The short answer
PTFE has the broadest chemical resistance, the highest heat rating and the lowest friction, but it is soft and cannot be molded. PVDF is stronger, stiffer and melt processable, handles most chemicals and about 150°C, and is the usual choice for molded and extruded chemical-handling parts.
Both are fluoropolymers and both resist far more chemicals than most plastics. The choice usually comes down to temperature, which chemicals are involved, the load on the part and how it will be made.
Side by side
| Property | PVDF | PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorination | Partly fluorinated | Fully fluorinated |
| Melting point | ~165–175°C | ~327°C |
| Max continuous use | ~150°C | ~260°C |
| Density | ~1.75–1.80 g/cm³ | ~2.1–2.2 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | ~35–55 MPa | ~20–35 MPa |
| Flexural modulus | ~1.5–2.5 GPa | ~0.5 GPa |
| Creep (cold flow) | Low | High |
| Friction | Low | Lowest of common plastics |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent to acids, halogens, oxidizers, hydrocarbons; attacked by strong bases, amines and some polar solvents | Nearly universal |
| Processing | Injection molding, extrusion, coatings | Compression molding, ram or paste extrusion, machining |
| Typical uses | Chemical piping, valves, pumps, wire jacketing, coatings | Seals, gaskets, bearings, liners, wire insulation |
Typical values for unfilled grades; filled PTFE and PVDF copolymer grades change these numbers. Always check chemical resistance at your concentration and temperature.
Choose PVDF when
- The part will be injection molded or extruded
- Strength, stiffness and creep resistance matter
- Service is up to about 150°C
- Acids, halogens, oxidizers or UV, without strong bases
Choose PTFE when
- Temperatures run above 150°C
- The chemical list is broad or includes strong bases
- Lowest friction or best electrical insulation is needed
- Seals, gaskets, bearings and liners
The middle ground: PFA and FEP
PFA and FEP are fully fluorinated like PTFE, so their chemical resistance is close to it, but they can be melt processed. PFA handles about 260°C and FEP about 200°C. They are common for molded fittings, lined pipe, tubing and wire insulation. See PFA and FEP.
See also fluoropolymers and chemical-resistant plastics.
Grades we source
We source PVDF, PTFE, PFA, FEP and ETFE resins for molding, extrusion and coatings, with a COA on every lot, tested to ASTM or ISO methods. See PVDF and PTFE.
Common questions
What is the difference between PVDF and PTFE?
PTFE is fully fluorinated: it has the widest chemical resistance, the highest heat resistance (about 260°C continuous) and the lowest friction, but it is soft and cannot be melt processed. PVDF is partly fluorinated: it is stronger and stiffer, can be injection molded and extruded, and handles about 150°C, but strong bases and some solvents attack it.
Is PVDF as chemically resistant as PTFE?
No. PVDF resists most acids, halogens, oxidizers and hydrocarbons, but strong bases, amines, and some ketones, esters and polar solvents can attack it. PTFE resists almost everything.
Can PTFE be injection molded?
No. PTFE does not flow when melted. It is compression molded, ram extruded or paste extruded, and parts are often machined. PFA and FEP are melt-processable fluoropolymers with chemical resistance close to PTFE.
Which is stronger, PVDF or PTFE?
PVDF. It has higher tensile strength and stiffness and much better creep and abrasion resistance. PTFE cold-flows under sustained load.
Where is PVDF used instead of PTFE?
Chemical piping, valves, pump parts, tank linings, high-purity fluid handling, wire jacketing and architectural coatings, where a molded or extruded part with good strength is needed.
Is PVDF UV resistant?
Yes. PVDF has outstanding weathering resistance, which is why it is used in long-life architectural coatings.
Tell us the grade you need
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province