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What are the Uses of Polypropylene Cloth?

Sarah Sullins
Sarah Sullins

Polypropylene cloth can be used for several things, include diaper wipes, long underwear, long-sleeve shirts, and for other types of clothing that can be worn in warmer weather. Depending on how it is woven, the cloth can also be made into filters for chemicals and other liquids, screen, and open filters. Some designers in the fashion industry have used this type of cloth to make clothing and jewelry items as well.

Polypropylene cloth is a material that is made chemically. It was first discovered in 1954 by a man named Giulio Natta and the people with whom he worked. Several different materials can be made from polypropylene, aside from cloth. It can be fashioned into laboratory equipment, car parts, stationery, a plastic-like substance, loudspeakers, and much more. Household items, such as chairs and cups, and packaging can all be made from this material as well.

Man with hands on his hips
Man with hands on his hips

The propylene cloth can be made so that it naturally absorbs water, and this type of cloth is often used to make diapers and diaper wipes. If a different enzyme is used in the making of this cloth, it will be able to repel water. This is helpful in warm weather clothes that are designed to keep sweat off of the skin.

Polypropylene cloth can be exposed to high levels of heat and UV radiation but will be subject to degradation because of it. It will usually be able to withstand heat up to 180°F (about 82°C) and will protect against cold temperatures as low as 50°F (about 10°C). Additives are generally added to the material to reduce the amount of degradation that occurs. The cloth may also be protected from UV rays through the use of carbon black.

Some of the polypropylene cloth is used to make different kinds of filters. These can include air filters, gas filters, or cloth to filter liquids. Each type of cloth that is used to make a filter will be woven differently to allow for certain elements to get through. Some of the cloth is made to be very slick to allow for solid material to slide off of it quickly and easily.

Many other items are made with the substance as well. For example, some polypropylene cloth is used to make ropes. Some carpets are also made from this type of cloth. Many other textiles are made from this type of cloth as well, due to its ability to withstand high amounts of heat and sun exposure.

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      Man with hands on his hips