Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC film is a specialized composite material widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for blister packaging of solid oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules. This film combines the mechanical strength and formability of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) with the excellent barrier properties of PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride), ensuring the protection and stability of sensitive medications.
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC film is a high-performance composite material widely used in pharmaceutical packaging, with its core function being to provide excellent barrier properties and physical protection.
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC film is a key material for blister packaging. Its structural integrity and enhanced barrier performance complement each other, effectively protecting sensitive drugs.
| Category | Details |
| Features | Easy to form, Fast heat sealing, High barrier, Chemical resistance, Easy to process |
| Usage | Mainly used for blister packing of medicine tablets and capsules |
| Main Products | Different width and thickness of transparent sheet/color sheet, 40g/㎡, 60g/㎡, 90g/㎡, 120g/㎡ coating |
| Thickness | 0.20mm - 0.60mm |
| Width | 80mm - 1000mm |
| Winding Diameter | 275mm - 500mm |
The combination of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) films in blister packaging provides excellent barrier performance, making it particularly suitable for environment-sensitive products. This combination can significantly extend the shelf life and stability of products, ensuring that contents remain fresh throughout the storage period.
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film Composition and Structure
The typical structure of pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC film includes:
- PVC Layer: Serves as the thermoforming substrate, providing rigidity and ease of processing.
- PVDC Coating: Coated on the PVC layer, this coating enhances the film's barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light, which is critical for maintaining the efficacy of sensitive drugs.
| Material Type | Application | Properties | Thickness/Coating Weight | Remarks |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Serves as the thermoforming base layer, providing rigidity and structural support | Rigid PVC (RPVC) offers good hardness and resistance to deformation | Typical thickness range: 200μm to 300μm Standard thickness: 250μm | Commonly used as the base material for pharmaceutical blisters |
| PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) | Coated on the surface of PVC to enhance barrier performance | Excellent moisture and oxygen resistance | Coating weight: 40 gsm to 180 gsm Heavier coating, better barrier performance | PVC/PVDC structure is widely used for packaging drugs sensitive to moisture and oxygen |
PVDC coating weight varies, typically ranging from 40 to 120 grams per square meter (gsm), depending on the required barrier performance.
Common Structure Forms of Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film
- Double Layer: PVC + PVDC (e.g., 250μ PVC / 40gsm PVDC).
- Triple Layer: PVC + PE (Polyethylene) + PVDC. The PE layer aids in deep-draw thermoforming.
| Structure Type | Material Layers | Features and Applications |
| PVC/PVDC | PVC + PVDC | Standard pharmaceutical packaging structure, suitable for most solid preparations, good barrier performance |
| PVC/PE/PVDC | PVC + PE + PVDC | Used for pharmaceutical packaging requiring higher sealing and barrier performance, such as liquid capsules and highly hygroscopic solids |
Below is a detailed tabular presentation of the structure of Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film (Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Rigid Film), including basic composition and typical composite structures:
| Layer Level | Material | Main Function | Common Parameters |
| Base Layer | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Provides mechanical strength and thermoforming performance | Thickness: 60–400 μm Width: 50–1200 mm |
| Intermediate Layer (Optional) | PE (Polyethylene) | Improves heat sealing and liquid sealing performance | — |
| Coating Layer | PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) | Provides high barrier (against oxygen and moisture) | Coating weight: 40 / 60 / 90 / 120 g/m² |
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film Technical Parameters and Selection
| Parameter Category | Typical Range/Specification |
| PVC Thickness | 60–400 μm |
| PVDC Coating Weight | 40/60/90/120 g/m² |
| Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) | <0.5 g/m²·24h (high barrier grade) |
| Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) | <5 cm³/m²·24h·atm (high barrier grade) |
Comparison Between PVC and PVC/PVDC Rigid Film
| Comparison Item | PVC Rigid Film | PVC/PVDC Composite Rigid Film |
| Structure | Single-layer Polyvinyl Chloride | PVC Substrate + PVDC Coating |
| Barrier Properties | Relatively Low | Over 5x Improvement in Moisture/Oxygen Barrier |
| Suitable Pharmaceuticals | Drugs with General Stability | Moisture/Oxidation-Sensitive Drugs |
| Cost | Low (General Purpose) | Relatively High (Positively Correlated with PVDC Coating Weight) |
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film Features
- Enhanced Barrier Protection: The PVDC layer significantly reduces moisture and oxygen transmission, extending the shelf life of pharmaceuticals.
- High Transparency: Contents are clearly visible, aiding product identification and consumer confidence.
- Excellent Mechanical Strength: The PVC substrate provides outstanding durability and resistance to physical damage during handling and transportation.
- Thermoformability: Easy to form into various blister shapes and sizes, suitable for different pharmaceutical applications.
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, ensuring packaging and drug integrity.
| Property Category | Description |
| Barrier Performance | Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR): From 3.0 g/m²/day (pure PVC) to 0.06–0.65 g/m²/day with PVDC coating. Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR): From 20 mL/m²/day (pure PVC) to 0.1–1 cc/m²/day with PVDC coating. |
| Thermoformability | Compatible with rotary and flatbed blister machines. Requires adjustment of heating plate temperature (approximately 2–3°C higher than standard PVC). |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to pharmaceuticals, oils, and fats. |
| Transparency and Customizability | Available in transparent, white, or colored films (e.g., red, green) to enhance product visibility and brand recognition. |
| Tamper-Evident | Ensures product safety with secure heat sealing. |
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC Film Applications
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC films are primarily used for:
- Blister Packaging: Suitable for packaging tablets, capsules, and other solid oral dosage forms.
- Dose Packaging: Suitable for single-dose units, improving patient compliance and convenience.
- Specialty Drugs: Provides extra protection for moisture and oxygen-sensitive drugs (e.g., antibiotics and vitamins).
- Pharmaceuticals: Mainly used for tablets, capsules, and lozenges to extend shelf life and preserve efficacy.
- Health Supplements: Protects vitamins and supplements from environmental degradation.
- Medical Devices: Used for packaging syringes and catheters, ensuring sterility.
PVC/PVDC Film Advantages Over Other Solutions
- Cost-Effective: PVDC coating is more economical compared to PCTFE or COC composites.
- Versatility: Compatible with various packaging formats (blister packaging, small pouches).
- Extended Shelf Life: Essential for drugs sensitive to humidity and oxygen.
Pharmaceutical PVC/PVDC films provide a reliable and effective packaging solution for sensitive drugs, ensuring their stability, safety, and efficacy throughout the entire shelf life.
Main Products from HC Aluminum
HC Aluminum offers transparent and colored films in different widths and thicknesses. Our products have high transparency, minimal bubbles, clear textures, and good formability, suitable for heat sealing with blister foil.
Specifications for PVC/PVDC Film Aluminium Blister include:
Coating weights: 40g/㎡, 60g/㎡, 90g/㎡, 120g/㎡.
Different product specifications can be customized according to client requirements to meet specific packaging needs.
- PVC Film Aluminium Blister: Basic blister pack with PVC and aluminum for moisture and light protection.
- PVC/PVDC Film Aluminium Blister: Enhanced barrier properties with PVDC for sensitive products.
- PVC/PE PET/PE Film Aluminium Blister: Multi-layer structure providing a combination of benefits from various plastics, suitable for different applications.
PVC/PVDC film aluminium blister is a high-quality packaging solution that combines efficient moisture and gas barrier properties with good processing characteristics, widely used for pharmaceuticals and other products requiring high protection.
Storage Precautions for PVC/PVDC
- Best storage conditions: 20°C, relative humidity 50%.
- Normal storage conditions: not exceeding 30°C, relative humidity ≤ 70%. During storage, avoid light and moisture; unused PVDC rolls must be packed in black PE bags to prevent discoloration from light exposure.
- Under normal storage conditions, the product retest period is 12 months.
- Handle, transport, and use with care; avoid impacts and drops to prevent breakage.
- If stored at low temperatures, allow the material to sit at room temperature above 18°C for at least 24 hours before use to prevent breakage.
- When using, ensure the PVDC side is heat sealed to the PTP aluminum foil; unless otherwise specified, the PVC/PVDC finished roll has the PVDC side facing inward.
- The heating plate temperature during thermoforming should generally be 2-3°C higher than the same thickness PVC sheet (specific adjustments may be necessary depending on equipment).
- The sealing temperature should be about 5-10°C higher than the same thickness PVC sheet (specific adjustments may be necessary depending on equipment).
- PVC/PVDC has poor surface lubricity and easily sticks to the heating plate and mold of the blister machine, requiring careful maintenance. Regular cleaning of the heating plate with alcohol is recommended, and reapplication of non-stick coatings on worn heating plates. Using Teflon high-temperature adhesive tape on the heating plate surface can also help prevent sticking, and molds should be regularly cleaned with alcohol to prevent stains.
