PVDF (Kynar) vs PTFE (Teflon)
PVDF (Kynar) and PTFE (Teflon) are both fluoropolymers prized for chemical resistance, but they behave very differently mechanically. PTFE offers the lowest friction, the broadest chemical resistance and the highest temperature rating (~260°C nominal) — but it's weak, creeps badly and isn't conventionally melt-processable. PVDF is stronger, melt-processable and weldable, trading some chemical and temperature range for real mechanical integrity.
The verdict
Choose PTFE for the most aggressive chemicals, the highest temperature (~260°C nominal), lowest friction and non-stick surfaces — accepting low strength and creep. Choose PVDF when you need a fluoropolymer that's strong, weldable and melt-processable for piping, valves and pump parts, at ~150°C nominal with far better mechanical integrity.
Side-by-side data
| Property | PVDF (Kynar) | PTFE (Teflon) |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Engineering Plastic | Engineering Plastic |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.78 | 2.17 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 50 | 25 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 50 | 15 |
| Elongation (%) | 50 | 300 |
| Hardness | R110 | D55 |
| Max service temp (°C) | 150 | 260 |
| Machinability | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Corrosion resistance | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Relative cost | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | 0.19 | 0.25 |
| Typically used for | Ultrapure chemical piping & valves | Chemical-resistant, non-stick, low friction |
Which should you choose?
Choose PVDF (Kynar) when…
- You need a fluoropolymer with real strength — ~50 MPa tensile versus PTFE's ~25
- Parts are pressure piping, valves, fittings or pump components that must hold shape
- The material must be welded or melt-processed (injection molded, extruded, even 3D printed)
- Creep and cold-flow under load must be limited
- Ultrapure chemical handling with mechanical reliability is required
- Service stays within ~150°C nominal and full PTFE chemical range isn't needed
Choose PTFE (Teflon) when…
- Maximum chemical resistance against nearly everything is the priority (corrosion 5)
- The highest temperature rating among these (~260°C nominal) is required
- Lowest friction and a non-stick surface are the whole point — seals, slides, liners
- The part is a gasket, seat or liner where conformability beats strength
- Very high elongation (~300%) and softness suit the sealing function
- Creep is acceptable because the part isn't structurally loaded
Key differences that matter
- PTFE has the higher temperature ceiling (~260°C nominal) and the broadest chemical resistance, plus the lowest friction of common plastics.
- PTFE is weak and creeps: ~25 MPa tensile, ~15 MPa yield, ~300% elongation — it cold-flows under sustained load.
- PVDF is far stronger (~50 MPa tensile/yield) and dimensionally stable, but rated lower in temperature (~150°C nominal).
- PVDF is melt-processable and weldable — it lists injection molding, extrusion and 3D printing; PTFE is CNC-only here and must be machined from stock.
- Both rate top chemical resistance (corrosion 5); PTFE edges PVDF on the very harshest media and non-stick behavior.
- Choose PTFE for seals/liners/non-stick, PVDF for load-bearing piping and valves that must hold pressure and shape.
Need PVDF (Kynar) or PTFE (Teflon) parts made?
Use our free tools to finalize your spec, then get a quote from a vetted factory.
Open the Material SelectorGet a Quote →Frequently asked questions
Why can't PTFE be injection molded like PVDF?
PTFE's melt viscosity is so high it doesn't flow like a normal thermoplastic, so it can't be conventionally injection molded or extruded — it's compression-molded and sintered, then machined from stock. PVDF is a true melt-processable fluoropolymer: it can be injection molded, extruded, welded and even 3D printed, which is a major fabrication advantage.
Is PTFE or PVDF stronger?
PVDF, by a wide margin. PVDF runs about 50 MPa tensile and yield, while PTFE is only ~25 MPa tensile with low ~15 MPa yield and a strong tendency to creep under load. For any part that must hold pressure, bear load or keep tolerance, PVDF is structurally reliable where PTFE would cold-flow.
Which handles higher temperature?
PTFE — rated near 260°C continuous (nominal) versus PVDF's ~150°C. If service temperature is the driver, PTFE wins. But remember PTFE is mechanically weak at temperature too, so it's best in non-structural roles like seals and liners; PVDF is the structural fluoropolymer within its lower temperature band.
When does PVDF's weldability matter?
For piping systems and tanks. PVDF can be heat- or socket-welded into leak-tight assemblies for ultrapure and corrosive fluid handling, which PTFE can't match in the same way. If your design relies on welded joints or melt-formed fittings, PVDF is the practical fluoropolymer; PTFE would need mechanical seals and machined parts instead.
Property values are typical/nominal figures for early-stage guidance only and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specifications against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer before production.