Polypropylene

To give a product to the customers, companies use different types of packaging methods. Packaging is one of the most important elements in marketing strategies as it helps in attracting customers. Similarly, the use of fiber plastic is also very prevalent. Boxes, toys, kitchen appliances, and many other different objects are often made out of fiber plastic. The material is sturdy and long-lasting. It is not expensive as well. However, to produce fiber plastic or wrapping paper a very unique type of material is used. The use of this material is vast and numerous factories make this product. This material is known as Polypropylene. Polypropylene is a unique material that is used globally. Polypropylene uses range from making packaging plastic to making fiber plastic. In the following paper more about polypropylene has been discussed. 

What is polypropylene? 

Polypropylene is a material that has a typical chemical formula. The chemical formula is C3H6. Polypropylene material is a certain kind of thermoplastic polymer resin. Polypropylene is a material that is vastly used in packaging products by converting the material into a kind of structural plastic or fiber-type plastic material. Polypropylene is unique as it is quite flexible and can be easily customized. The material is not heavy and it can melt only at a very high temperature. Polypropylene also has low electric conduction capability. 

What are the properties of Polypropylene?

Polypropylene material is resistant to organic solvents. The material is also resistant to electrolytic attack and degreasing agents. Compared to other materials like polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene gives out less amount of solid waste. Compared to polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene, polypropylene also emits less amount of carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is comparatively nature-friendly. 

Inorganic acids, aqueous solutions of room temperature, alkalis do not have the potential to have any kind of effect on polypropylene. However, if some kind of concentrated acids and oxidizing agents possess high temperatures, then these chemicals can potentially attack polypropylene. 

Chemical composition and other properties of Polypropylene

Monomer propylene is used to produce an additional material of polymer which is also known as polypropylene. This polymer fiber is highly resistant to acids and bases. Many characteristics of polyethylene are similar to the material called polypropylene. The electrical properties and solution behavior of polyethylene is similar to that of polypropylene.  A chemical called methyl is present in polypropylene. This chemical helps polypropylene enhance its mechanical and thermal properties. This is the reason why polypropylene is resistant to heat. However, methyl also decreases the resistance to the chemical. 

Mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of Polypropylene

The material called polypropylene possesses unique mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. The following is a list of mechanical, thermal, chemical properties. 

Mechanical Properties

It is resistant to fatigue

It is very flexible and tough

Polypropylene density is very low

Thermal Properties

Compared to polyethylene, it has less thermal expansion but still, the thermal expansion is quite large.

It turns brittle below the temperature of freezing point (0°C)

Chemical properties

 Polypropylene possesses an intermediate level of crystallinity and is isotactic.

Almost every organic solvent present at room temperature cannot have any effect on polypropylene. 

At high temperatures, it is solved in low polarity. 

Degradation of Polypropylene

Polypropylene can be degraded through the process of chain degradation with the help of heat and UV radiation.  The oxidation of polypropylene takes place at the tertiary carbon atoms that are available in units that are repeating. In the case of external applications, cracks and crazes appear in a network. Apart from these factors, microbial organisms also possess the potential to execute the process of degradation in polypropylene. When it is degraded, the layer produces a tree bark type of layer on the upper level of the mesh fibers. The process of degradation in polypropylene can be made possible with the usage of antioxidants. 

Conclusion

As the use of polypropylene is very extensive and vast, it is considered to be one of the most important materials to produce polypropylene products. It is also recyclable and degradable. Thus, it is nature-friendly when compared to other products.