Solvay, a global leader in high-performance polymer and composite materials, has entered into a multi-million euro agreement with its longstanding partner Agru, a prominent player in engineered polymer applications. This agreement entails the supply of high-purity Solef® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Through this multi-year contract, Agru secures a dependable source of Solef® PVDF to manufacture ultra-pure water piping systems that are integral to the burgeoning semiconductor sector.

Solvay's Solef® PVDF resins, recognized as a benchmark in the industry, are widely employed in the semiconductor field for crafting pipes, tubing, and fittings within water piping systems. Their exceptional purity sets them apart. Unlike various other plastics, these resins do not necessitate the use of stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, or flame-retardant additives. The chemical inertness of Solef® PVDF, coupled with its minimal release of contaminants, makes it an ideal choice for components within distribution systems for ultra-pure water and other chemically pristine fluids pertinent to the semiconductor industry.

The high-purity Solef® PVDF grades are derived solely from 100% pure polymer feedstock, devoid of any additional substances, and are manufactured in a dedicated production line to prevent potential cross-contamination. These grades exhibit a smooth surface texture and possess a low coefficient of friction, effectively preventing the accumulation of biofilm and bacterial growth. This attribute is of paramount importance for numerous high-tech applications within the semiconductor domain, as well as in the manufacturing of thin-film transistors (TFTs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), as well as the life sciences, food, and photovoltaic sectors. The optimal balance between processability as a neat resin and exceptional mechanical properties renders Solef® PVDF the prime solution for high-pressure piping systems.

Source:solvay.com