{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "pvdf-piezo-film",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "fluoropolymers",
  "name": "Piezoelectric PVDF film",
  "abbreviation": "PVDF film",
  "role": "poled, stretched fluoropolymer film for piezoelectric sensors, impact switches and transducers",
  "category": "polymers",
  "type": "fluoropolymers",
  "summary": "Piezoelectric PVDF film is a thin, flexible sheet of poled polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). It produces an electric charge when it is stressed and changes shape when a field is applied. The Measurement Specialties manual lists a mass density of 1.78 g/cm3, a d31 strain constant of 23 (10^-12 m/V) and a limit of 100 °C for use or storage. The manual also reports that the sensor has been used to detect high-speed particle impacts in space.",
  "best_for": "Light, flexible strain, pressure and impact sensors used below 100 °C",
  "weakest_at": "Heat and atomic oxygen: the manual limits use to 100 °C, and PVDF erodes in low Earth orbit (MISSE 2 flight sample)",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "(C2H2F2)n, with repeat unit C2H2F2 (vinylidene fluoride monomer)",
    "designations": [],
    "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
    "where": "Table IV (PVDF Kynar row, formula C2H2F2); Table V (atom counts)"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [
      "low-earth-orbit"
    ],
    "stresses": [
      "atomic-oxygen",
      "uv",
      "total-radiation-dose"
    ],
    "applications": [
      "electronics-and-chips",
      "optics-and-cameras",
      "structures"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Mass density, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 1.78,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "unit_in_source": "10^3 kg/m3 (printed as 1.78 with the unit 10^3 kg/m3)",
        "temperature": "not printed"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed in the manual's Table 1 (Mass Density, PVDF column). The printed unit is 10^3 kg/m3, which equals g/cm3 numerically.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Mass Density row (PVDF column); Table 2, Density row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_constant",
      "label": "Relative permittivity, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 12,
      "value_high": 13,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "frequency": "not printed"
      },
      "method": "Typical values printed in Table 1 (Relative Permittivity, PVDF column). Table 2 gives 12 for PVDF film.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Relative Permittivity row (PVDF column); Table 2, Relative Permittivity row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dissipation_factor",
      "label": "Loss tangent, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 0.02,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "frequency": "1 kHz"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed in Table 1 as tan delta e, Loss Tangent 0.02 at 1 kHz (PVDF column).",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Loss Tangent row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "capacitance_per_area",
      "label": "Capacitance per unit area, 28 um PVDF film",
      "value": 380,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "pF/cm2",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "thickness": "28 µm",
        "frequency": "1 kHz"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed in Table 1 (Capacitance row, PVDF column) for a 28 µm film.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Capacitance row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "piezo_d31",
      "label": "Piezo strain constant d31, piezo film (PVDF), 1 direction",
      "value": 23,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "10^-12 m/V",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "direction": "1 (length or stretch) direction",
        "printed_in_table_2": "23 in (10^-12) C/N"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 23 x 10-12 m/V in the operating-properties section for a typical piezo film element, item 1. Table 2 prints the same 23 for PVDF film with unit (10^-12) C/N.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Operating Properties for a Typical Piezo Film Element, item 1 (1 direction); Table 2, d31 Constant row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "piezo_d33",
      "label": "Piezo strain constant d33, piezo film (PVDF), 3 direction",
      "value": -33,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "10^-12 m/V",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "direction": "3 (thickness) direction"
      },
      "method": "Printed as -33 x 10-12 m/V in the operating-properties section for a typical piezo film element, item 1. Table 1 prints d33 as -33 for PVDF.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Operating Properties for a Typical Piezo Film Element, item 1 (3 direction); Table 1, d33 row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "piezo_g31",
      "label": "Piezo stress constant g31, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 216,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "10^-3 V·m/N",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "stress_direction": "1 (stretch) direction"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 216 in Table 2 (g31 Constant, unit (10^-3) Vm/N, PVDF Film). Table 1 also gives 216 for PVDF.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 2, g31 Constant row; Table 1, g31 row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "electromechanical_coupling_k31",
      "label": "Electromechanical coupling factor k31, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 12,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "frequency": "1 kHz"
      },
      "method": "Printed as k31 Constant 12 % at 1 KHz in Table 2 (PVDF Film). Table 1 gives 12% for PVDF.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 2, k31 Constant row; Table 1, k31 row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "coupling_factor_kt",
      "label": "Thickness-mode coupling factor kt, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 14,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "coupling factor kt, PVDF column of Table 1"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 14% for PVDF in Table 1 (kt Coupling Factor row).",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, kt Coupling Factor row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Young's modulus, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 2,
      "value_high": 4,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "unit_in_source": "10^9 N/m2 (printed as 109 N/m2)",
        "direction": "not printed"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 2-4 for PVDF in Table 1, with the unit 10^9 N/m2. Converted to GPa, which is the same number.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Young's Modulus row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "yield_strength",
      "label": "Yield strength, piezo film (PVDF), stretch axis",
      "value": 45,
      "value_high": 55,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "axis": "stretch axis",
        "unit_in_source": "10^6 N/m2"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 45-55 for PVDF in Table 1, with the unit 10^6 N/m2 (stretch axis). Converted to MPa, which is the same number.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Yield Strength row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "stress_without_failure",
      "label": "Stress applied to a 52 µm film without failure",
      "value": 350,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "thickness": "52 µm",
        "direction": "stretch (n = 1) direction",
        "reported_as": "approximately 350 MPa"
      },
      "method": "Manual text on dynamic range: a recent study subjected a 52 µm thick film to approximately 350 MPa in the stretch direction without failure.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Dynamic Range section (text)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "min_service_temp",
      "label": "Lower end of the temperature range, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": -40,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "Temperature Range row, PVDF column"
      },
      "method": "Table 1 prints a temperature range of -40 to 80...100 °C for PVDF.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Temperature Range row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_service_temp",
      "label": "Upper service limit, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 100,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "manual text: not recommended for use or storage above 100 °C"
      },
      "method": "Text in the Piezoelectric Film Properties section says PVDF is not recommended for use or storage above 100 °C (the degree sign prints garbled). Table 1 prints 80...100 for the upper range.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text); Table 1, Temperature Range row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_operating_field",
      "label": "Maximum operating voltage per thickness, piezo film (PVDF), DC",
      "value": 30,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "V/µm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "field": "DC, 25 °C",
        "printed_as": "750 (30) V/mil (V/µm)"
      },
      "method": "Table 1 prints Maximum Operating Voltage 750 (30) V/mil (V/µm), DC, at 25 °C for PVDF. The 30 is the value in V/µm.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Maximum Operating Voltage row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_strength",
      "label": "Breakdown voltage per thickness, piezo film (PVDF), DC",
      "value": 80,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "V/µm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "field": "DC, 25 °C",
        "printed_as": "2000 (80) V/mil (V/µm)"
      },
      "method": "Table 1 prints Breakdown Voltage 2000 (80) V/mil (V/µm), DC, at 25 °C for PVDF. The 80 is the value in V/µm.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Breakdown Voltage row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "moisture_absorption",
      "label": "Water absorption, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 0.02,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "water absorption as H2O, PVDF column"
      },
      "method": "Printed as <0.02 % H2O for PVDF in Table 1. The text repeats it as <0.02% moisture absorption.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Water Absorption row (PVDF column); Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "pyroelectric_coefficient",
      "label": "Pyroelectric coefficient, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 30,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "10^-6 C/(m2·K)",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "PVDF column of Table 1",
        "printed_unit": "10-6 C/m2 bK (the last symbol prints garbled)"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 30 for PVDF in Table 1, Pyroelectric Coefficient row.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Pyroelectric Coefficient row (PVDF column)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "acoustic_impedance",
      "label": "Acoustic impedance, piezo film (PVDF)",
      "value": 2.7,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "10^6 kg/(m2·s)",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "PVDF Film column of Table 2"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 2.7 for PVDF Film in Table 2, with the unit (10^6) kg/m2-sec.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 2, Acoustic Impedance row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
        "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
        "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
        "year": 1999,
        "kind": "handbook",
        "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "specific_gravity",
      "label": "Specific gravity, Kynar 1000 Series PVDF resin (not the film)",
      "value": 1.76,
      "value_high": 1.78,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Kynar 1000 Series resin",
        "temperature": "23 °C",
        "test": "D792"
      },
      "method": "Printed as 1.76 - 1.78 at D792 / 23 °C in the 1000 Series column. The printed units cell is blank, so the value is dimensionless.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "arkema-kynar-physical",
      "where": "Physical properties table, Specific Gravity row, 1000 SERIES column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Kynar PVDF, contact physical and mechanical properties, Arkema",
        "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, physical and mechanical properties tables",
        "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/contact-physical-and-mechanical-properties/",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "molar_mass",
      "label": "Molar mass of the PVDF repeat unit C2H2F2",
      "value": 64.0338,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/mole",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "repeat_unit": "C2H2F2"
      },
      "method": "NASA TM-2008-215490 Table IV prints the atomic mass units of the PVDF (Kynar) repeat unit as 64.0338 g/mole.",
      "status": "calculated",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
      "where": "Table IV, Polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF (Kynar) row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, 2008), NTRS 20090011780",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
        "year": 2008,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "NASA public document"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "limiting_oxygen_index",
      "label": "Limiting oxygen index, Kynar homopolymer resin",
      "value": 43,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "standard": "ASTM D2863",
        "grade": "Kynar homopolymer resin"
      },
      "method": "Arkema prints a limiting oxygen index of 43 by ASTM D2863 for Kynar homopolymer resin. No unit is printed, so the value is a bare number.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "arkema-kynar-burning",
      "where": "Burning Studies page, flammability paragraph",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Kynar PVDF, burning studies, Arkema",
        "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, burning studies page",
        "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/burning-studies/",
        "year": 2025,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "chemical_resistance_ph_limit",
      "label": "Chemical resistance limit by pH, Kynar homopolymer resin",
      "value": 12,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "pH",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "ambient",
        "basis": "long-term immersion ratings for worst-case conditions"
      },
      "method": "Arkema states that at ambient temperatures Kynar PVDF homopolymers are generally resistant to chemicals with a pH up to 12.",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "arkema-kynar-chemical",
      "where": "Chemical Resistance page, introduction",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Kynar PVDF, chemical resistance and fuel resistance, Arkema",
        "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, chemical resistance page",
        "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/chemical-resistance-fuel-resistance/",
        "year": 2025,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "Acids, weak bases, oxidants and halogens at ambient temperature",
      "headline": "Arkema says Kynar PVDF resists these chemical classes at ambient temperature.",
      "effect": "Arkema says Kynar PVDF resins are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, and that acids, weak bases, halogens, oxidants and salts pose little problem. Its homopolymers are generally resistant at ambient temperature up to pH 12. These statements are for the resin, not the piezo film.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "Kynar resin statements; no test on piezo film",
        "temperature": "ambient"
      },
      "source": "arkema-kynar-chemical",
      "where": "Chemical Resistance page, introduction"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Humid air",
      "headline": "Water absorption stays below 0.02 %.",
      "effect": "The manual lists water absorption below 0.02 % H2O for PVDF and says the film resists moisture and most chemicals. No corrosion test on the film was found.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "Table 1 water absorption; text on moisture resistance"
      },
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Table 1, Water Absorption row; Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text)"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Intense ultraviolet and nuclear radiation",
      "headline": "The manual claims stability to intense ultraviolet and nuclear radiation, and Arkema reports the resin is essentially unchanged after a high gamma dose.",
      "effect": "The manual says PVDF resists intense ultraviolet and nuclear radiation. Arkema says the resin tensile strength is 'essentially unchanged' after '100 megarads (Mrads)' of gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 source at 50 °C in high vacuum, and that impact strength and elongation are slightly reduced.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "dose": "100 megarads gamma, Kynar resin",
        "temperature": "50 °C",
        "atmosphere": "high vacuum, 10-6 torr"
      },
      "source": "arkema-kynar-design",
      "where": "Design Properties page, nuclear radiation paragraph; manual text on stability"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit",
      "headline": "A PVDF (Kynar) sample was measured on the MISSE 2 experiment, but its erosion yield is printed in power-of-ten form and is not recorded here.",
      "effect": "NASA's MISSE 2 PEACE polymer experiment includes PVDF (Kynar), and Table I lists its atomic oxygen erosion yield from the flight samples. The printed value is in exponent form, so it is not recorded in this profile.",
      "rating": "unknown",
      "conditions": {
        "platform": "ISS, MISSE 2 PEACE, low Earth orbit",
        "table": "Table I, MISSE 2 PEACE polymers erosion yield data"
      },
      "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
      "where": "Table I, Polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF (Kynar) row"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Long-term exposure at elevated temperature",
      "headline": "Long-term heat permanently lowers the d33 constant.",
      "effect": "The manual says the d33 constant decays permanently after long-term exposure to elevated temperatures, for film annealed at the temperature given in its Figure 23 caption. It says the film can be annealed to its operating or maximum storage temperature to gain long-term stability.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "annealing_temperature": "70 °C (Figure 23 caption)",
        "note": "decay shown in Figure 23, no table values printed"
      },
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Temperature Effects section, Figure 23 and text"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [
      {
        "text": "Fire: Arkema reports a limiting oxygen index of 43 by ASTM D2863 and a UL 94 V-0 burn rating for Kynar homopolymer resin. These are resin test results, not tests on the piezo film.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "arkema-kynar-burning",
        "where": "Burning Studies page, flammability paragraphs"
      },
      {
        "text": "Fire standards: Arkema says Kynar and Kynar Flex resins meet or exceed NFPA 262 (UL 910 modified Steiner tunnel test for wire and cable), and that some grades pass NFPA 255.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "arkema-kynar-burning",
        "where": "Burning Studies page, NFPA paragraphs"
      }
    ],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Drift of the d33 constant after long-term heating",
        "trigger": "Long-term exposure to elevated temperatures without annealing",
        "consequence": "The manual says the d33 constant decays permanently after long-term exposure at elevated temperature (Figure 23).",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "piezo-manual",
        "where": "Temperature Effects section, Figure 23 and text"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Use or storage above the service limit",
        "trigger": "Use or storage above 100 °C",
        "consequence": "The manual says PVDF is not recommended for use or storage above 100 °C. Its copolymer is rated for a higher limit.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "piezo-manual",
        "where": "Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text)"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Atomic oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit",
        "trigger": "Exposure of PVDF (Kynar) to atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit, as on the MISSE 2 experiment",
        "consequence": "NASA lists a measured erosion yield for PVDF (Kynar) on the MISSE 2 experiment. The value is printed in exponent form and is not recorded here.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
        "where": "Table I, PVDF row"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Electrical pickup from exposed electrodes",
        "trigger": "Electrodes left exposed in a high electromagnetic or RFI environment",
        "consequence": "The manual says the sensor can be sensitive to electromagnetic radiation when electrodes are exposed, and that good shielding techniques exist.",
        "severity": "low",
        "source": "piezo-manual",
        "where": "Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text)"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "Keep the film below 100 °C in use and storage, since the manual says PVDF is not recommended above that temperature.",
        "source": "piezo-manual",
        "where": "Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text)"
      },
      {
        "text": "Shield exposed electrodes in high EMI or RFI environments.",
        "source": "piezo-manual",
        "where": "Piezoelectric Film Properties section (text)"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": [
      {
        "text": "Anneal the film to its highest operating or maximum storage temperature to stabilise long-term piezoelectric properties, as the manual describes.",
        "source": "piezo-manual",
        "where": "Temperature Effects section (text)"
      }
    ]
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "electronics-and-chips",
      "device": "Piezo polymer sensors built on silicon chips",
      "example": "The manual says piezoelectric polymers can be spin-coated onto silicon, polarised in place, metallised in pattern arrays and interconnected with integrated circuits on the chip. No commercial product is named.",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Sensors on Silicon, under Future Applications"
    },
    {
      "application": "optics-and-cameras",
      "device": "Thermal camera sensors",
      "example": "Wikipedia says thin films of PVDF are used in some newer thermal camera sensors, using the pyroelectric effect. The manual says PVDF 'strongly absorbs infrared energy' in the wavelength band that matches human body heat.",
      "source": "wikipedia-pvdf",
      "where": "Properties section"
    },
    {
      "application": "electronics-and-chips",
      "device": "Impact detector for high-speed particles in space",
      "example": "The manual says the sensor has been used to detect the impact of high-speed particles in space. Its bibliography lists PVDF dust detector papers by Tuzzolino (entries F41 and F49).",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Dynamic Range section (text); Appendix B bibliography"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Vibration damping for space-based structures (proposed)",
      "example": "The manual lists the reduction of harmful vibrations in space-based structures among its future applications.",
      "source": "piezo-manual",
      "where": "Active Vibration Damping, under Future Applications"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "Fluorspar (calcium fluoride), feedstock for fluorine chemicals",
      "abundance": "USGS says the United States was 100% net import reliant for fluorspar in 2025, and China held 110,000 thousand t of the 330,000 thousand t world reserves (as printed).",
      "producers": [
        {
          "country": "China",
          "share_percent": 60,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Mexico",
          "share_percent": 15,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Mongolia",
          "share_percent": 15,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "South Africa",
          "share_percent": 4.1,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Vietnam",
          "share_percent": 1.6,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Spain",
          "share_percent": 1.4,
          "year": 2025
        }
      ],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "recycling": "USGS says primary aluminum producers recycle HF and fluorides from smelting operations.",
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-fluorspar-2026",
      "where": "World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025 column (thousand t: China 6,000; Mexico 1,500; Mongolia 1,500; South Africa 410; Vietnam 160; Spain 140; world total 10,000). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the printed world total."
    },
    {
      "subject": "Hydrogen fluoride (feedstock for fluoropolymers)",
      "abundance": "USGS says aqueous hydrogen fluoride is the primary feedstock for virtually all fluorine-bearing chemicals, particularly refrigerants and fluoropolymers.",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-fluorspar-2026",
      "where": "Domestic Production and Use, first paragraph"
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [
    {
      "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual, Measurement Specialties Inc., P/N 1005663-1 REV B (1999)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
      "year": 1999
    },
    {
      "title": "Banks, Backus and de Groh, Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit, NASA/TM-2008-215490",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
      "year": 2008
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Fluorspar",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-fluorspar.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "Arkema Kynar, contact physical and mechanical properties",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/contact-physical-and-mechanical-properties/",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "Arkema Kynar, burning studies",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/burning-studies/",
      "year": 2025
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    "No safety data sheet for the piezo film and no PubChem GHS record for PVDF or vinylidene fluoride could be read: the PubChem page returned a reCAPTCHA check. The hazard entries are Arkema's fire-test statements for PVDF resin.",
    "NASA TM-2008-215490 Table I gives the PVDF erosion yield in power-of-ten form, so the value is not recorded here. The MISSE 2 result is cited for flight exposure only.",
    "Volume resistivity is printed in the manual in exponent form, so it is not recorded.",
    "Absolute permittivity is printed in exponent form, so only the relative permittivity is recorded.",
    "The g33 stress constant appears in Table 1 with a unit column that could not be read reliably from the PDF text, so it is not recorded.",
    "No Curie temperature for PVDF was found in the manual or in the Wikipedia article.",
    "No melting temperature for piezo film was found in the manual. Wikipedia quotes one, but Wikipedia is used here only for composition and history, so it is not recorded.",
    "Outgassing, UV retention and thermal-vacuum data for the piezo film were not found. The manual gives qualitative statements on UV and radiation only.",
    "The Tuzzolino PVDF dust detector papers listed in the manual bibliography (entries F41 and F49) were not opened, and no open paper on PVDF impact detectors in orbit was found.",
    "The web search budget for this run was used up before further open papers on piezoelectric PVDF properties could be found, so the value sources are the 1999 manual and the Arkema resin pages.",
    "Critical-mineral status of fluorspar is not printed in the USGS 2026 chapter read.",
    "No producer shares or plant locations were found for PVDF resin or piezo film.",
    "Chemical resistance is given only by chemical class and by a pH limit for the resin. No per-chemical rating for the piezo film was found.",
    "The piezo constants are typical values from a 1999 manual. No current film maker datasheet was found.",
    "The Arkema values (specific gravity, radiation and chemical resistance, fire tests) are for Kynar resins, not for the piezo film, and the film may differ."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "Piezo film is a thin, flexible PVDF sheet. When it is stressed it produces an electric charge, and when a field is applied it changes shape. The manual says PVDF is more highly piezoelectric than nylon, PVC or the other polymers it compares, and that the film is light, tough and easy to glue. Its use is limited by heat: the manual says PVDF is not recommended for use or storage above 100 °C, and its d33 constant drops after long-term heating.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "Sensors on silicon",
        "line": "The manual says PVDF can be spin-coated onto silicon, polarised in place, metallised and wired to integrated circuits on the same chip."
      },
      {
        "where": "Thermal camera sensors",
        "line": "Wikipedia says thin PVDF films are used in some newer thermal camera sensors. The effect used is pyroelectric, which means the film responds to a change in temperature."
      },
      {
        "where": "Particle impacts in space",
        "line": "The manual says piezo film has been used to detect the impact of high-speed particles in space, and its bibliography lists PVDF dust detector papers by Tuzzolino."
      },
      {
        "where": "Vibration damping (proposed)",
        "line": "The manual lists reducing harmful vibrations in space-based structures among its future applications."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Sense a force",
        "line": "The d31 strain constant is 23 in units of 10^-12 m/V in the stretch direction, and the d33 value is -33 in the thickness direction. The manual calls piezo film a weak transmitter compared with ceramics, but a very sensitive receiver.",
        "benchmark": "piezo_d31",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "23 (10^-12 m/V, stretch direction)"
      },
      {
        "label": "Take a high stress",
        "line": "The manual reports that a 52 µm film was stressed to approximately 350 MPa in the stretch direction without failure.",
        "benchmark": "stress_without_failure",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "350 MPa"
      },
      {
        "label": "Work up to 100 °C",
        "line": "The manual says PVDF is not recommended for use or storage above 100 °C. Its copolymer is rated for a higher limit.",
        "benchmark": "max_service_temp",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "100 °C"
      },
      {
        "label": "Resist moisture",
        "line": "The manual prints water absorption of below 0.02 % H2O for PVDF, and says the film is highly stable against moisture.",
        "benchmark": "moisture_absorption",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "below 0.02 %"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "Piezo film is a light, flexible alternative to piezo ceramics. Table 2 of the manual compares PVDF film with PZT and BaTiO3 ceramics: the film has a lower density, a much lower relative permittivity, a smaller d31 constant and a much lower acoustic impedance, but a higher voltage output for the same force input. The Kynar resin that the film is made from has a specific gravity of 1.76 to 1.78 (Arkema), which is close to the film density.",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Density",
        "benchmark": "density",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Piezo strain constant d31",
        "benchmark": "piezo_d31",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Acoustic impedance",
        "benchmark": "acoustic_impedance",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "Keep the film below 100 °C in use and storage. The manual says PVDF is not recommended above that temperature.",
      "Shield exposed electrodes in high EMI or RFI environments, because the sensor can respond to electromagnetic radiation.",
      "Anneal the film to its operating or maximum storage temperature to stabilise d33 over long periods, as the manual describes.",
      "Check the current safety data sheet from the film supplier before handling. None was found for this film."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Light, flexible sensing: a density of 1.78 g/cm3 and an acoustic impedance of 2.7 (10^6 kg/(m2·s)), closer to water than ceramics.",
      "Impact sensing over a wide range: a 52 µm film took approximately 350 MPa in the stretch direction without failure.",
      "Known space exposure: NASA lists PVDF (Kynar) on the MISSE 2 experiment in low Earth orbit, with an erosion yield printed in Table I."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "Heat: not recommended above 100 °C, and long-term heating permanently lowers d33 (Figure 23).",
      "Atomic oxygen erodes PVDF in low Earth orbit. The MISSE 2 erosion value is not recorded here, so exterior use needs a rate allowance.",
      "Weak as a transmitter compared with ceramics, especially at resonance, according to the manual.",
      "No outgassing or UV retention data for the film were found."
    ],
    "verdict": "PVDF piezo film is a light, flexible, piezoelectric polymer: density 1.78 g/cm3, d31 of 23 (10^-12 m/V) and a 100 °C service limit in the manual. It suits sensors and impact detectors where weight and flexibility matter more than heat resistance. Space exposure data come from a single MISSE 2 flight result.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "Piezo film is a sheet of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a linear polymer whose repeat unit is C2H2F2. The manual says PVDF resin pellets are melt-extruded into a sheet, the sheet is stretched to about one-fifth of its extruded thickness so the chains pack into the beta phase, the film is poled in a very high electric field to align the crystallites, and metal electrodes are then deposited on both faces.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "Carbon",
          "symbol": "C",
          "role": "Two carbon atoms per repeat unit form the CH2 and CF2 backbone.",
          "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
          "where": "Table V, PVDF (Kynar) row (NC = 2)"
        },
        {
          "name": "Hydrogen",
          "symbol": "H",
          "role": "Two hydrogens sit on the CH2 group of each repeat unit.",
          "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
          "where": "Table V, PVDF (Kynar) row (NH = 2)"
        },
        {
          "name": "Fluorine",
          "symbol": "F",
          "role": "Two fluorines sit on the CF2 group of each repeat unit, which makes the film highly polar.",
          "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
          "where": "Table V, PVDF (Kynar) row (NF = 2)"
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "For people",
        "lead": "No classification for the piezo film was found. The only hazard data read are Arkema's fire-test statements for PVDF resin.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Fire",
            "line": "Arkema reports a limiting oxygen index of 43 by ASTM D2863 and a UL 94 V-0 burn rating for Kynar homopolymer resin."
          },
          {
            "label": "Monomer",
            "line": "No hazard record for the vinylidene fluoride monomer was read, because the PubChem page returned a reCAPTCHA check."
          }
        ],
        "level": 1,
        "verdict": "No GHS classification read"
      },
      {
        "title": "If it fails",
        "lead": "Heat is the main limit. The manual says PVDF is not recommended for use or storage above 100 °C.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Heat",
            "line": "Long-term exposure at elevated temperature permanently lowers the d33 constant, as the manual shows in Figure 23."
          },
          {
            "label": "Space",
            "line": "NASA lists a measured atomic oxygen erosion yield for PVDF (Kynar) on the MISSE 2 experiment. The value is printed in exponent form and is not recorded here."
          }
        ],
        "level": 2
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-11-01",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 23,
    "unreachable": 1,
    "caveats": 4,
    "note": "Values read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the 1999 Measurement Specialties manual (PDF text), NASA TM-2008-215490 (NTRS PDF), the USGS 2026 fluorspar chapter and three Arkema Kynar pages. PubChem returned a reCAPTCHA check and was not used. The web search budget for the run was used up, so no further sources were added. Wikipedia is used for uses text only. The Arkema values are for Kynar resins, not the piezo film."
  },
  "sources": {
    "piezo-manual": {
      "title": "Piezo Film Sensors Technical Manual",
      "id": "Measurement Specialties, Inc., Sensor Products Division, P/N 1005663-1 REV B, 02 APR 99",
      "url": "https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/d/a/a/b/b/Piezo_Film_Sensors_Technical_Manual.pdf",
      "year": 1999,
      "kind": "handbook",
      "license": "manufacturer manual, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "wikipedia-pvdf": {
      "title": "Polyvinylidene fluoride, Wikipedia",
      "id": "Wikipedia article, Introduction, Processing and Properties sections",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinylidene_fluoride",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "usgs-fluorspar-2026": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Fluorspar",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026, fluorspar chapter",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-fluorspar.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "US government work"
    },
    "nasa-tm-2008-215490": {
      "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit",
      "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, 2008), NTRS 20090011780",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
      "year": 2008,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "NASA public document"
    },
    "arkema-kynar-burning": {
      "title": "Kynar PVDF, burning studies, Arkema",
      "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, burning studies page",
      "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/burning-studies/",
      "year": 2025,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "arkema-kynar-chemical": {
      "title": "Kynar PVDF, chemical resistance and fuel resistance, Arkema",
      "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, chemical resistance page",
      "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/chemical-resistance-fuel-resistance/",
      "year": 2025,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "arkema-kynar-design": {
      "title": "Kynar PVDF, design properties: solubility and irradiation, Arkema",
      "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, design properties page",
      "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/design-properties-solubility-irradiation/",
      "year": 2025,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "arkema-kynar-physical": {
      "title": "Kynar PVDF, contact physical and mechanical properties, Arkema",
      "id": "Arkema HPP Kynar family, physical and mechanical properties tables",
      "url": "https://hpp.arkema.com/en/product-families/kynar-fluoropolymer-family/contact-physical-and-mechanical-properties/",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "manufacturer web page, linked not reproduced"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/pvdf-piezo-film/"
}