(C2H2Cl2)n
What is Polyvinylidene Chloride?
Polyvinylidene Chloride is synthesised from ethylene dichloride. Introduced by DOW Chemicals in 1939, the PVDC monomer is used in the manufacture of barrier coatings, fibres and plastics.
Because of its superior qualities as a barrier against water, oxygen and aromas, about 85 percent of PVDC is used as a thin layer between cellophane, paper and plastic to improve the packaging performance.
Other, industrial uses include screens, artificial turf, waste-eater treatment materials and underground materials.
PVDC and the Environment
It isn't PVC, but PVdC does contain chlorine and promotes concerns about end-of-life disposal through incineration where it generates a similar quantity of dioxins as PVC 1.
References
1 Yasuhara et al. Research Centre for Material Cycles and Waste Management, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan.