Polyvinylidene Fluoride(PVDF)-5130

Name: Solvay Solef 5130 High-Viscosity PVDF Cathode Binder for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Manufacturer: Solvay (Belgium)

Model: Solef 5130

Product Code: XN-BD-PVDF5130

Description:

Solvay Solef 5130 is a premium high-viscosity polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) homopolymer engineered as the industry-standard cathode binder for high-performance lithium-ion battery formulations. Manufactured via suspension polymerization — a process that delivers fewer impurities and tighter molecular weight control compared to emulsion-polymerized PVDF — Solef 5130 represents the high end of Solvay’s globally recognized PVDF battery binder portfolio. As a result, this binder is used by leading cell manufacturers worldwide for NCM, NCA, LCO, and LFP cathode formulations where binding strength, electrochemical stability, and process consistency are critical. The defining performance characteristics of Solef 5130 include ultra-high molecular weight (intrinsic viscosity 0.27–0.31 L/g), stable performance across the cathode operating voltage window, superior batch-to-batch consistency, and reliable processing in NMP-based slurry formulations. Furthermore, the high molecular weight enables effective binding at reduced binder loading (typical 1–3 wt%), leaving more of the electrode mass available for active material — directly improving cell-level energy density. Solef 5130 is supplied as a fine white powder with density 1.75–1.78 g/cm³, water absorption < 0.20%, melting point 316–331 °F (158–166 °C), and thermal stability > 707 °F (>375 °C). Available in 1 kg packaging.

Application:

Solvay Solef 5130 is designed for high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode slurry preparation, including NCM (NCM 622, NCM 811, NCM 90/95) cathode formulations for high-energy-density lithium-ion cells, NCA (Ni-Co-Al) cathode formulations, lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathode formulations for high-voltage applications (4.4V/4.5V cells), lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode formulations using NMP-based coating processes, lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium-rich layered oxide cathode formulations, separator coating applications where PVDF serves as the binder for ceramic-coated separators, and academic research into cathode binder system optimization for next-generation lithium-ion cells.

Physical Properties:

Mechanical Properties:

Thermodynamic Properties:

Electrical Properties:

Other Properties:

Notes: ① 30 g sample. ② 0.039 in/min. ③ 80 °C until melting. ④ 1% weight loss. ⑤ Voltage < 1V, maintained for 2 minutes; -500V at 23 °C. ⑥ Current = 10 mA, maintained for 2 minutes at 23 °C. The above parameters are for reference only.

Characteristics:

Ultra-high molecular weight for superior binding force

Solef 5130’s ultra-high intrinsic viscosity (0.27–0.31 L/g) reflects the highest molecular weight in Solvay’s PVDF battery binder portfolio. As a result, this grade delivers superior binding force per unit binder mass — enabling effective electrode adhesion at reduced binder loadings (typical 1–3 wt% on dry basis). Therefore, more of the electrode mass is available for active material, directly improving volumetric energy density and gravimetric capacity at the cell level.

Suspension-polymerized for fewer impurities

Solef 5130 is produced via suspension polymerization — a polymerization process that delivers fewer impurities, tighter molecular weight control, and higher purity compared to emulsion-polymerized PVDF. Consequently, this binder supports research and production environments where binder-induced impurity contamination must be minimized to achieve reproducible cell-level performance.

Stable performance across cathode operating voltage

PVDF’s stable C-H/C-F bonded structure delivers reliable electrochemical stability across the full cathode operating voltage range — including high-voltage NCM 811, NCA, and LCO 4.4V/4.5V cathode systems. Therefore, Solef 5130 maintains structural integrity and binding performance throughout extended cycling at elevated voltages where lower-quality PVDF binders may degrade.

High thermal stability for safety and durability

Solef 5130 features melting point 316–331 °F (158–166 °C) and thermodynamic stability > 707 °F (>375 °C) — significantly higher thermal limits than competing binder chemistries. As a result, electrodes formulated with Solef 5130 retain mechanical integrity through cell formation cycling, accelerated aging tests, and elevated-temperature operating environments.

Excellent dielectric properties (resistivity > 10¹⁴ ohm)

Solef 5130 provides surface and volume resistivities greater than 10¹⁴ ohm — ensuring effective electrical isolation between active material particles and supporting clean electrochemical signal acquisition during impedance spectroscopy and cycling characterization. Furthermore, the high resistivity prevents binder-induced internal shorts that compromise cell safety in high-energy applications.

Low water absorption (< 0.20%) for moisture-sensitive cells

The low water absorption (< 0.20% under ASTM D543 conditions) supports moisture-sensitive lithium-ion cell assembly, where water contamination is a leading cause of capacity fade and gas evolution. Therefore, electrodes formulated with Solef 5130 retain dimensional stability and minimal moisture contribution to the cell during glovebox-based assembly and electrolyte filling.

NMP-soluble for industry-standard wet-coating processes

Solef 5130 dissolves cleanly in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) — the industry-standard solvent for cathode slurry preparation. Consequently, this binder integrates seamlessly with existing cathode coating production lines, slurry mixing equipment, slot-die and comma-bar coaters, and NMP recovery systems used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Industry-standard Solvay quality and consistency

Solvay is the global market leader in fluorinated battery binder chemistries, supplying major lithium-ion cell manufacturers worldwide with high-performance PVDF products. As a result, Solef 5130 delivers consistent batch-to-batch performance backed by Solvay’s quality control systems — supporting reliable scale-up from R&D laboratory experiments to industrial production of high-performance lithium-ion cells.

Superior consistency for production environments

The narrow molecular weight distribution of Solef 5130 (intrinsic viscosity 0.27–0.31 L/g) delivers superior batch-to-batch consistency compared to lower-grade PVDF products. Therefore, manufacturers obtain reproducible slurry rheology, consistent coating quality, and stable cell-level performance metrics across production batches — supporting tight quality control in high-volume cell manufacturing.

Recommended Use Procedure:

1. Pre-dissolve Solef 5130 in NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) before adding to slurry. Add PVDF powder slowly to vigorously stirred NMP at moderate temperature (40–60 °C accelerates dissolution); avoid forming clumps that resist dissolution. 2. Continue stirring for 4–8 hours until the PVDF is fully dissolved as a clear viscous solution (high-molecular-weight PVDF takes longer to dissolve than lower-grade PVDF). 3. Prepare cathode slurry following the standard PVDF cathode binder protocol — typical formulation: cathode active material (94–97 wt%, e.g., NCM 811, NCA, LFP), conductive additive (1–2 wt%, carbon black or CNT), Solef 5130 (1–3 wt% on dry basis). 4. First mix the conductive additive with the pre-dissolved PVDF solution to disperse the carbon, then add the cathode active material, mixing under high-shear conditions to achieve homogeneous slurry. 5. Filter the final slurry through a fine-mesh filter to remove any aggregates. 6. Coat onto aluminum current collector foil using standard slot-die or comma-bar coaters. 7. Dry the coated electrode at recommended temperatures (typically 80–120 °C in two-zone drying ovens) to remove NMP solvent. 8. Roll-press to target porosity. 9. Reseal the PVDF container tightly between uses to minimize moisture absorption from ambient air.

Packaging & Storage:

Solvay Solef 5130 is supplied in 1 kg packaging, sealed for shipment and storage. Therefore, store at room temperature in a dry and sealed environment. To maintain product quality, minimize exposure to air and use immediately after opening the package. PVDF powder is hygroscopic — moisture absorption from humid air will alter the moisture content and may affect dissolution behavior, slurry rheology, and final electrode quality. After opening, reseal the container tightly with desiccant if extended storage is required, or transfer to a controlled-humidity environment.

Safety:

For research and industrial laboratory use only. Always wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat) when handling PVDF binder, NMP solvent, or coated electrodes. NMP is a regulated chemical in many jurisdictions (REACH, OSHA) — handle in a fume hood and follow local regulations on solvent use. When PVDF resins are heated to temperatures above 380 °C, decomposition products are released — these decomposition products may include hydrogen fluoride (HF), which is highly toxic. Ovens, process equipment, and the working area must be adequately ventilated. Avoid prolonged inhalation of PVDF powder dust during weighing and slurry mixing operations. Do not store near oxidizers, strong acids, or strong bases. Refer to the Solvay Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for complete safety and handling information.

Note: Specifications listed above are typical values provided by Solvay and are for reference only. Actual performance depends on the specific cathode active material, slurry formulation, NMP quality, coating process parameters, and downstream cell manufacturing conditions — consult published literature and Solvay technical bulletins for guidance on optimal PVDF binder formulation protocols for specific cathode chemistries (NCM, NCA, LCO, LFP, LMO). For researchers exploring complete lithium-ion battery binder workflows, see also Xnergy’s related products: Solvay PVDF 900 (alternative PVDF grade), DAICEL CMC 2200 (CMC co-binder for water-based anode formulations), Nippon Paper MAC350HC, Nippon Paper MAC500HC, ZEON SBR BM-430B (water-based anode binder for graphite anodes), ZEON SBR BM-451B (water-based anode binder for Si-C/SiOₓ anodes), Daikin PTFE Dispersion Binder D-210C (PFOA-free PTFE for dry electrode manufacturing), PTFE Binder Powder, and the full Binders category. For complete electrode formulation systems, see also Cathode Materials (NCM, NCA, LFP, LCO), Anode Materials, Conductive Additives, and Current Collectors.