Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)

PVDC is very similar to PVC. As in the case of PVC it is made by the emulsion polymerization of vinylidene chloride. The formation of polyvinylidene chloride physical gels are generally classified into the crystallization induced gelation and then the microcrystals could be only formed by the association of syndiotactic sequences as junction points in the network structure of gels.

Polyvinylidene chloride displays an extremely low permeability to a wide variety of gases, originating from the combination of two characteristics: a high degree of crystallinity (up to 80% and a high packing density of polymer chains.

The PVDC copolymer can be heat-sealed and serves as an excellent barrier to gases. It is generally presented as a copolymer with vinyl chloride, acrylates or nitriles to adapt its properties to a variety of uses.

The major applications of PVDC include packaging of poultry, cured meats, cheese, snack foods, tea, coffee and confectionery and modified atmosphere packaging of food products.
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)