PVDC and vinylidene chloride copolymers

The homopolymer of 1,1-dichloroethylene (or vinylidene chloride), discovered in 1930 by the Americans Feisst and Staudinger, polymerizes readily from its monomer. Its physical properties, particularly its high crystallinity, make it difficult to process. Indeed, VDC homopolymer is insoluble in most common organic solvents, and its melting temperature is higher than its thermal degradation temperature. For these reasons, industrial products are always PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) copolymers, which are easier to process.