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PP
Material Type
General Plastics
Material Full Name
Polypropylene
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, CNC Machining
Basic Properties
Property Category |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Polypropylene (C₃H₆)ₙ – Semi-crystalline thermoplastic | Homopolymer (stiffer) vs. Copolymer (tougher) |
| Density | 0.895~0.92 g/cm³ | Lightest commercial plastic (floats on water) |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | Clarifiers can improve clarity (e.g., for medical packaging) |
| Surface Gloss | Moderate (improves with high mold temp) | Less glossy than ABS; often textured for grip |
| Impact Resistance | 2~15 kJ/m² (Notched Izod at 23°C) | Copolymer PP has higher impact strength |
| Tensile Strength | 25~40 MPa | Lower than ABS but good for lightweight parts |
| Flexural Strength | 35~50 MPa | Stiffer than PE, less rigid than engineering plastics |
| Hardness | Rockwell R80~R100 | Softer than ABS; good for living hinges |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | 50~110°C (0.45MPa/1.82MPa) | High-crystallinity grades reach 120°C |
| Continuous Service Temp | -20°C~100°C (short-term 120°C) | Retains flexibility at -20°C |
| Flammability | UL94 HB (slow burning) | Flame-retardant versions available (V2~V0) |
| Dielectric Strength | 20~28 kV/mm | Excellent insulator (used in capacitors) |
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁶ Ω·cm | Superior to ABS in electrical applications |
| Chemical Resistance | Resists acids/bases/organic solvents | Attacked by chlorinated solvents & strong oxidizers |
| Water Absorption | <0.01% (24hr) | Lowest among plastics – no drying typically needed |
| Shrinkage Rate | 1.5~2.5% | Higher than ABS, critical for large parts |
| Melt Flow Index (MFI) | 2~100 g/10min (230°C/2.16kg) | High MFI for thin-wall molding (e.g., syringes) |
Common Application Areas
- Daily necessities: food containers, fresh-keeping boxes, water cups, straws, and packaging boxes.
- Industrial fields: automotive parts (bumpers, battery shells), chemical pipelines, and woven bags.
- Medical supplies: syringes, non-woven fabrics for masks, and disinfection containers (medical-grade PP is required).
- Packaging materials: transparent films, bottle caps, and label stickers (BOPP material).
ABS Modified Types
Modification Type |
Method/Additives |
Primary Purpose |
Enhanced Properties |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforced PP | Glass Fiber (GF), Carbon Fiber | Increase strength & rigidity | Tensile strength↑, heat resistance↑ (up to 150°C) | Automotive bumpers, appliance housings, industrial parts |
| Impact-Modified PP | POE, EPDM elastomers | Improve impact resistance | Low-temperature toughness↑, crack resistance↑ | Toolboxes, sports gear, cold-chain packaging |
| Flame-Retardant PP | Brominated/Phosphorus flame retardants, Aluminum Hydroxide | Meet UL94 V0 standards | Self-extinguishing↑, fire resistance↑ | Electronics enclosures, wire coatings |
| UV-Stabilized PP | UV stabilizers, antioxidants | Weather/aging resistance | Extended outdoor lifespan (anti-fading/cracking) | Outdoor furniture, automotive exteriors, solar mounts |
| Transparent PP | Nucleating agents (e.g., sorbitol) | Enhance clarity | Light transmittance ≈ PC/PS (up to 90%) | Transparent packaging, medical containers, cosmetic bottles |
| Antimicrobial PP | Silver ions, nano-TiO₂ | Inhibit bacterial growth | Antibacterial rate >99% (ISO 22196 compliant) | Medical devices, food packaging, children’s products |
| Conductive/Antistatic PP | Carbon black, metal powders, antistatic agents | Eliminate static/conductivity | Surface resistivity↓ (10³–10⁸Ω) | Electronic component trays, explosion-proof equipment, textiles |
| Filled PP | Calcium carbonate, talc, mica | Reduce cost, improve dimensional stability | Stiffness↑, shrinkage↓ (may reduce toughness) | Appliance parts, pipes, low-cost packaging |
| PP Alloys | Blended with PA, ABS, TPE | Optimize balanced properties | Strength/toughness/processability balance | Automotive interiors, power tool housings |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low cost and easy to process | Becomes brittle at low temperatures (requires modification) |
| Recyclable ( Resin ID Code 5) | Poor UV resistance (needs stabilizers) |
| Non-toxic, food-safe | Low hardness, prone to scratching |
| Chemical & corrosion resistant | Limited high-temperature resistance (~120°C max) |
| Lightweight yet durable | Lower dimensional stability vs. engineering plastics |
| Excellent electrical insulation | Difficult to bond/adhere (surface treatment often needed) |
Other General Plastics Selection
ABS Materials
PE Materials
PMMA Materials
PVC Materials
PS Materials
FAQ Of PP Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
Why are PP products easy to deform?
Increase the holding time (to compensate for high shrinkage) and add cooling water channels to the mold
How to improve the printing adhesion of PP surface?
Corona treatment (dyne value>38) and flame treatment
Why does the PP hinge break?
Insufficient melting temperature leads to poor molecular orientation and failure to use special hinge-grade PP