Polypropylene Plastic
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics in the world. Polypropylene uses range from plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment and even fibres and textiles. It is a rigid, semi-crystalline thermoplastic that was first polymerised in 1951 and is used widely today in a range of domestic and industrial applications. Today, global demand for polypropylene is estimated at around 45 metric tons and this figure continues to rise exponentially.
Polypropylene has a slippery, tactile surface, making it ideal for:
– plastic furniture
– low friction applications, such as gears in machinery and vehicles.
It is highly resistant to chemical corrosion, making it an excellent choice for packaging for:
– cleaning products
– bleaches
– first-aid products
It offers excellent fatigue resistance and elasticity, securing it a well-deserved reputation for toughness and durability. Polypropylene (PP) has high insulation properties too, making it safe to use for plastic casing in electrical goods and cables. In its fibre form, polypropylene (pp) uses are not limited to not only useful for tote bags but also encompass a much wider range of other products, including ropes, twine, tape, carpets, upholstery, clothing and camping equipment. Its waterproof properties make it especially effective for the marine sector. In the automotive industry, polypropylene is also used widely, for example in for battery casings, trays and drink holders, bumpers, interior details, instrumental panels and door trims.
Finally, the medical world appreciates the waterproof properties of polypropylene too, as well as its flexible strength, resistance to mould, bacteria and chemical corrosion. It cleans well a sit can stand up to steam sterilisation methods. Some medical applications include:
- syringes
- medical vials
- Petri dishes
- pill containers
- specimen bottles
Material properties and types of polypropylene
This versatile thermoplastic and polymer are popular due to its highly flexible properties, lighter density and ability to adapt to a range of fabrication techniques. The different variations in polypropylene have led the material to be known as the ‘steel’ of the plastic industry, as it can be used and manipulated a number of ways.
There are two main types of polypropylene thermoplastics:
– Homopolymers
– Copolymers
Homopolymers contain only propylene monomers in semi-crystalline form Main uses include textiles, packaging, pipes, medical components and electrical applications.
Copolymers are divided into random copolymers and block copolymers, produced by polymerising propene and ethene together. Copolymers contain higher amounts of ethylene, which result in an increase in desirable properties within the polypropylene. They are softer than homopolymers but have better impact strength.
Polypropylene can function as both a plastic and fibre type of thermoplastic. This allows for a vastly increased range of uses. It can be used as a fibre, such as in the manufacture of promotional tote bags and ‘bag for life’ shopping carriers. It is soft, malleable and has a relatively low melting point, making it very easy to be used in the injection moulding process, where it is supplied in pellets. It flows well too, due to its low melt viscosity.
Source: https://adrecoplastics.co.uk/polypropylene-uses/
Our recycled Polypropylene (PP) granules are 100% made from post consumer and industrial waste material. It’s packed in a 25kg durable brown paper sack with monthly capacity up to 30mt. Kindly contact us to find out more about our recycled Polypropylene granules.
Polypeth Ekspor Indonesia is a supplier and export recycled plastic pellets (HIPS & PP) from Indonesia. We work with plastic recycling manufacturers with years of experience to provide and ensure high quality & the safety of our recycled plastic pellets. Together we reduce the use of virgin plastic resin and reduce the waste of virgin plastic pollution.
To find out more about Polypeth Ekspor Indonesia’s products and services, speak to the team by clicking here.