Polymer & Resin - Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a linear hydrocarbon polymer, expressed as CnH2n. Polypropylene is one of those most versatile polymers available with applications, both as a plastic and as a fibre, in virtually all of the plastics end-use markets. Professor Giulio Natta produced the first polypropylene resin in Spain in 1954.

Polypropylene is widely used to produce fibre and monofilament for cordage, rope, carpet backing and facing yarns, upholstery and automotive fabrics, medical fabrics and filters, woven bags and strapping tapes. Automotive components such as bumpers are injection moulded, as are many appliance components, toys and packaging. Extruded sheet is used for chemical plant linings and thinner sheet is used for packaging. Copolymer is specifically used for blow moulded containers requiring good transparency for food or medical packaging. Polypropylene is often the main component in co-extruded multi layer barrier structures for many food packaging applications.

There is a wide range of uses for polypropylene. With its three sub-groups, homopolymers, copolymer and random copolymer, this plastic can be used almost universally. It can not only be used for making packaging, various injection moulding articles and tubing: everyday objects such as carpets, hard-top cases and bumpers - to name but a few examples - are also made from this material .

Homopolymers - A General Purpose Grade that can be used in a variety of different applications.

Block copolymers - incorporating 5-15% ethylene, have much improved impact resistance extending to temperatures below -20oC. Their toughness can be further enhanced by the addition of impact modifiers, traditionally elastomers in a blending process.

Random copolymers - incorporate co-monomer units arranged randomly (as distinct from discrete blocks) along the polypropylene long chain molecule. Such polymers typically containing 1-7% ethylene are selected where a lower melting point, more flexibility and enhanced clarity are advantageous.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Tensile Strength	0.95 - 1.30	N/mm
Notched Impact Strength	3.0 - 30.0	Kj/m2
Thermal Coefficient of expansion	100 - 150	x 10-6
Max Cont Use Temp	80	oC
Density	0.905	g/cm3

We can offer you a whole variety of products for the following fields of application