What is Polypropylene?
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Polypropylene is a plastic polymer, of the chemical designation C3H6. It is used in many different settings, both in industry and in consumer goods. It can be used both as a structural plastic and as a fiber.
Polypropylene is often used for food containers, particularly 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 when washing dishes will not cause polypropylene dishware 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 which needs to be rugged and durable, such as the carpet one finds around swimming pools or paving miniature golf courses. Unlike nylon, which is also often used as a fiber for rugged carpeting, polypropylene doesn't soak up water, making it ideal for uses where it will be constantly subject to moisture.
Research is ongoing with polypropylene, as makers experiment with different methods for synthesizing it. Some of these experiments yield the promise of exciting new types of polypropylene, with new consistencies and a different feel from the fairly rigid version we are all used to. These new elastic versions of polypropylene are very rubbery, making them even more resistant to shattering and opening up many different uses for an already pervasive plastic.
Polypropylene is not as sturdy as polyethylene, but it has benefits that make it the better choice in some situations. One of these situations is creating hinges from a plastic, such as a plastic lid on a travel mug. Over time, plastics fatigue from the repetitive stress of being opened and shut, and eventually will break. Polypropylene is very resistant to this sort of stress, and is the plastic most often used for lids and caps which require a hinging mechanism.
Like many plastics, polypropylene has virtually endless uses, and its development has not slowed since its discovery. Whether used for industrial molds, rugged currency, car parts, or Tupperware, polypropylene is one of a handful of materials the world is literally built around.
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54
Can polypropylene be used to absorb oil in water without absorbing the water as well? - anon51164
53
Okay, I'm looking to design and produce a biopsy spatula. - anon49935
52
can this polypropylene be recycled? - anon48898
51
I see polypropylene used as a low tack adhesive sold in sheets and rolls for crafting projects. It adheres to many surfaces without leaving any residue or smearing, is repositionable, and can come in clear and glossy sheets. But is it safe for the skin? As a crafter I handle this material constantly, and I can't seem to find any information on the FDA or manufacturer's website about it either. - anon48628
50
Does anyone know if it makes a suitable greenhouse? - anon48358
49
How is polypropylene related to polypropylene fumarate? Are they chemically similar and do they share the same properties? - anon47960
48
What glue is used to bond Polypropylene to foam? - anon44777
47
does polypropylene changes its color when it comes in contact with any electrolyte?
or when does it change its color -- like in which situation? - anon44144
46
where in the usa can i buy polypropylene? - anon43533
45
we are using flame retardant polypropylene containers for our batteries. In that we are using KOH as electrolyte. our electrodes are nickel and cadmium. in that it is running with a temperature of 70 degrees celcius. so recently we noticed that a layer of yellow colour is forming on the walls of the container. so could anyone please tell if that is a reaction taking place between the electrolyte and pp or is there any fault in the composition of polypropylene? - anon42818
44
What is the advantage of Polypro to PVC? and What is the advantage of PVC over Poly pro? - anon41095
43
where in Canada or USA can I buy Polypropylene? - anon40262
42
Can you glue slate tile to polypropylene vertical wall with silicone?
- anon39844
41
if used as a textile can it melt? - shallwin
40
is it true polypropylene can be used for underwear? - anon37768
39
does polypropylene contaminate the production of wool? and if so why does it contaminate the fibres of the wool? - anon35336
38
Can anyone answer these questions? Especially for the gentleman who would like help in his activities in the ocean? - fionakitty
37
Just bought a boat made of the same stuff. It's called a porta bote. Folds up fits on the roof rack of my car. - anon29298
36
which type of polypropylene containers are used in the filling of cyanoacrylate bioadhesives? - anon25070
35
if i want to mixing PP with other material, what material kind that can to coating PP from environment and more strength than only PP? - anon23859
34
I am looking for the best plastic to attract oil which is present in water. I understand the property is oleaphobic and wonder which plastic material is best for this purpose. Can you advise? - anon22842
33
What are the filler material possible to be added in injection moulding a polypropylene packing container/capsule? Can silica be added as a filler, to reduce the cost of a manufacturing packing capsule? If not what filler material is possible to be added? - dath36
30
Hello, I have an offer to buy a front bumper for a car. How good could be this kind of material to be use on a car or do this material peels easily with time? - anon22524
29
I am interested in getting some black polypropylene rod or sheet stock to make mouthpieces for smoking pipes. Does anyone have an idea where to find it? All I have been able to find is natural and white.Thanks, - anon18577
27
so how do you dispose of something that never wears or decomposes? - anon17763
25
What is your feeling of baby bottles being made with this plastic polypropylene? - anon13162
24
can i know the price of virgin polypropylene code named S100.F380. its very urgent. - vignes
23
I love the ocean so I moved to Fort Lauderdale. In 1989 I became a quadriplegic. However, nothing was going to stop me from swimming in the ocean.
One day, I gathered a couple of teenagers, and brought them to the beach with me along with a giant queen sized bed sheet. Then they lifted me from my wheelchair, and placed me on the bed sheet. Three of them dragged me to the water on the sheet until I became fully buoyant. It worked great! Then I started thinking! What if I took a thin sheet of polypropylene, maybe 1/8 of an inch thick, and bent it up slightly in the front and sides to prevent sand from getting on me. Also, drilling two holes on the top where my head will go, and insert nylon anchor rope to use for pulling me into the ocean. The polypropylene sled would reduce friction, and protect me from the sharp objects that might be hidden in the sand. It really would serve the same purpose as a stretcher used by EMS. I would also like to attach a 24 inch soft plastic rod holding a blue flag with the white ISA (International Symbol of Accessibility a/k/a Wheelchair Symbol) printed on it. The reason for this, is to pull it up on shore after transferring me into the water, and indicate to the lifeguard it is not going to be used as a flotation device. It would strictly be used as an ambulatory device to bring an injured party to and from the ocean from an umbrella that the rest of my family would be hanging out. Somebody please help me! I don't care about patent rights, I just want to get back in the ocean again! I think polypropylene is the right material! Please advise! John Garon
- JohnGaron
22
Is is safe to use a polypropylene sediment filter in a reverse osmosis water filtering system? The other two filters in the system are carbon. - powers
21
Plastics are completely unsustainable because they all come from oil. We have reached peak oil and we can no longer continue to utilize plastic as excessively as we currently are. We need to think before we purchase products made from plastic and consider whether it's truly worth it. - anon11794
20
is polypropylene used in making toasters? what other plastics are used? - anon10375
18
I think this article is fab and very informative. - anon9224
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PLA is made from plant resin, and is just as good if not better than those made from fossil fuels. Henry Ford had originally planned to use bio-plastics in his cars. PLA is biodegradable and can be composted. - anon9199
16
As far as I know oil is used to make all plastics. Polypro is very safe, I don't understand how the one person can say plastics are crap, they make up so much of our world today. On the "plastics aren't green" issue what if your car didn't implement so much plastic, you would burn 50x more gas. People need to think before they speak. As for the UV resistance and the winter weather resistance polypro is pretty resistant to most things so I think you both would be good. - anon8321
12
I would like to connect two polypropylene containers together, and am wondering if anyone knows of an epoxy or other glue that will hold them together permanently.
Thanks so much - anon6330
11
During industrial processes Polypropylene is used as building blocks for a wide variety of polyurethane foam products. How is industrial wastewater treated for any contaminants this product may produce? - anon5511
10
no mention of polypropylene gloves and socks which, I keep reading,are suitable for Antarctica but no idea given on where to obtain these !
- anon4565
9
I am doing a case study of bio-form bras which also use polypropylene and i was wondering if any one can tell me the environmental effect of using polypropylene in manufacturing.
I have been trying to research it but due to the fact that it is a reasonable new plastic, no one seems to want to list its faults!
thank you - anon4382
8
I'm planning to purchase a swimming pool cover. Some are made using polypropylene and others use polyethylene. Which would be better to use in Michigan in the winter?
Thank You - anon4245
7
So it is plastic. Then how can those non-woven Polypropylene bags call themself "green"? - anon4130
6
Is Dacron the same as polypropylene?
I need UV resistant rope for my flag pole and was told that Dacron fills the bill. Problem is all I can find in Dacron is fishing line. Flag pole companies sell nylon and polypropylene. - masconomo
5
polypropylene is what people sniff and get effects. - anon3460
4
If you are comparing a wool or polypropylene rug, you might like to consider that the polyprop is relatively inert as well as being durable, while the wool has probably been processed using highly toxic chemicals and may cause skin irritation. - anon3283
3
Since it's a plastic, is oil used to make polypropylene? - anon1932
2
If you are looking for a soft rug that is safe, I would suggest Wool. Other safe, natural choices would be a woven grass rug. Ultimately, all synthetics and plastics are crap, and are full of harmful chemicals. - anon694
1
Dose Polypropylene contain PVC or bisphenol-A. I am looking for a soft rug for the kids play room/ our office and need the plastic to be safe. - anon212
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Written by
Brendan McGuigan
Last Modified: 05 November 2009
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