Arkema starts up 15% PVDF binder capacity expansion at its Kentucky plant

Arkema has begun a 15% expansion of its polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) capacity at its Calvert City, Kentucky site. The company has invested around $20 million in the project.

PVDF is one of the main binder materials used in lithium-ion battery electrodes, where it holds the active material onto the current collector. It is also used in separator coatings.

Arkema says the Calvert City site gives it a local supply base for North American customers, supporting demand for lithium-ion cells used in EVs and energy storage systems (ESS). PVDF’s electrochemical stability and adhesion suit it to the electrode environment, the company explains.

Arkema has also announced a 20% PVDF expansion for its plant in China, which the company expects to complete in 2028. Arkema has production sites in North America, Europe and Asia, and says the regional footprint positions it to supply PVDF worldwide.

“This expansion marks an important step in strengthening our global PVDF leadership and our ability to support the rapid growth of strategic markets,” said Laurent Tellier, Senior Vice President of Arkema’s High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases. “The continued strong growth observed across energy storage, electronics and infrastructure applications confirms the relevance of this investment.”

Source: Arkema