Polypropylene (PP) - Honeycomb, Mesh & Tube - Material Information

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics, appreciated for its low density, mechanical strength, and excellent resistance to chemicals and fatigue. It belongs to the family of polyolefins and is primarily used in structural, packaging, and engineering applications due to its cost-effectiveness and adaptability.

Material Overview

PP is a semi-crystalline polymer composed of repeating propylene units (–CH?–CH(CH?)–) and is commonly produced in isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic forms. Isotactic PP, the most prevalent type, exhibits a highly ordered crystalline structure that contributes to its stiffness, high tensile strength (30–40 MPa), and melting point around 165 °C. Its low density (~0.90 g/cm³) makes it the lightest among commodity plastics. Studies by Fukuda et al. (2023) demonstrated that morphological variations such as nodular versus spherulitic crystal structures significantly influence mechanical performance, with nodular PP exhibiting superior tensile properties due to enhanced tie-chain density. Maddah (2016) reviewed PP as a “promising plastic,” emphasizing its thermal stability, resistance to fatigue, and recyclability. Nanocomposite studies (Berdinazarov et al., 2022) revealed that incorporating layered silicates such as Cloisite20A enhances PP’s modulus by up to 20% while increasing its thermal degradation threshold from 360 °C to 430 °C. Crystallization behavior, as detailed by Speranza et al. (2023), is highly dependent on cooling rate and pressure, affecting spherulite size and the resulting toughness of the polymer matrix.

Applications and Advantages

Polypropylene is used across diverse sectors, from automotive components and packaging films to textiles, laboratory equipment, and consumer goods. Its chemical resistance makes it suitable for containers, piping, and fittings used in corrosive environments. In electrical applications, PP’s dielectric strength supports use in capacitors and insulation. The honeycomb and mesh forms offered by Goodfellow are favored for lightweight structural components and fluid filtration systems, while tubes are utilized in laboratory setups and process industries. The polymer’s ability to be copolymerized with ethylene further improves its impact strength for cold-weather applications.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow provides Polypropylene in honeycomb, mesh, and tube forms, ensuring reliable performance and adaptability for both industrial and research environments. Custom specifications and polymer grades can be supplied to meet specific mechanical or thermal needs. Explore Polypropylene and other engineering polymers through the Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Fukuda, Y., Kida, T., & Yamaguchi, M. (2023). Mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene with nodular or spherulite morphologies. Polymer Engineering & Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.26504
• Berdinazarov, Q. N., Khakberdiev, E. O., Normurodov, N. F., & Ashurov, N. R. (2022). Mechanical and thermal degradation properties of isotactic polypropylene composites with Cloisite15A and Cloisite20A. Bulletin of the Karaganda University, Chemistry Series, 3(22–23). https://doi.org/10.31489/2022ph3/52-60
• Speranza, V., Salomone, R., & Pantani, R. (2023). Effects of pressure and cooling rates on crystallization behavior and morphology of isotactic polypropylene. Crystals, 13(6), 922. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13060922
• Maddah, H. A. (2016). Polypropylene as a promising plastic: A review. King Abdulaziz University Journal.