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PVDC PLAST

Additive grade

ISO 1043 PVDC · also Saran

PLAST = plasticized cling/wrap film grade

Use for soft, self-clinging household and food-wrap film; lowest stiffness and lowest service temperature.

Premium cost $$$

Values for the PLAST condition

Other PVDC grades and fills

PVDC is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at PVDC.

Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
PLASTThis page
Plasticized cling/wrap film grade
Use for soft, self-clinging household and food-wrap film; lowest stiffness and lowest service temperature.122525045 Shore D
Aqueous PVDC dispersion
Pick for water-based coating of paper, board, PET, BOPP or PVC blister film without solvent handling.153060—
VDC-MADefault
VDC/methyl-acrylate copolymer
Default barrier resin: choose for monolayer or coextruded high-barrier films and casings where melt processing is required.18348065 Shore D
Heat- and light-stabilized grade
Pick when processing residence time or outdoor exposure would otherwise cause HCl release and yellowing.19347066 Shore D
VDC/vinyl-chloride copolymer
Use where higher Tg and solvent-solubility for lacquer coating or blister-film coating are wanted.25405070 Shore D
VDC/acrylonitrile copolymer
Choose for solvent-borne barrier lacquers on paper, cellophane and PET where good film clarity and adhesion are needed.28403072 Shore D
PVDC homopolymer
Pick only when maximum crystallinity/barrier is needed and processing is by solution or sintering — melt processing is impractical.40451575 Shore D

What is PVDC PLAST?

PVDC PLAST is PVDC in the PLAST grade — use for soft, self-clinging household and food-wrap film; lowest stiffness and lowest service temperature. PVDC PLAST has a yield strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) and a tensile strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) — weaker than 88% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 250% and the elastic modulus is 0.25 GPa (0.0363 Msi). PVDC PLAST has a density of 1.66 g/cm³ (0.06 lb/in³), heavier than 94% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -15°C (5 °F). VDC-MA is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PLAST is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Forms and bends easily — 95/100, better than 99% of polymer grades
  • Readily welded — 90/100, better than 94% of polymer grades
  • Low moisture uptake — 0.05%, better than 84% of polymer grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 250%, better than 79% of polymer grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to machine — 10/100, worse than 100% of polymer grades
  • Heavy — 1.66 g/cm³ (0.06 lb/in³), worse than 94% of polymer grades
  • Low strength — 12 MPa (1.74 ksi), worse than 88% of polymer grades
  • Limited service temperature — 60°C (140 °F), worse than 87% of polymer grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 0.14 W/m·K (0.0809 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 81% of polymer grades

PVDC PLAST properties

Typical room-temperature values for PVDC PLAST; 24 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PVDC reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.

Physical7

PVDC PLAST has a density of 1.66 g/cm³ (0.06 lb/in³), heavier than 94% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -15°C (5 °F).

Density1.66 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
Melting Temperature (Tm)165°C329 °F
Glass Transition (Tg)-15°C5 °F
Water Absorption (24 h)0.05%
Water Absorption (Saturation)0.1%
Refractive Index1.61
Light Transmission88%

Mechanical15

PVDC PLAST has a yield strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) and a tensile strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) — weaker than 88% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 250% and the elastic modulus is 0.25 GPa (0.0363 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus0.25 GPa0.04 Msi
Shear Modulus0.18 GPa0.03 Msi
Bulk Modulus0.9 GPa0.13 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.4
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)25 MPa3.6 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)12 MPa1.7 ksi
Elongation at Break250%
Compressive Strength45 MPa6.5 ksi
Flexural Strength10 MPa1.5 ksi
Flexural Modulus0.15 GPa0.02 Msi
Shear Strength14 MPa2 ksi
Izod Impact, Notched55 J/m1 ft·lbf/in
Hardness, Shore D45 Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R100 HRR
Tear Strength25 kN/m143 lbf/in

Thermal10

PVDC PLAST is rated for continuous service to 60°C (140 °F). It conducts heat at 0.14 W/m·K (0.0809 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 81% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 158 µm/m·K (87.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.14 W/m·K0.08 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,150 J/kg·K0.27 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)158 µm/m·K87.8 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)60°C140 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa45°C113 °F
Vicat Softening Point (B50)55°C131 °F
Flammability (UL 94)V-0 (self-extinguishing; high chlorine content, but evolves HCl)
Limiting Oxygen Index55%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)100°C212 °F

Electrical5

PVDC PLAST is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹¹ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in
Dielectric Strength18 kV/mm457 V/mil
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)3.5
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)0.03
Volume Resistivity1×10¹⁴ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (84/100), better than 58% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.

Corrosion ResistanceVery good84/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceFair35/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExcellent against water, dilute acids and alkalis, salts, alcohols, oils, fats and aliphatic hydrocarbons; outstanding gas/aroma barrier. Attacked or swollen by ketones, esters, THF, DMF, cyclohexanone and hot chlorinated solvents; degrades (HCl release, browning) above ~150 °C and under strong UV or amine contact.

Sustainability3

Producing a kilogram of PVDC PLAST takes about 80 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 85% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)80 MJ/kg34,394 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability7

PVDC PLAST's machinability is not recommended (10/100, worse than 100% of polymer grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability excellent (95/100).

MachinabilityNot recommended10/100
WeldabilityExcellent90/100
Formability (cold)Excellent95/100
PolishabilityFair40/100
Mold Shrinkage2%
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)172°C342 °F
Mold Temperature (typ.)30°C86 °F

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with PVDC PLAST

Is PVDC easy to machine?

Rarely machined; if solid stock exists use sharp tools, light cuts and air cooling — frictional heat quickly liberates HCl and discolors the part.

Can PVDC be welded?

Excellent heat sealing and impulse/RF sealing of films at 130–160 °C; solvent bonding possible with THF/MEK blends for lacquer grades.

Can PVDC be formed, bent or molded?

Very narrow melt window (160–185 °C) with short residence time; requires Hastelloy/nickel-alloy screws and dies, purge on shutdown, and low-shear coextrusion with tie layers.

What surface finishes work on PVDC?

Normally used as the barrier ply of a laminate; surface can be corona-treated for printing, but avoid amine-cured inks/adhesives and prolonged UV that dehydrochlorinate the coating.

PVDC chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
vinylidene chloride (VDC) monomer unitsmain chain; homopolymer = 100%80 – 9690
methyl acrylate / vinyl chloride / acrylcomonomer type defines commercial grade family4 – 2010
chlorine (elemental content)source of barrier and self-extinguishing behaviour63 – 7368
plasticizer (e.g. dibutyl sebacate, ATBCfilm/wrap grades only0 – 83
heat/light stabilizer + acid scavenger +epoxidized oils, phosphites, waxes0.2 – 31.5

PVDC PLAST — frequently asked

What is PVDC PLAST used for?

PVDC PLAST is typically used for food packaging film, barrier coatings on PET/PP film, sausage casings, moisture/oxygen barrier layers and industrial coatings. In short: highest-barrier vinyl polymer; coating and film, not structural; very narrow melt window.

What is the yield strength of PVDC PLAST?

PVDC PLAST has a typical yield strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) and a tensile strength of 25 MPa (3.63 ksi) — weaker than 88% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is PVDC PLAST easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (10/100, worse than 100% of polymer grades). Rarely machined; if solid stock exists use sharp tools, light cuts and air cooling — frictional heat quickly liberates HCl and discolors the part.

Can PVDC PLAST be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent heat sealing and impulse/RF sealing of films at 130–160 °C; solvent bonding possible with THF/MEK blends for lacquer grades.

What surface finishes work on PVDC PLAST?

Normally used as the barrier ply of a laminate; surface can be corona-treated for printing, but avoid amine-cured inks/adhesives and prolonged UV that dehydrochlorinate the coating.

Can PVDC PLAST be formed, bent or molded?

Very narrow melt window (160–185 °C) with short residence time; requires Hastelloy/nickel-alloy screws and dies, purge on shutdown, and low-shear coextrusion with tie layers.

What is the maximum service temperature of PVDC PLAST?

PVDC PLAST is rated for continuous use to about 60°C (140 °F), and briefly to 100°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between PVDC VDC-MA and PVDC HOMO?

VDC-MA is the default condition — default barrier resin: choose for monolayer or coextruded high-barrier films and casings where melt processing is required. HOMO: pick only when maximum crystallinity/barrier is needed and processing is by solution or sintering — melt processing is impractical. Yield strength is 18 MPa in VDC-MA versus 40 MPa in HOMO.

Sources

  1. ISO 1043-1 Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — ISO (2011)
  2. Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
  3. Polymer Handbook, 4th ed. — Wiley (1999)
  4. SARAN barrier resins — product and processing data — Dow / SK Functional Polymer (2020)
  5. IXAN / DIOFAN PVDC resins and latices technical data — Solvay / Solvin (2019)
  6. Krehalon PVDC barrier and shrink films — Kureha (2021)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.