Polypropylene

Polypropylene is an economical material that offers a combination of outstanding physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties not found in any other thermoplastic. Compared to low or high density polyethylene, it has a lower impact strength, but superior working temperature and tensile strength.

Polypropylene provides excellent resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. It has a lower impact strength, but its working temperatures and tensile strength are superior to low or high density polyethylene. It is light in weight, resistant to staining, and has a low moisture absorption rate. This is a tough, heat-resistant, semi-rigid material, ideal for the transfer of hot liquids or gases. It is recommended for vacuum systems and where higher heats and pressures are encountered. It has excellent resistance to acids and alkalines, but poor resistance to aromatic, aliphatic and chlorinated solvents.

Key features

  • Lightweight
  • High tensile strength
  • Impact resistant
  • High compressive strength
  • Excellent dielectric properties
  • Resists most alkalis and acids
  • Resists stress cracking
  • Retains stiffness and flex Low moisture absorption
  • Non-toxic
  • Non-staining
  • Easily fabricated
  • High heat resistance

Fabrication techniques

  • Hot gas welding
  • Spin welding
  • Fusion & butt welding
  • Machining with wood or metal working tools
  • Vacuum forming
  • Ultra-sonic sealing

Properties

Property Unit of measure Value
Tensile StrengthMpa30
Elongation at Break%10
Modulus of ElasticityMPa1200
Impact Strengthkj/m²8
Compressive StrengthMPa
Shear StrengthMPa
Shore HardnessD Scale70
Co-efficient of Frictionμ
Water Absorption @ 23 Deg C%0.01
Service Temperature IntermittentᵒC
Service Temperature ContinuousᵒC100
Melting pointᵒC
Thermal ConductivityW/m.ᵒC0.22
Dielectric StrengthkV/mm
Volume ResistivityΩ.cm>10¹⁶
Surface ResistivityΩ
Arc ResistanceSec