PP
PP Full Form:
Polypropylene
What is PP?
One of the thermoplastics that are most frequently used worldwide is polypropylene (PP). Plastic containers, plastic components for machinery and equipment, and even fibers and textiles are only a few uses for polypropylene. It is a semi-crystalline, rigid thermoplastic that was initially polymerized in 1951 and is now widely used for a variety of commercial and residential purposes. At roughly 45 metric tons today, the demand for polypropylene is thought to be the highest it has ever been.
How is PP made?
In a slurry, solution, or gas phase process, propylene monomer is heated and compressed under pressure in the presence of a catalyst system to generate polypropylene. At a relatively low temperature and pressure, polymerization produces translucent but easily colored materials. By adjusting the catalyst and the production environment, the plastic's properties can be modified.
Ethylene and propylene are produced by cracking naphtha (crude oil light distillate). Ethylene, propylene, and other chemicals are separated from higher alkenes using low temperature fractional distillation. Early in the 1950s, propylene was a byproduct of ethylene production; today, it is an important material in and of itself.
Uses of PP
The PP is slippery and its surface is tactile. It is used to make various things required at house and also in medical field. Following things can be made with PP-
Plastic Furniture
Low Friction Applications (gears in machinery and vehicles)
First-aid Products
Bleaches
Cleaning Products
Petri Dishes
Specimen Bottles
Syringes
Medical vials
Pill Containers
PP types
Homopolymers
Homopolymers are polymers that include several copies of the same repeating unit. For instance, multiple molecules of glycolic acid can be conjugated to create the homopolymer poly (glycolic acid). Lactic acid can also be used to produce a homopolymer, in this case, poly (lactic acid). Following are some examples of Homopolymers-
Nylon-6
Polythene
Teflon
PAN
Copolymers
Copolymers are polymers made up of two or more distinct monomer species. A popular kind of polymer used in industry is called a copolymer. Examples include polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and nitrile rubber (ABS). A copolymer is made from different kinds of monomers through the process of copolymerization. It is routinely applied to improve or alter some plastics' properties. Following are some examples of Copolymer-
Bakelite
Polyester
Buna-S
Buna-N
Procedures
Extrusion
The versatile thermoplastic polymer polypropylene (PP), which is inexpensive, heat-resistant, flexible, adaptable, and strong, is frequently the material of choice for plastic extrusions. Polypropylene is extruded using a slot-type die that is 1-3 meters wide and features a die gap adjustment for the necessary film thickness. The movie ends using one of two methods. The most often used method involves lowering the film into a tank of water that has been heated to about 95°F. Below are the examples of Extruded Polypropylene-
Toys
Gardening Equipments
Housewares
Injection molding
The thermoplastic addition polymer polypropylene is mostly used in injection moulding (PP). Because of its semi-crystalline structure and availability, PP has a high flexural strength. PP has a very slick surface and is moisture-resistant, making it suitable for a variety of low-friction applications. Polypropylene (PP) shares many traits with polyethylene, but is a little bit tougher and more heat resistant. Following are some examples of injection molded PP-
Toys
Storage Containers
Sporting Game
Benefits of PP
Easily available in various countries
360 Degree Twisting Motion
Very thin plastic layer
Affordable and Economical
Durable
Resistant to moisture absorption
Best for making wear-and-tear items