All Types Of PP Polymer And Their Applications

PP polymer comes in various types and is suitable for different purposes. Let’s dive deeper into each polypropylene type and its application right now!

PP polymer is a cost-effective, semi-rigid, and tough thermoplastic linear hydrocarbon polymer resin. It offers outstanding chemical, electrical, and fatigue resistance at high temperatures.

There are 7 common types of PP used in various industries. Let’s explore each type with its unique properties in the article below!

1. Overview Of PP Polymer

PP polymer or polypropylene is a low-density thermoplastic. It’s made from a propene monomer and can withstand stress. The material was found in the middle of the 1950s and is now the second most produced plastic, behind polyethylene.

PP polymer

Since PP polymer offers the ability to liquefy and resistance to high temperatures, it is often used in manufacturing processes such as injection molding. Additionally, its resistance to diluted bases and acids makes it perfect for containers that carry liquids, such as cleaning solutions.

The material is tough because of its elasticity across a small deflection range and early plastic distortion during the deformation process. It’s also suitable for electronic components due to its strong electrical resistance.

2. Seven Types Of PP Polymer

Here is a list of 7 common types of PP polymer:

2.1. Polypropylene Homopolymer

homopolymer polypropylene

Polypropylene homopolymer is a thermoplastic substance made via polymerization. This type of PP polymer consists of a single propylene monomer unit.

Its outstanding properties include excellent chemical resistance, stiffness, exceptional electrical qualities, a high melting point, a low moisture absorption rate, and a high impact strength.

Compared to other plastics, polypropylene homopolymer is less expensive and more easily machined, molded, or extruded. That’s why it’s a desirable choice for many manufacturers.

2.2. Polypropylene Copolymer

polypropylene copolymer

Unlike polypropylene homopolymer, polypropylene copolymer includes both propylene and ethylene monomers in its molecular structure. These two units are copolymerized under particular conditions to produce this type of PP polymer.

Its superior chemical resistance, great impact strength, and low density make it suitable for durable, lightweight products. The material’s resilience to fatigue makes it appropriate for items subjected to repeated stress. Because of its transparency and high-gloss finish, it is also well-liked for consumer products.

2.3. Polypropylene, Impact Copolymer

impact copolymer

Polypropylene Impact Copolymer (PPICP) is a thermoplastic material produced by copolymerizing propylene and ethylene monomers with a specialized catalyst. It keeps the other great qualities of polypropylene while providing great toughness and impact resistance.

Along with these outstanding qualities, this PP polymer also has a glossy appearance, low density, good resistance to chemicals, and strong impact strength.

2.4. Expanded Polypropylene

expanded polypropylene

Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is a foam plastic made from expanded polypropylene beads. Small beads are melted and heated during production and then enlarged using steam or other physical techniques.

This PP polymer is renowned for its capacity to withstand moisture, provide thermal insulation, and absorb shocks. Because of its strength and resilience, it is a resilient substance that won’t break down under repeated pressure.

The material is also easily molded into a wide range of forms and sizes and is non-toxic and recyclable.

2.5. Polypropylene, High Melt Strength

polypropylene high melt strength

Polypropylene high melt strength (HMS) is a thermoplastic material produced by adding long chain branching to the polymer chain during polymerization. As a result, a material with high viscosity and melt strength is created.

The material is appropriate for a variety of uses, requiring remarkable strength and processability. HMS’s low coefficient of thermal expansion provides excellent chemical resistance, high stiffness, and dimensional stability.

Since this PP polymer possesses high melt strength, it can be processed using blow molding, thermoforming, and extrusion methods.

2.6. Polypropylene Terpolymer

polypropylene terpolymer

Polypropylene terpolymer is created by polymerizing propylene, ethylene, plus a third monomer such as butene or hexene. Its molecular structure has all three monomer units, setting it apart from other varieties such as copolymer and homopolymer of polypropylene.

Its qualities include strong dimensional stability, great impact strength, and exceptional chemical resistance. Besides, the low density of this PP polymer makes it lightweight, flexible, and easy to handle enough to shape.

2.7. Biobased Polypropylene

biobased polypropylene

Biobased polypropylene is made from renewable biomass, such as plants, algae, and bacteria. It’s created by polymerizing monomers obtained from the fermentation of biomass feedstocks. This technique helps decrease reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.

While this PP polymer is less dense, less thermally stable, and has a lower melting point than conventional polypropylene, it possesses good stiffness, strength, and chemical resistance. It can also decompose biologically in certain circumstances.

3. Applications Of PP Polymers

pp polymer applications

Each PP polymer with its unique properties are suitable for different applications. Here’s the details:

Polypropylene Homopolymer	Medical equipment, food containers, packaging, automotive, and consumer goods. Laboratory equipment, pipes, tanks, precision parts. Fibers, films, and sheets for clothing, carpeting, and protective packaging. Polypropylene Copolymer Packaging, household items, automobile parts, textiles, medical instruments. Textile industry for protective gear and filters.
Polypropylene, Impact Copolymer	Packaging, household products, automotive components, textile industry, and medical devices. Medical devices and the automotive industry use such as bumpers, dashboard components, and door trims. Food containers, beverage bottles, and storage bins.
Expanded Polypropylene	Packaging electronics, appliances, and automobile components. Sports equipment, such as knee pads, chest protectors, and helmets. Insulating material in construction for foundations, roofs, walls. Lightweight furniture like stools, chairs, and tables.
Polypropylene, High Melt Strength	Vehicle parts Packaging for food and beverage containers and closures. Geotextiles, geofoam, and insulation products. Toys, sports equipment, and household appliances.
Polypropylene Terpolymer	Automotive, packaging, construction, and healthcare industries. Automotive components include fenders, bumpers, and interior trims. Packaging applications include bottle production, container design, and cap formation. The construction sector uses it for insulation materials, fittings, and pipes.
Biobased Polypropylene	Packaging and consumer goods. Automotive interior and exterior parts. Clothing and industrial applications.
Polypropylene Copolymer	Packaging, household items, automobile parts, textiles, medical instruments. Textile industry for protective gear and filters.

4. Conclusion

PP polymer is a popular material in various industries. Depending on the requirements of the final products, you may want to choose the suitable polypropylene type.

Your best bet might be a homopolymer kind, but not if you want your product to be flexible and have a high impact resistance. Thus, take a look at our list above one more time to find out which one can offer you the desired ratio of flexibility to stiffness.

5. EuP Egypt’s PP Products – A Solution For Your Success

EuP Egypt has a list of engineering plastic compounds blending PP resins with additives and reinforcements to enhance the properties of the final product. The perfect combinations create a single material with all functions in one, making the production process easier and faster. Thus, our customers can improve their productivity.

eup pp polymer