Thermoplastic
Materials
Polypropylene Thermoplastic Material at Aline Components Custom Plastic Injection Molding and Manufacturing Company
Aline Components is a custom plastic injection molding and manufacturing company serving customers based internationally, nationally and regionally in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland. To maintain our position as a leading molded plastic part and component manufacturer, Aline features a host of thermoplastic materials. We work directly with both resin suppliers and our customers to make sure we manufacture your part using the best possible thermoplastic for your application.
Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile thermoplastic used in a variety of applications from food packaging, to textiles, to laboratory equipment, to automotive components, and more. Aline Components offers various grades of polypropylene to meet the needs of commercial and industrial markets. A wide range of physical properties and relative ease of processing make polypropylene a prime material capable of competing with more expensive resins in demanding final products or subsystems.
What is Polypropylene Thermoplastic Material?
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that is prepared catalytically from the monomer propylene. Grades of polypropylene that are commonly used in the commercial market have a level of crystallinity between low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). To protect the polymer during plastic injection molding and manufacturing and to enhance end-use performance, additives are applied to all produced polypropylene resins.
Polypropylene Plastic Properties
At higher temperatures, PP is resistant to stress and cracking, as well as chemical solvents, bases, and acids. While the properties of PP resemble those of polyethylene, there are a few specific differences. For instance, PP will not melt below 160°C whereas polyethylene will begin to anneal at around 100°C. Lower density polypropylene has a higher softening point and a higher rigidity and hardness. Standard polypropylene has a melting point of 320°F (160°C). Polypropylene plastic possesses an outstanding balance of mechanical properties, melt flow, color stability, and moisture barrier properties.
- High temperature resistance
- High dielectric strength
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Good resistance to fatigue
A major advantage of polypropylene is a higher temperature resistance, which makes it ideal for plastic parts of components that have to be frequently sterilized for use in clinical and food service environments. Track, arc resistance, and dielectric strength allow PP to be used extensively in electrical applications. Polypropylene outperforms most other thermoplastics in chemical resistance as its saturated olefinic chains yield resistance to most oils and solvents, aqueous, salt, or alkaline solutions, as well as water-based chemicals, soaps, and moderate acids and bases. Hard, high-gloss surface and good fatigue resistances make PP suitable in environments where there is concern for bacteria build-up or any build-up that can affect flow and performance.