Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a partially crystalline thermoplastic. It is produced by polymerising the unsaturated hydrocarbon propene, which is extracted petrochemically by steam cracking long-Chain alkenes.

Polypropylene is used predominantly for dimensionally stable components because it is more heat resistant (up to around 110 °C) and harder than polyethylene, offers better Creep Resistance and is less prone to stress cracks. Because it is non-toxic, it is also suitable for use in medical and food technology applications. One disadvantage is that it is very brittle when cold.

Polypropylene is difficult to glue, but can be welded. It can be machined and processed using Injection moulding, Extrusion, blow moulding, thermoforming and Deep-drawing.

Application areas for polypropylene include:

• Mechanical, marine and automotive engineering (seats, fittings, hulls and crash absorbers)
• Electrical engineering (Cable sheathing and Transformer housings)
• Construction (valves and fittings)
• Textile fibres (spun and woven in the corresponding form)
• Cast polypropylene (CPP) and oriented polypropylene (OPP and BOPP) are processed into films, among other things
• Expanded polypropylene is a closed-cell bead foam manufactured in autoclaves with steam or by foam extrusion