In the plastic industry, few materials are as sought-after as polypropylene (PP). This thermoplastic polymer can be readily adapted for a variety of fabrication methods, resulting in many different polypropylene uses and applications. Although less widely used than polyethylene, polypropylene boasts unique properties that make it the more versatile choice of material. This thermoplastic is used to create everything from polypropylene bags to gears for machinery. Its broad scope of applications across so many industries means there’s a growing global demand for the material, with new uses being discovered all the time. Ready to learn more about this innovative material? Below, we’ll take a closer look at what polypropylene is, how it’s made, and how it’s used.
Polypropylene is a type of thermoplastic polymer resin that was first discovered in the 1950s. As with any thermoplastic resin, polypropylene can be melted, cooled, and reheated without any major degradation to the material itself. Because it liquifies rather than burns when exposed to very high temperatures, polypropylene is a popular choice of material for manufacturing plastic products.
What’s more, polypropylene boasts incredible chemical-resistant properties. Because it can cope with exposure to acidic solutions, it’s a particularly good choice of material when creating containers for things like cleaning products. It’s also a relatively tough material, offering excellent energy-absorption properties and withstanding breaking when distorted and bent. Finally, it’s resistant to electricity. This makes polypropylene an obvious choice when manufacturing electronics.
Although the majority of polypropylene is used by the packaging industry, polypropylene uses extend far beyond this. The key properties of the material can be heavily modified, allowing it to be tailored to specific needs. Along with creating heavy-duty packaging solutions, polypropylene can be used to create garments, medical items, automotive parts, housewares, and much more.
Still not sold on the benefits of polypropylene? Below are some key properties that will have you rethinking your opinion of this standout material.
The tensile strength of polypropylene is approximately 4800 psi. This makes the material exceptionally durable. What’s more, despite being a relatively lightweight material, polypropylene can cope with heavy loads with ease.
Despite its robustness, polypropylene is a lightweight material, opening up the scope for manufacturing all kinds of products. Its flexible nature further also broadens its manufacturing potential.
Polypropylene has a fairly high melting temperature of 327°F, while its maximum operating temperature is 180°F. This makes it a good option for creating products and mechanical components that need to function at higher temperatures.
Polypropylene is an ideal choice of material for food packaging and a much better option than many other plastics. Approved by the FDA, polypropylene has a high heat tolerance that helps prevent leaching when used to package food or beverages.
Because it is almost impermeable, with a chemical structure that’s highly resistant to moisture. This makes it well-suited to marine applications, while also ensuring it’s a good choice for heavy-duty packaging.
Although polypropylene does lose some of its strength during the process, products like polypropylene bags can be recycled once separated from other plastics.
Because of its many applications, polypropylene is one of the most commonly used types of manufactured plastic. In fact, it comes second only to polyethylene. Below are just a few common uses of this popular choice of plastic.
The flexible form of polypropylene can be used as a replacement for everyday packaging materials such as cellophane and paper. Not only is it more robust than these materials, but it’s also generally cheaper. Polypropylene film is used to package everything from clothing to tobacco products, but can also be used as a food packaging solution. Rigid packaging made from polypropylene is used to create bottle caps, thin food containers, pallets, crates, and more.
Polypropylene is frequently used in the textile manufacturing industry. Its durability makes it a good option for manufacturing clothing that can cope with wear and tear, while its ability to withstand exposure to the elements adds to the longevity of garments created with polypropylene. It’s both an efficient insulator and helps keep skin cool, meaning it can be used to create both winter-ready and summer-appropriate garments.
This material is used throughout the fashion industry to create all manner of products. Besides clothing, polypropylene can also be used to create other wearables like jewelry. As it’s moldable, it can be used to create intricate designs, while its hypoallergenic nature also makes it an attractive choice for those with sensitive skin.
Polypropylene offers impressive chemical resistance. Combined with its biological-resistant properties, polypropylene is an obvious choice for the medical industry. It can be used to create medical equipment like surgical tools, along with medical equipment like specimen bottles, Petri dishes, and more. It can even be used in some medical procedures.
Because polypropylene can be easily molded and is relatively inexpensive, this thermoplastic material is favored by the automotive industry. Used to manufacture everything from interior trims to vehicle bumpers, polypropylene is an incredibly processable material that also scores top marks for impact and chemical resistance.
You’ll encounter polypropylene daily, largely due to the fact that so many consumer goods are made from this wonder material. Polypropylene is frequently used to create home furnishings like floor coverings, with the thermoplastic fibers offering excellent durability that copes well with heavy foot traffic. Furthermore, polypropylene has superior color fastness, ensuring goods like rugs and carpets remain looking their best for years. It’s also commonly used in upholstery, while the thermoplastic polymer resin is also used to manufacture molded furniture.
Because of its impact resistance, rigid polypropylene is also perfect for creating bags. From basic backpacks to heavy-duty suitcases, polypropylene is the ideal material to keep your valuables protected in transit. The material is also used to house all manner of liquids, from fruit juices to toiletries and beauty products.
This moldable plastic is also a great choice for creating toys and accessories for kids, while its processing-friendly properties make it a good fit for 3D printing applications. Everything from thermoplastic prototypes to complete functioning models can be created with polypropylene.
Although there are many benefits of using polypropylene, this thermoplastic material isn’t without its drawbacks. For one, the material has fairly poor UV resistance. After extended exposure to sunlight, its chemical structure can degrade, with polypropylene becoming more fragile.
What’s more, while the rigid nature of the material makes it a good choice for many things, stiffness limits its applications elsewhere. It’s also difficult to apply adhesives to polypropylene, with surfaces needing to be specially treated in order to make bonding possible.
Finally, polypropylene isn’t the most eco-friendly of materials. As with other types of plastic, it’s made using fossil fuels and most forms of the material are not biodegradable. However, the environmental impact of this thermoplastic can be offset with proper waste management. Polypropylene can also be recycled, enhancing its planet-friendly credentials somewhat.
Along with countless other applications, polypropylene remains one of the best choices for heavy-duty packaging solutions. As PP bags are BPA-free, they’re the perfect option for storing and transporting agricultural products and edible products. Sift-proof PP bags are also ideal for storing and shipping chemicals and fertilizers, while other PP bags can be adapted to store and transport construction materials.
At Codefine, you’ll find an extensive range of polypropylene bags to suit a wide variety of packing and haulage needs. We offer small PP bags with a wide range of customization options, woven PP bags for extended storage, paper woven PP bags, and much more.
Need some insight to help you navigate the PE vs PP bag conundrum? Get in touch to discuss your requirements and our team will be happy to help.
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