Polytetraflouroethylene (TFE) and PVDF both are experiencing long lead times.
Teflon product PTFE (TFE) and PVDF manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that is mined in Mongolia and China. The world demand for this mineral has increased significantly, as well as the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high heat resistance, excellent chemical resistance and extremely low co-efficient of friction (slick) and is utilised in a good deal of applications from non-stick fry cookware to ptfe tape for home use. This specific mineral is the crucial raw materials in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and quite a few refrigerants.This rise in demand bundled with shortage of raw materials is mainly responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double during the last year), shortages, and we expect these two factors to continue in the near future.