Medicinal PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) and PVDC (Polyvinylidene chloride) are both commonly used materials in the pharmaceutical industry for packaging purposes. While they have some similarities, there are significant differences between the two:

Composition:

Medicinal PVC: It is a thermoplastic polymer composed primarily of vinyl chloride monomers. Additional additives are incorporated to enhance its properties such as flexibility, impact resistance, and stability.
PVDC: It is a thermoplastic polymer composed primarily of vinylidene chloride monomers. PVDC is a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and other monomers, typically containing a small percentage of vinyl chloride.
Barrier Properties:

Medicinal PVC: PVC offers moderate barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and other gases. It provides sufficient protection for most pharmaceutical products but may not be as effective for highly sensitive or moisture-sensitive formulations.
PVDC: PVDC is known for its excellent barrier properties. It provides an exceptional barrier against moisture, oxygen, light, and other gases. PVDC-coated films or laminates offer superior protection to ensure the stability and longevity of pharmaceutical products.
Transparency:

Medicinal PVC: PVC is generally transparent, allowing visual inspection of the contents inside the packaging.
PVDC: PVDC films or coatings are highly transparent, providing excellent clarity and visibility of the packaged product.
Chemical Resistance:

Medicinal PVC: PVC is resistant to many common chemicals and has good resistance to oils, fats, and alcohols. However, it may not be compatible with certain solvents or aggressive chemicals.
PVDC: PVDC exhibits high chemical resistance and is compatible with a broader range of solvents and chemicals compared to PVC.
Thermal Stability:

Medicinal PVC: PVC has good thermal stability and can withstand a wide temperature range during processing and storage.
PVDC: PVDC has excellent thermal stability, allowing it to maintain its barrier properties even under high-temperature conditions.
Regulatory Considerations:

Medicinal PVC: PVC is widely accepted and approved for pharmaceutical packaging applications. However, concerns have been raised about the potential leaching of plasticizers (e.g., DEHP) from PVC, especially in certain medical applications.
PVDC: PVDC is generally considered to be a safe and effective barrier material for pharmaceutical packaging. It is often used in applications where enhanced barrier properties are required.
It’s important to note that the specific properties and formulations of medicinal PVC and PVDC can vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended application. Regulatory guidelines and requirements may also dictate the choice of material for pharmaceutical packaging.