Solvay doubles PVDF production in China for EV batteries

Materials firm Solvay SA has doubled production capacity for Solef-brand polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at its plant in Changshu, China. In a news release, officials with Solvay in Brussels said that the expansion was needed because of the rapid growth of electric and hybrid vehicles, which is driving record demand for PVDF. The fluoropolymer material is used as a binder and a separator coating in lithium-ion batteries. PVDF allows batteries to perform better, last longer and operate safely, officials said. In February, Solvay had announced an investment of almost $340 million in PVDF production at its site in Tavaux, France. That expansion will make Tavaux the largest PVDF production site in Europe, officials said. Increased production capacity in China shows Solvay’s commitment to ensuring that material is readily available worldwide, officials added. “Demand for lithium-ion…

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