Polyvinylidenechloride ( PVDC ) – Properties and Applications – Supplier Data by Goodfellow

Background

Polyvinylidenechloride (PVDC) is a transparent and almost colourless thermoplastic noted for its extremely low permeability to gases. As the homopolymer begins to decompose at or marginally above its melting point (200°C), all commercially available grades are copolymers (with vinyl chloride, acrylates or nitriles) and stabilisers are also normally necessary.

Key Properties

Chemical Resistance
Acids - concentrated		Good
Acids - dilute		Good
Alcohols		Good
Alkalis		Good
Aromatic hydrocarbons		Fair
Greases and Oils		Good
Halogens		Good
Ketones		Fair
Electrical Properties
Dielectric constant @1MHz		3.0-6.0
Surface resistivity ( Ohm/sq )		10¹²-10¹³
Volume resistivity ( Ohm.cm )		10¹²-10¹⁶
Mechanical Properties
Coefficient of friction		0.24
Hardness - Rockwell		R98-106
Izod impact strength ( J m^-1 )		16-53
Tensile modulus ( GPa )		0.3-0.55
Tensile strength ( MPa )		25-110
Physical Properties
Density ( g.cm^-3 )		1.63
Flammability		Self Extinguishing
Limiting oxygen index ( % )		60
Resistance to Ultra-violet		Fair
Water absorption - over 24 hours ( % )		0.1
Thermal Properties
Coefficient of thermal expansion ( x10^-6 K^-1 )		190
Thermal conductivity ( W.m^-1.K^-1 )		0.13 @ 23
Upper working temperature (°C )		80-100
Properties Polyvinylidenechloride Film
Property		Value
Dielectric Strength @25µm thick	KV.mm^-1	160-280
Dissipation Factor @1MHz		0.05-0.08
Elongation at Break	%	30-80
Heat-sealing Temperature	°C	120-150
Permeability to Carbon Dioxide @25°C	x10^-13 cm³.cm.cm^-2.s^-1.Pa^-1	0.02
Permeability to Nitrogen @25°C	x10^-13 cm³.cm.cm^-2.s^-1.Pa^-1	0.0007
Permeability to Oxygen @25°C	x10^-13 cm³.cm.cm^-2.s^-1.Pa^-1	0.004
Permeability to Water @25°C	x10^-13 cm³.cm.cm^-2.s^-1.Pa^-1	7

Applications

Its applications are predominantly packaging and barrier films, often as the barrier layer in multi-layer structures.