Why is there Teflon and Kynar- PVDF long lead times
Within the last year, the business has experienced more shortages than I have seen during my three decades experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have witnessed several shortages, and delivery delays caused by resin allocations by resin manufacturers. This is actually the first time I have seen all these issues at one time. PTFE (TFE) and PVDF are both on allocation. These two resins are in short supply. The PTFE Sheeting product PTFE (TFE) as well as Kynar-PVDF manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar which is mined in Mongolia and China. The world requirement for this mineral has risen significantly, and the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance and really low co-efficient of friction (slick) and is utilised in a lot of applications from non-stick fry griddles to ptfe tape for personal use. This mineral is the essential raw materials within the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorol...