Film and sheet manufacturer expands capabilities

Film and sheet manufacturer Bixby International has expanded its capabilities by producing closed cell, low density Kynar PVDR films.

In technical cooperation with Arkema Inc., Bixby can provide PVDF film and sheet ranging from 5 mils to 0.250 inches thick up to 72 inches wide. The finished product can be in sheeted format or as continuous rolls.

Using an engineered concentrate technology, Kynar PVDF and Kynar Flex PVDF materials can be extruded with up to an 80% reduction in density. The technology is transferable to almost any commercial grade of Kynar PVDF, including grades that are flame-retardant, pigmented, or fibre reinforced. 

Kynar PVDF is a chemically resistant, UL RTI rated up to 150°C, UV resistant, and flame-retardant polymer. Extruding this thermoplastic polymer utilising density reduction technology offers several potential features. 

The low density of the extruded product also allows it to be offered at a reduced cost. Additionally, more rigid grades of Kynar PVDF can be produced to be more flexible. Benefits of this low-density material also include the ability to easily cut the product, even in thicker sections, the capability to reduce thermal conductivity, and the polymer’s ability to be made into floating structures with a density well below 1 g/cc. Top and bottom Kynar PVDF skin can even be extruded on either side of the foamed core to yield colour and aesthetics as desired. All of these new competencies of low density PVDF can be achieved without necessarily losing key characteristics such as chemical resistance, ultimate temperature resistance, flame and smoke testing performance, or the ability to weld or thermoform the sheets and film.

The Kynar PVDF products could be used in chemical exposure applications, flame retardant composites, gaskets and seals, pond liners, tapes, and lightweight components.