Polypropylene is a versatile plastic used in various applications, including food containers and durable carpets. It has a high melting point, is easy to dye, and is resistant to repetitive stress. Ongoing research is exploring new methods of synthesizing this plastic for exciting new types of plastic.
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer with the chemical formula C3H6. It is used in many different contexts, both in industry and consumer goods, and can be used as both a structural plastic and a fiber. This plastic is often used for food containers, especially those that need to be dishwasher safe.
The melting point of polypropylene is very high compared to many other plastics, at 320°F (160°C), which means that the hot water used to wash dishes will not cause dishware made from this plastic to warp. This contrasts with polyethylene, another popular plastic for containers, which has a much lower melting point. Polypropylene is also very easy to add dyes to and is often used as a fiber in carpeting that needs to be strong and durable, such as that for use around swimming pools or on miniature golf courses. Unlike nylon, which is also often used as a fiber for sturdy carpets, it does not absorb water, making it ideal for uses where it will be constantly subject to moisture.
Research is ongoing with polypropylene, as manufacturers experiment with different methods of synthesizing it. Some of these experiments hold the promise of exciting new types of plastic, with new textures and a different feel from the fairly stiff version most people are used to. These new stretchy versions are very chewy, making them even more resistant to shattering and opening up many different uses for an already pervasive plastic.
Polypropylene isn’t as sturdy as polyethylene, but it has advantages that make it the better choice in some situations. One such situation is making hinges out of a plastic, like a plastic lid on a travel mug. Over time, plastics wear out from the repetitive stress of being opened and closed and will eventually break. Polypropylene is very resistant to this type of stress, and is the most used plastic for lids and caps that require a hinge mechanism.
Like many plastics, polypropylene has virtually endless uses and its development hasn’t slowed down since its discovery. Whether it’s used for industrial molds, hard currency, auto parts, or storage containers, it’s one of the few materials the world is literally built on.
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