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Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile thermoplastic that is widely used in plastics processing. The material belongs to the group of polyolefins and is known for its low weight, high chemical resistance and good mechanical properties. PP is one of the most widely used plastics for manufacturing plastic components, both as semi-finished and finished products.
Products.
Technical facts about Polypropylene (PP)
It is also known as Hostalen®, Rialen®, Polystone® and AlphaPlus®.
Polypropylene comes in different flavours, including homopolymer and copolymer, each with specific strengths depending on the application.
- PP-H (Homopolymer) - Higher stiffness, strength and thermal properties, used for technical components and pipes.
- PP-C (Copolymer) - Better impact strength and cold properties, often used in containers and functional parts.
- PP-R / PP-B / PP-EPDM - Special types with improved heat and impact resistance.
It is a thermoplastic material, which means it can be moulded, heated and processed multiple times without losing its basic properties.
Use of Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is used in countless industries thanks to its flexibility and durability.
Typical applications include:
- Transport industry: cladding, panels, flanges, covers, air ducts
- Machine and process industry: tanks, pipes, fittings, valve bodies, corrosion-resistant machine parts
- Food industry: containers, packaging, transport trays, pipes and fittings
- Electronics industry: cable coverings, connectors, housing components
- Pharmaceutical industry: disposables, syringes, medical containers
- Construction and plumbing: PP pipe systems, sewer components, drain parts
- Consumer products: household items, furniture, capsules, hinges, toys
PP's properties make it particularly attractive in industries where durability, chemical resistance and low production costs are crucial.
Properties and benefits of Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene offers a number of properties that make it a popular choice for plastic processing:
- Weight: PP is significantly lighter than many other thermoplastics.
- Chemical resistance: resistant to acids, alkalis, salts and moisture, making it ideal for chemical and industrial applications and has excellent hydrolysis resistance.
- Flexibility and shock absorption: especially copolymer variants provide high impact strength and resistance to cracking. Has a tensile strength of 30-40 MPa and an elongation at break of 200-700%. Overall hardness of Shore D 65-75.
- Design freedom: can be moulded into complex plastic components with precise tolerances through CNC machining.
- Food approved and hygienic: suitable for direct contact with food and medical equipment.
- Good thermal properties, with a melting point of 160-170°C and withstands a continuous use temperature of 80-100°C. Has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.22 W/m-K.
- Insulating properties: both thermal and electrical, making PP useful in electronics and construction engineering.
In different industries, these properties provide tangible benefits:
- Food industry: shelf life and hygiene.
- Automotive: low weight combined with shock absorption.
- Construction industry: longevity and chemical resistance.
- Electronics: electrical isolation and easy design integration.
Limitations of Polypropylene (PE)
- Lower strength and stiffness than POM, PET and PA
- Poor UV stability without stabilisation
- Difficult gluing and printing
- Becomes brittle when cold (especially PP-H)
Machining in Polypropylene (PP)
PP is easy to process with modern plastic processing methods:
- CNC milling and turning: precise manufacturing of technical plastic components. Threading is not recommended.
- Welding: suitable for welding, including hot air equipment, hot mirror and friction welding.
- Assembly: it is difficult to glue without pre-treatment, it requires corona/plasma/flaming or other pre-treatment.
This flexibility in processing makes PP a first choice for prototypes, serial production and customised parts.
Semi-finished options for Polypropylene (PP)
PP can be supplied in many forms as semi-finished products:
- Sheets in different thicknesses, 1-100 mm
- Round bars, Ø10-Ø225 mm
- Pipes, miscellaneous pressure pipes and fittings
- Customised profiles according to technical drawing and customer request
- Colours: Natural, grey and special colours
- Also available as: GF glass fibre reinforced, UV stabilised, PP flame retardant and Antistatic/ESD.
These semi-finished products make it possible to customise plastic components precisely to product requirements and ensure fast further processing in industry.
Food authorisation
Polypropylene (PE) is food approved according to FDA and EU 10/2011 requirements.
Summary and alternatives to Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic that combines low cost, light weight, chemical resistance and design flexibility. The material is used in everything from food production to automotive components and technical parts.
Alternatives to PP are chosen depending on impact strength, heat and chemical requirements. PEHD offers higher chemical resistance, impact resistance and much better wear properties. PVC-U is chosen for better dimensional stability and flame retardancy. For higher temperatures and aggressive media, PVDF or PEEK are often used. For more precision and mechanical strength, POM, PETP or PA may be better choices.
The choice depends on mechanical requirements, temperature resistance, chemical resistance and production method.
Machining in Polypropylene (PP)
PP is easy to process with modern plastic processing methods:
- CNC milling and turning: precise manufacturing of technical plastic components. Threading is not recommended.
- Welding: suitable for welding, including hot air equipment, hot mirror and friction welding.
- Assembly: it is difficult to glue without pre-treatment, it requires corona/plasma/flaming or other pre-treatment.
This flexibility in processing makes PP a first choice for prototypes, serial production and customised parts.
Semi-finished options for Polypropylene (PP)
PP can be supplied in many forms as semi-finished products:
- Sheets in different thicknesses, 1-100 mm
- Round bars, Ø10-Ø225 mm
- Pipes, miscellaneous pressure pipes and fittings
- Customised profiles according to technical drawing and customer request
- Colours: Natural, grey and special colours
- Also available as: GF glass fibre reinforced, UV stabilised, PP flame retardant and Antistatic/ESD.
These semi-finished products make it possible to customise plastic components precisely to product requirements and ensure fast further processing in industry.
Food authorisation
Polypropylene (PE) is food approved according to FDA and EU 10/2011 requirements.
Summary and alternatives to Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic that combines low cost, light weight, chemical resistance and design flexibility. The material is used in everything from food production to automotive components and technical parts.
Alternatives to PP are chosen depending on impact strength, heat and chemical requirements. PEHD offers higher chemical resistance, impact resistance and much better wear properties. PVC-U is chosen for better dimensional stability and flame retardancy. For higher temperatures and aggressive media, PVDF or PEEK are often used. For more precision and mechanical strength, POM, PETP or PA may be better choices.
The choice depends on mechanical requirements, temperature resistance, chemical resistance and production method.
What is PP plastic?
PP plastic is a thermoplastic known for its low weight, chemical resistance and flexibility. It is
used for plastic components in many industries.
Is PP plastic food grade?
Yes, many varieties of PP are food approved and can be used for food production.
What is the difference between PVC and PP plastic?
PVC is heavier, stiffer and often less environmentally friendly, while PP is lighter, flexible and more
Suitable for plastic machining in complex components.
What is the difference between PE and PP plastic?
PE is generally more flexible and softer, while PP has higher stiffness, better
heat resistance and is used for more structural plastic components.
