Table of Contents
Basics and molecular structure of PVDF
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has significantly expanded its technological applications due to its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties as well as its mechanical, chemical and thermal resistance…
The molecular structure of PVDF consists of alternating CH₂ and CF₂ groups, resulting in unique chemical and electrical properties. The crystallinity of PVDF can form different phases (α, β, γ, δ), with the β phase being of particular importance for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Structural properties:
- Semi-crystalline polymer with variable crystallinity between 50-70%
- Melting point between 170-180°C for homopolymers
- Glass transition temperature around -35°C
- Operating temperature range from -40 to 160°C
- Different crystalline phases with different electrical properties
The exceptional properties of PVDF make it a valuable material for the biomedical sciences, both for the production of drugs as a sterilizing filter and as a filter for sample preparation for analytical purposes.
β-phase and piezoelectric properties
The β-phase of PVDF exhibits outstanding electrical properties including piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric properties. These electroactive properties are increasingly important in applications such as energy storage, spintronic devices, biomedicine, sensors and smart scaffolds.
The piezoelectric properties of PVDF are used in the manufacture of tactile sensor arrays, low-cost strain gauges and lightweight audio transducers. This versatility enables innovative applications in areas ranging from energy harvesting and sensor technology to medical diagnostics and actuator technology.
Piezoelectric characteristics:
- β-phase enables maximum piezoelectric activity
- Outstanding dielectric properties
- Possibility of mechanical-electrical signal conversion
- Application in tactile sensor arrays and strain gauges
- Use in lightweight audio converters and sensors
- Use in energy harvesting applications
Chemical resistance and biocompatibility
The various properties of this material, such as heat resistance, resistance to chemical corrosion and low protein binding properties, make it valuable in the biomedical sciences. PVDF materials offer special cleanliness and sterility of rooms and equipment in the pharmaceutical industry, and due to excellent deformation characteristics and heat resistance, they allow autoclaving
Resistance properties:
- High chemical resistance to various substances
- Minimal tissue reaction and biocompatibility
- Antithrombogenic properties
- Low protein binding
- Autoclavability and sterilizability
- Resistance to aggressive environments
- No allergic reactions during surgical applications
In the pharmaceutical industry PVDF materials are used as packaging for medical instruments. Surgical sutures made of PVDF are resistant to chemicals, do not cause allergic reactions and have an extremely high tensile strength.
PVDF variants and copolymers
PVDF is ideal for biomedical membrane applications and wastewater treatment. This is due to properties such as thermal stability, chemical resistance and processability. The versatility of PVDF is enhanced by various copolymers that offer specific properties for different applications.
PVDF and its copolymers show excellent processability and chemical resistance to a wide range of substances. This adaptability enables the production of customized materials for specific medical and pharmaceutical applications.
PVDF variants:
- Homopolymer PVDF: Maximum crystalline properties and strength
- PVDF-HFP: Improved flexibility and processability
- VDF-TrFE: Optimized ferroelectric properties
- Nanocomposites: Enhanced mechanical and electrical properties
- Electrospun fibers: Increased surface area for filtration and sensing applications
Medical and pharmaceutical applications
PVDF can be used as a component of implants and sutures. This versatility makes PVDF a preferred material for applications in tissue engineering, wound healing and drug delivery.
Main areas of application:
- Sterilizing filters and membrane separation processes
- Surgical sutures and implant components
- Biomedical sensors and actuators
- Wound healing applications and tissue engineering
- Drug delivery systems
- Medical packaging and sterile rooms
- Diagnostic and therapeutic devices
- Energy harvesting for implantable electronics
PVDF has proven to be an absolutely ideal material for gynecological applications and is increasingly being used in biomedical research. The combination of mechanical, chemical and electrical properties makes PVDF indispensable for modern medical technology innovations.
Conclusion
PVDF is a key material for pharmaceutical and medical applications due to its unique combination of piezoelectric properties, chemical resistance and biocompatibility. The possibility of customization through different copolymers and processing methods as well as the exceptional stability under extreme conditions make PVDF indispensable for innovative medical technology solutions. From piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesting systems to sterilizable membranes and biocompatible implants, PVDF offers the versatility and reliability needed for the future of medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry.
Bibliography
PMC (2019). Properties and Applications of the β Phase Poly(vinylidene fluoride). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6415445/
PMC (2021). Electrospun PVDF Nanofibers for Piezoelectric Applications. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7825031/
PMC (2025). A Comprehensive Review of Piezoelectric PVDF Polymer Fabrications and Characteristics. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12029650/
Preprints.org (2025). A Comprehensive Review of Piezoelectric PVDF Polymer Fabrications and Characteristics. Available at: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202501.0023/v1
ScienceDirect (2025). Polyvinylidene fluoride in biomedical applications: Properties, challenges, and future prospects. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014305725001776
Springer Journal of Materials Science (2024). Properties, characterization and biomedical applications of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): a review. Verfügbar unter: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10853-024-10046-3
