Among thermoplastics, PP (Polypropylene) is one of the most widely used materials thanks to its balanced properties of strength, lightness, and chemical resistance. It is commonly found in packaging, medical devices, water pipes, automotive parts, and many other applications. To select the right PP grade for your product, it is essential to understand the key technical parameters. These figures represent strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. Knowing the standards helps you control quality and optimize production costs.
PP PLASTIC AND COMMON TYPES
Polypropylene is produced through the polymerization of propylene monomers. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with high crystallinity, giving it a glossy surface and good mechanical strength. In industrial applications, PP is categorized based on its molecular structure. The PP Homo-polymer (PP-H) grade offers high tensile strength and rigidity, making it ideal for technical products that require structural stability.
PP Block Co-polymer (PP-B) provides improved impact resistance, commonly used for pipes and fittings that must endure mechanical stress. Meanwhile, PP Random Co-polymer (PP-R) offers excellent heat resistance and flexibility, making it perfect for hot and cold water systems. Each PP type possesses distinct characteristics suited for specific purposes. Identifying the right grade is crucial before considering the technical parameters.
KEY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Density and Melting Point
The density of PP ranges from 0.89 to 0.91 g/cm³, the lowest among engineering plastics. This makes PP lightweight, economical in material usage, and convenient for transportation. Its melting point (160–170°C) is critical for molding and extrusion. Proper temperature control ensures stable shaping and consistent quality during production.
Mechanical Strength and Elasticity
PP has a tensile strength of 25–35 MPa, demonstrating good resistance to pulling forces. Its flexural modulus ranges from 1000–1500 MPa, reflecting rigidity and resilience. The elongation at break lies between 200–700%, allowing the material to stretch significantly without breaking. This balance of stiffness and flexibility explains why PP is widely used in consumer goods and technical applications.
Impact Resistance and Surface Hardness
The Izod impact strength of PP varies from 2–10 kJ/m², depending on the polymer structure. PP-B typically offers higher impact resistance, suitable for load-bearing or high-stress parts. With a Shore D hardness of 60–75, PP maintains its shape well and resists scratching, ensuring long-lasting surface integrity.
Heat Resistance and Dimensional Stability
PP performs reliably at continuous operating temperatures between 100–110°C. This makes it an ideal choice for thermal applications, such as plumbing or containers exposed to heat. Its molding shrinkage ranges from 1.0–2.5%, which affects dimensional accuracy. For precision-molded components, shrinkage must be calculated during mold design.
Electrical Properties and Melt Flow Index
PP absorbs almost no moisture (<0.01%), ensuring long-term stability even in humid environments. It also has a dielectric strength of 500–700 V/mil, making it a highly effective electrical insulator. The Melt Flow Index (MFI), ranging from 1–50 g/10 min (230°C, 2.16 kg), determines how easily the polymer flows when melted. Low-MFI grades are suited for thicker, stronger parts, while high-MFI grades are ideal for thin-walled or fast-cycle molding.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PP PLASTIC
PP is evaluated and certified according to various international standards. ISO 1873 defines and classifies Polypropylene materials, while ASTM D4101 serves as the American standard for PP compounds. ISO 1133 measures the Melt Flow Index, ISO 1183 specifies density testing, and ISO 527 determines tensile strength. For impact resistance, ISO 179 and ISO 180 are the most commonly referenced methods.
Adherence to these standards allows manufacturers to benchmark quality, ensuring that materials meet consistent global specifications and performance requirements.
VICHEM – OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR OF PLASTIC ADDITIVES AND TECHNICAL PLASTICS OF POLYGRAM AND TOTALENERGIES CORBION IN VIETNAM
Vichem is the official distributor of plastic additives and technical plastics of Polygram and TotalEnergies Corbion in Vietnam. We not only provide quality products but also provide after-sales services that meet international standards. Services include:
- Technical consultation: Supporting customers in selecting suitable products for specific applications.
- Color-matching tests: Vichem’s technical team performs laboratory tests to ensure color accuracy and product consistency.
- Application support: Assisting customers during integration and production to guarantee optimal performance and stable quality.
For more details about our products and services, please contact us through the following channels:
📞 Hotline: 08 1790 1790
📧 Email: contact@vichem.vn
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🌐 Website: www.vichem.vn
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