Polypropylene

Industry Tradenames: Cor-X, Corogard, Coroplast, Coroplast CI, Coroplast SI, Copolymer Polypropylene Ensipro, Homopolymer Polypropylene, Intepro IR, Resinol Type O, Polystone, Polystone P Propylux, Propylux, PPro, Ultrapro

Material Description

Polypropylene has long been recognized for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent chemical resistance, as well as high performance in corrosive environments. This material is easily thermoformed and welded making it a popular choice for chemical and plating tanks. Polypropylene homopolymer meets FDA 21CFR 177.1520 requirements and is approved by the FDA for use in poultry and meat packing facilities. The copolymer offers a greater impact strength along with stronger low temperature impact resistance. Both homopolymer and copolymer maintain high degrees of flexural strength and low moisture absorption. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic made by the polymerization of propylene gas, a by-product of petroleum refining. Various techniques can vary the physical, chemical or mechanical properties of polypropylene. Polypropylene is easily fabricated with ordinary wood or metalworking equipment. It can be welded with standard plastic welding equipment. Polypropylene has such a hard, high gloss surface it is ideally suited to environments where there is concern for bacteria buildup or buildup that can interfere with flow. Excellent track, arc resistance and dielectric strength allows polypropylene to be used extensively in electrical applications. It can also be modified to be conductive or antistatic. As a homopolymer, polypropylenes use temperature ranges from 30 to 210F, depending on specific chemistry. For copolymers use temperatures can range from -20 to 180F. Resistance to chemicals and solvents is very good. It has good resistance to aqueous, salts, acids or alkaline solutions. It also has very low permeability to water vapor and gases. Because of its excellent resistance to solvents, it finds extensive use in the semi-conductor industry. It performs well in the presence of DI water. Polypropylene can be used in direct contact with foods, and many icecube trays are made from it because of its toughness and flexibility at low temperatures.

Care must be taken when in the presence of active oxidizing agents, especially with fabricated parts. Numerous chemical resistance charts are based solely on press molded plaques and do not take fabricated parts into consideration. The resins are attacked, however, by halogens, fuming nitric acid and other active oxidizing agents, and by aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons at high temperatures.

Fabricating Techniques

Vacuum Formed, Hot Gas Welded, Thermoformed Ultra Sonic Welding, Heat Fusion, Injection Molding