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Polypropylene is a popular thermoplastic used in nonwoven fibers and structural plastic products due to its non-toxic, non-staining nature, and low cost. It has high tensile strength, impact resistance, and can withstand high temperatures. Polypropylene is often used as an alternative to other plastics that contain BPA and can be recycled. Its properties can be altered by combining it with other materials, and it has low electrical conductivity and high resistance to acidic and alkaline materials.
Polypropylene is a form of thermoplastic used in the manufacture of nonwoven fibers and structural plastic products. The properties of polypropylene that make the material popular include the non-toxic and non-staining nature of the plastic and the relatively inexpensive cost of production. During the manufacturing stage, polypropylene can be combined with other materials, such as rubber, to alter their properties.
Properties of polypropylene that make the plastic a popular choice for products include the material’s lightweight nature and its high tensile strength. This makes the plastic very useful for use in products such as food packaging. Polypropylene also has strong resistance to cracking when placed under stress and a high level of impact resistance.
Manufacturers of plastic products often use polypropylene as an alternative to other types of plastic because it usually does not contain bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a chemical often used in the manufacture of plastic products, but when used in food and beverage packaging, BPA can leach into the contents of the containers. While this chemical has not been proven to pose a health risk to children or adults in small quantities, many plastics manufacturers use BPA-free polypropylene to reduce the risks of health problems related to the chemical.
Among the properties of polypropylene is the ability to use plastic products at high operating temperatures, up to 320°F (160°C). High temperature resistance means these products can be used in microwaves and dishwashers. Although polypropylene is generally considered a microwave-safe plastic, there is still some concern that high temperatures can break the bonds in the plastic.
When used as a non-woven fabric, polypropylene is softened and the melt is bonded together as fine fibers. The ability to fuse the material eliminates the need for additional chemicals to join the fibers. This allows plastics to be used in the production of diapers and protective clothing.
The ability to recycle polypropylene products is another of the important properties of polypropylene. During recycling, 100% of the polypropylene can be recovered for future use. Plastics can be combined with other chemicals and materials, such as rubber and antioxidants, to alter their properties. Chemical additions to polypropylene have resulted in products such as PVC piping and bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film.
The uses of polypropylene are influenced by the properties of the material. The low level of electrical conductivity means that plastics can be used to minimize the passage of electricity passing through electrical products. Resistance to both acidic and alkaline materials is high in polypropylene, but odors can be absorbed by products made from plastic. During the manufacturing process, polypropylene plastics can be fabricated to maintain the specific stiffness or flexibility required.
