Pharmaceutical PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) are both commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, but they have distinct characteristics and applications. Here are the key differences between the two materials:

Composition:

Pharmaceutical PVC: It is a thermoplastic polymer composed of vinyl chloride monomers.
PVDC: It is a thermoplastic polymer composed of vinylidene chloride monomers.
Barrier Properties:

Pharmaceutical PVC: PVC has relatively low oxygen and moisture barrier properties, making it permeable to gases and liquids.
PVDC: PVDC offers excellent barrier properties against oxygen and moisture, making it highly resistant to gas and liquid permeation.
Clarity:

Pharmaceutical PVC: PVC is often transparent or clear in appearance, allowing easy visibility of the contents.
PVDC: PVDC is typically opaque or translucent and does not offer the same level of clarity as PVC.
Chemical Resistance:

Pharmaceutical PVC: PVC is generally resistant to many chemicals, including acids, bases, and alcohols.
PVDC: PVDC exhibits excellent chemical resistance against a wide range of chemicals, including solvents, acids, and alkalis.
Applications:

Pharmaceutical PVC: PVC is commonly used in medical devices, such as IV bags, tubing, and containers, due to its flexibility, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness.
PVDC: PVDC is often utilized as a barrier coating in pharmaceutical blister packaging to provide protection against moisture, oxygen, and light.
Regulations:

Pharmaceutical PVC: PVC used in pharmaceutical applications must comply with specific regulations and standards, such as USP Class VI (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP 3.1 (European Pharmacopoeia).
PVDC: PVDC coatings used in pharmaceutical packaging must also meet regulatory requirements and standards, such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations.