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Polypropylene

One of the most versatile polymers available, with properties sitting between LDPE and HDPE.

A thermoplastic polymer, polypropylene (also called polypropene) has properties between those of LDPE and HDPE and is one of the most versatile polymers available.

Chemical Composition

Polypropylene polymer structure diagram

Also Known As

PP recycling code 5

Polypropene, PP. The symbol shown was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry so that items can be labelled for easy recycling.

Properties

Semi-rigid, translucent, good chemical resistance, tough, good fatigue resistance, integral hinge property, good heat resistance.

Polypropylene physical properties
PropertyValue
Tensile strength0.95–1.30 N/mm2
Notched impact strength3.0–30.0 kJ/m2
Thermal coefficient of expansion100–150 × 10-6
Max. continued use temperature80 °C (176 °F)
Melting point160 °C (320 °F)
Glass transition temp. (atactic)-20 °C (-4 °F)
Glass transition temp. (isotactic)100 °C (212 °F)
Density0.905 g/cm3

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