What is causing the TFE and Kynar- PVDF extended delivery

Over the past year, the industry has experienced more allocations than I have seen in my 30 years experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have experienced several shortages, and delivery delays stemming from material allocations by plastic resin vendors. This is definitely the first instance I have seen all these issues at the same time.

PTFE Sheet (TFE) and PVDF are both on allocation.

Both of these resins are in short supply. The  PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene product PTFE (TFE) along with PVDF  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that is mined in Mongolia and China. The worldwide interest in this mineral has risen significantly, and also the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance and very low co-efficient of friction (slippery) and is used in tons of purposes from non-stick fry cookware to ptfe tape for home use. This mineral is a important raw material inside the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and quite a few refrigerants.This increase in demand coupled with shortage of raw materials has caused a dramatic price increase (almost double within the past year), shortages, and we expect these two factors to keep at it in the near future.

Acetal Rod