame retardancy, and economical processability are critical.
In addition to strong mechanical qualities, electrochemical stability, and extensive chemical resistance at high temperatures, Solef PVDF is naturally flame retardant. It was created to offer thin, closed-cell cross-linked foams that can reduce interior weight in airplanes by up to 70% while still adhering to the highest aerospace standards.
Key Companies in the Fluoropolymers market includes
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