What is Polypropylene? Where to use?
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer used in many industries. This polymer is used in many areas from the automotive industry to food packaging, from textiles to kitchen products. This polymer, which is produced by transforming the monomer into a polymer, is also highly resistant to acids and bases.
Polypropylene was discovered in 1954. There are many varieties of polypropylene discovered by the German chemist Karl Rehn. After 1957, it started to be used in the textile industry. Although it is generally known by this name, the type used in the engineering field is known as 'HDPE'.
What are the Properties of Polypropylene?
Polypropylene is a hard and opaque material.
It is known for its durability as well as being easy to shape.
It is an insulator against electric current.
It can swim in water.
It is resistant to friction.
It is resistant to acids and bases.
It is resistant to crack formation.
It is not resistant to ultraviolet rays.
Its melting temperature is between 130 degrees and 171 degrees.
It has a structure that expands in heat.
Paint coating is difficult.
It can be easily oxidized.
Suitable for contact with food.
It can be combined by welding.
Polypropylene is used in many sectors due to these properties. Its use is quite common and is becoming more and more common. As of 2019, the revenue generated by polypropylene is expected to exceed 145 billion dollars. Demand for propylene grew by about 4.4% between 2004 and 2012.
Where is Polypropylene Used?
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer with a wide usage area. We see this polymer used in many industries. For example, in the food industry, this polymer is used as a packaging package. It is known that polypropylene suitable for contact with food is used in packaging and labeling. It also appears in food storage containers.
One of the sectors where polypropylene is used the most is the automotive sector. Polypropylene is used in many parts in this sector. This material is used in bodywork and tempon construction. Being an opaque and hard material provides durability and protection.
The use of this polymer is also encountered in the textile industry. It is known that polyurethane, which is a type of polypropylene, is used in carpet production. The heat insulation and sound insulation of this material has made it suitable for use in this sector. The use of polypropylene in the textile industry is not limited to this. This polymer is also used in yarn production. After the 1970s, it started to be used in the production of sacks. It is known that this polymer is also used to increase the durability of nylon stockings.
Low-cost non-woven fabrics made of polypropylene are also produced. It is known that these fabrics are waterproof and easily cleaned water-repellent fabrics. Therefore, cleaning cloths are made using these fabrics. In addition, baby diapers are produced from these antibacterial fabrics. Polypropylene, the use of which has increased in recent years, has also started to be used in vending cups. The fact that these glasses are liquid-proof and have a thick structure makes it easier to drink especially hot drinks.
We can often see polypropylene, which we encounter almost everywhere in our daily life, even when we look around. Even in our home, we can see it in kitchen utensils, garden furniture, bathroom items, coat hangers, buttons, cables and many more. In this respect, its use is very common. It is preferred in many sectors because it is resistant to acids and bases. Although polypropylene has some negative features, it has become a usable material for many sectors thanks to its positive features.
The use of polypropylene, which is used so frequently, is increasing day by day. Increasing industrialization and population growth also increases the use of such polymers and raw materials. The need for these polymers is increasing day by day. It is known that polypropylene will be used more in the coming years.