Polypropylene

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Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylen.svg

Polypropylene isotactic

Polypropylene syndiotactic

Names

IUPAC name

Poly(1-methylethylene) P

Other names

Polypropylene; Polypropene;

Polipropene 25 [USAN]; Propene polymers;

Propylene polymers; 1-Propene; [-Ch2-Ch(Ch3)-]n

Identifiers

CAS Number

9003-07-0 check

ChemSpider

None

ECHA InfoCard 100.117.813 Edit this at Wikidata

CompTox Dashboard (EPA)

DTXSID00872805 Edit this at Wikidata

Properties

Chemical formula (C3H6)n

Density 0.855 g/cm3, amorphous

0.946 g/cm3, crystalline

Melting point 130 to 171 °C (266 to 340 °F; 403 to 444 K)

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F],
100 kPa).

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Infobox references

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of
applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene.

Polypropylene belongs to the group of polyolefins and is partially crystalline and non-polar. Its
properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat resistant. It is a white,
mechanically rugged material and has a high chemical resistance.[1]

Bio-PP is the bio-based counterpart of polypropylene (PP).[2][3]

Polypropylene is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic (after polyethylene). In 2019,
the global market for polypropylene was worth $126.03 billion.[4] Revenues are expected to exceed
US$145 billion by 2019. The sales of this material are forecast to grow at a rate of 5.8% per year until
2021.[5]

Contents

1 History

2 Chemical and physical properties

2.1 Mechanical properties

2.2 Thermal properties

2.3 Chemical properties

2.3.1 Molecular structure – tacticity

2.3.2 Crystal structure of polypropylene

2.3.2.1 Isotactic polypropylene (iPP)

2.3.2.2 Syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP)

2.3.2.3 Atactic polypropylene (aPP)

2.3.3 Copolymers

2.3.4 PP-RCT

2.3.5 Degradation

2.4 Optical properties

3 Production

3.1 Catalysts
4 Manufacturing from polypropylene

4.1 Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP)

5 Applications

5.1 Clothing

5.2 Medical

5.3 Niche

6 Recycling

7 Repairing

8 Health concerns

9 Combustibility

10 References

11 External links

History

Phillips Petroleum chemists J. Paul Hogan and Robert Banks first demonstrated the polymerization of
propylene in 1951.[6] The stereoselective polymerization to the isotactic was discovered by Giulio
Natta and Karl Rehn in March 1954.[7] This pioneering discovery led to large-scale commercial
production of isotactic polypropylene by the Italian firm Montecatini from 1957 onwards.[8]
Syndiotactic polypropylene was also first synthesized by Natta.

Chemical and physical properties

Micrograph of polypropylene

Polypropylene is in many aspects similar to polyethylene, especially in solution behaviour and

electrical properties. The methyl group improves mechanical properties and thermal resistance,
although the chemical resistance decreases.[9]:19 The properties of polypropylene depend on the
molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, type and proportion of
comonomer (if used) and the isotacticity.[9] In isotactic polypropylene, for example, the methyl
groups are oriented on one side of the carbon backbone. This arrangement creates a greater degree
of crystallinity and results in a stiffer material that is more resistant to creep than both atactic
polypropylene and polyethylene.[10]

Mechanical properties

The density of (PP) is between 0.895 and 0.92 g/cm3. Therefore, PP is the commodity plastic with
the lowest density. With lower density, moldings parts with lower weight and more parts of a certain
mass of plastic can be produced. Unlike polyethylene, crystalline and amorphous regions differ only
slightly in their density. However, the density of polyethylene can significantly change with
fillers.[9]:24

The Young's modulus of PP is between 1300 and 1800 N/mm².

Polypropylene is normally tough and flexible, especially when copolymerized with ethylene. This
allows polypropylene to be used as an engineering plastic, competing with materials such as
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Polypropylene is reasonably economical.[citation needed]

Polypropylene has good resistance to fatigue.[11]:3070

Thermal properties

The melting point of polypropylene occurs in a range, so the melting point is determined by finding
the highest temperature of a differential scanning calorimetry chart. Perfectly isotactic PP has a
melting point of 171 °C (340 °F). Commercial isotactic PP has a melting point that ranges from 160 to
166 °C (320 to 331 °F), depending on atactic material and crystallinity. Syndiotactic PP with a
crystallinity of 30% has a melting point of 130 °C (266 °F).[11] Below 0 °C, PP becomes brittle.[12]

The thermal expansion of PP is very large, but somewhat less than that of polyethylene.[12]

Chemical properties

Polypropylene at room temperature is resistant to fats and almost all organic solvents, apart from
strong oxidants. Non-oxidizing acids and bases can be stored in containers made of PP. At elevated
temperature, PP can be dissolved in nonpolar solvents such as xylene, tetralin and decalin. Due to
the tertiary carbon atom PP is chemically less resistant than PE (see Markovnikov rule).[13]

Most commercial polypropylene is isotactic and has an intermediate level of crystallinity between
that of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Isotactic & atactic
polypropylene is soluble in p-xylene at 140 °C. Isotactic precipitates when the solution is cooled to
25 °C and atactic portion remains soluble in p-xylene.

The melt flow rate (MFR) or melt flow index (MFI) is a measure of molecular weight of
polypropylene. The measure helps to determine how easily the molten raw material will flow during
processing. Polypropylene with higher MFR will fill the plastic mold more easily during the injection
or blow-molding production process. As the melt flow increases, however, some physical properties,
like impact strength, will decrease.
There are three general types of polypropylene: homopolymer, random copolymer, and block
copolymer. The comonomer is typically used with ethylene. Ethylene-propylene rubber or EPDM
added to polypropylene homopolymer increases its low temperature impact strength. Randomly
polymerized ethylene monomer added to polypropylene homopolymer decreases the polymer
crystallinity, lowers the melting point and makes the polymer more transparent.

Molecular structure – tacticity

Polypropylene tacticity de.svg

Polypropylene can be categorized as atactic polypropylene (PP-at), syndiotactic polypropylene (PP-

st) and isotactic polypropylene (PP-it). In case of atactic polypropylene, the methyl group (-CH3) is
randomly aligned, alternating (alternating) for syndiotactic polypropylene and evenly for isotactic
polypropylene. This has an impact on the crystallinity (amorphous or semi-crystalline) and the
thermal properties (expressed as glass transition point Tg and melting point Tm).

The term tacticity describes for polypropylene how the methyl group is oriented in the polymer
chain. Commercial polypropylene is usually isotactic. This article therefore always refers to isotactic
polypropylene, unless stated otherwise. The tacticity is usually indicated in percent, using the
isotactic index (according to DIN 16774). The index is measured by determining the fraction of the
polymer insoluble in boiling heptane. Commercially available polypropylenes usually have an
isotactic index between 85 and 95%. The tacticity effects the polymers physical properties. As the
methyl group is in isotactic propylene consistently located at the same side, it forces the
macromolecule in a helical shape, as also found in starch. An isotactic structure leads to a semi-
crystalline polymer. The higher the isotacticity (the isotactic fraction), the greater the crystallinity,
and thus also the softening point, rigidity, e-modulus and hardness.[14]:22

Atactic polypropylene, on the other hand, lacks any regularity which makes it unable to crystallize
and amorphous.

Crystal structure of polypropylene

Isotactic polypropylene has a high degree of crystallinity, in industrial products 30–60%. Syndiotactic
polypropylene is slightly less crystalline, atactic PP is amorphous (not crystalline).[15]:251

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP)

Isotactic polypropylene can exist in various crystalline modifications which differ by the molecular
arrangement of the polymer chains. The crystalline modifications are categorized into the α-, β- and
γ-modification as well as mesomorphic (smectic) forms.[16] The α-modification is predominant in
iPP. Such crystals are built from lamellae in the form of folded chains. A characteristic anomaly is
that the lamellae are arranged in the so-called "cross-hatched" structure.[17] The melting point of α-
crystalline regions is given as 185[18][19] to 220 °C,[18][20] the density as 0.936 to 0.946
g·cm−3.[21][22] The β-modification is in comparison somewhat less ordered, as a result of which it
forms faster[23][24] and has a lower melting point of 170 to 200 °C.[18][25][26][20] The formation
of the β-modification can be promoted by nucleating agents, suitable temperatures and shear
stress.[23][27] The γ-modification is hardly formed under the conditions used in industry and is
poorly understood. The mesomorphic modification, however, occurs often in industrial processing,
since the plastic is usually cooled quickly. The degree of order of the mesomorphic phase ranges
between the crystalline and the amorphous phase, its density is with 0.916 g·cm−3 comparatively.
The mesomorphic phase is considered as cause for the transparency in rapidly cooled films (due to
low order and small crystallites).[15]

Syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP)

Syndiotactic polypropylene was discovered much later than isotactic PP and could only be prepared
by using metallocene catalysts. Syndiotactic PP has a lower melting point, with 161 to 186 °C,
depending on the degree of tacticity.[28][29][30]

Atactic polypropylene (aPP)

Atactic polypropylene is amorphous and has therefore no crystal structure. Due to its lack of
crystallinity, it is readily soluble even at moderate temperatures, which allows to separate it as by-
product from isotactic polypropylene by extraction. However, the aPP obtained this way is not
completely amorphous but can still contain 15% crystalline parts. Atactic polypropylene can also be
produced selectively using metallocene catalysts, atactic polypropylene produced this way has a
considerably higher molecular weight.[15]

Atactic polypropylene has lower density, melting point and softening temperature than the
crystalline types and is tacky and rubber-like at room temperature. It is a colorless, cloudy material
and can be used between −15 and +120 °C. Atactic polypropylene is used as a sealant, as an
insulating material for automobiles and as an additive to bitumen.[31]

Copolymers

Polypropylene copolymers are in use as well. A particularly important one is polypropylene random
copolymer (PPR or PP-R), a random copolymer with polyethylene used for plastic pipework.

PP-RCT

Polypropylene random crystallinity temperature (PP-RCT), also used for plastic pipework, is a new
form of this plastic. It achieves higher strength at high temperature by β-crystallization.[32]

Degradation
Effect of UV exposure on polypropylene rope

Polypropylene is liable to chain degradation from exposure to temperatures above 100 °C. Oxidation
usually occurs at the tertiary carbon centers leading to chain breaking via reaction with oxygen. In
external applications, degradation is evidenced by cracks and crazing. It may be protected by the use
of various polymer stabilizers, including UV-absorbing additives and anti-oxidants such as phosphites
(e.g. tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite) and hindered phenols, which prevent polymer
degradation.[1]

Microbial communities isolated from soil samples mixed with starch have been shown to be capable
of degrading polypropylene.[33] Polypropylene has been reported to degrade while in the human
body as implantable mesh devices. The degraded material forms a tree bark-like layer at the surface
of mesh fibers.[34]

Optical properties

PP can be made translucent when uncolored but is not as readily made transparent as polystyrene,
acrylic, or certain other plastics. It is often opaque or colored using pigments.

Production

Polypropylene is produced by the chain-growth polymerization of propene:

Polypropylène.png

The industrial production processes can be grouped into gas phase polymerization, bulk
polymerization and slurry polymerization. All state-of-the-art processes use either gas-phase or bulk
reactor systems.[35]

In gas-phase and slurry-reactors, the polymer is formed around heterogeneous catalyst particles.
The gas-phase polymerization is carried out in a fluidized bed reactor, propene is passed over a bed
containing the heterogeneous (solid) catalyst and the formed polymer is separated as a fine powder
and then converted into pellets. Unreacted gas is recycled and fed back into the reactor.

In bulk polymerization, liquid propene acts as a solvent to prevent the precipitation of the polymer.
The polymerization proceeds at 60 to 80 °C and 30–40 atm are applied to keep the propene in the
liquid state. For the bulk polymerization, typically loop reactors are applied. The bulk polymerization
is limited to a maximum of 5% ethene as comonomer due to a limited solubility of the polymer in
the liquid propene.

In the slurry polymerization, typically C4–C6 alkanes (butane, pentane or hexane) are utilized as inert
diluent to suspend the growing polymer particles. Propene is introduced into the mixture as a gas.
The properties of PP are strongly affected by its tacticity, the orientation of the methyl groups (CH

3) relative to the methyl groups in neighboring monomer units (see above). The tacticity of
polypropylene can be chosen by the choice of an appropriate catalyst.

Catalysts

The properties of PP are strongly affected by its tacticity, the orientation of the methyl groups (CH

3 in the figure) relative to the methyl groups in neighboring monomer units. A Ziegler–Natta catalyst
is able to restrict linking of monomer molecules to a specific orientation, either isotactic, when all
methyl groups are positioned at the same side with respect to the backbone of the polymer chain, or
syndiotactic, when the positions of the methyl groups alternate. Commercially available isotactic
polypropylene is made with two types of Ziegler-Natta catalysts. The first group of the catalysts
encompasses solid (mostly supported) catalysts and certain types of soluble metallocene catalysts.
Such isotactic macromolecules coil into a helical shape; these helices then line up next to one
another to form the crystals that give commercial isotactic polypropylene many of its desirable
properties.

A ball-and-stick model of syndiotactic polypropylene.

Another type of metallocene catalysts produce syndiotactic polypropylene.[28] These

macromolecules also coil into helices (of a different type) and crystallize. Atactic polypropylene is an
amorphous rubbery material. It can be produced commercially either with a special type of
supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst or with some metallocene catalysts.

Modern supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts developed for the polymerization of propylene and other
1-alkenes to isotactic polymers usually use TiCl

4 as an active ingredient and MgCl

2 as a support.[36][37][38] The catalysts also contain organic modifiers, either aromatic acid esters
and diesters or ethers. These catalysts are activated with special cocatalysts containing an
organoaluminum compound such as Al(C2H5)3 and the second type of a modifier. The catalysts are
differentiated depending on the procedure used for fashioning catalyst particles from MgCl2 and
depending on the type of organic modifiers employed during catalyst preparation and use in
polymerization reactions. Two most important technological characteristics of all the supported
catalysts are high productivity and a high fraction of the crystalline isotactic polymer they produce at
70–80 °C under standard polymerization conditions. Commercial synthesis of isotactic polypropylene
is usually carried out either in the medium of liquid propylene or in gas-phase reactors.

Commercial synthesis of syndiotactic polypropylene is carried out with the use of a special class of
metallocene catalysts. They employ bridged bis-metallocene complexes of the type bridge-
(Cp1)(Cp2)ZrCl2 where the first Cp ligand is the cyclopentadienyl group, the second Cp ligand is the
fluorenyl group, and the bridge between the two Cp ligands is -CH2-CH2-, >SiMe2, or >SiPh2.[39]
These complexes are converted to polymerization catalysts by activating them with a special
organoaluminum cocatalyst, methylaluminoxane (MAO).[40]

Manufacturing from polypropylene

Melting process of polypropylene can be achieved via extrusion and molding. Common extrusion
methods include production of melt-blown and spun-bond fibers to form long rolls for future
conversion into a wide range of useful products, such as face masks, filters, diapers and wipes.

The most common shaping technique is injection molding, which is used for parts such as cups,
cutlery, vials, caps, containers, housewares, and automotive parts such as batteries. The related
techniques of blow molding and injection-stretch blow molding are also used, which involve both
extrusion and molding.

The large number of end-use applications for polypropylene are often possible because of the ability
to tailor grades with specific molecular properties and additives during its manufacture. For
example, antistatic additives can be added to help polypropylene surfaces resist dust and dirt. Many
physical finishing techniques can also be used on polypropylene, such as machining. Surface
treatments can be applied to polypropylene parts in order to promote adhesion of printing ink and
paints.

Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) has been produced through both solid and melt state processing. EPP
is manufactured using melt processing with either chemical or physical blowing agents. Expansion of
PP in solid state, due to its highly crystalline structure, has not been successful. In this regard, two
novel strategies were developed for expansion of PP. It was observed that PP can be expanded to
make EPP through controlling its crystalline structure or through blending with other
polymers.[41][42]

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP)

When polypropylene film is extruded and stretched in both the machine direction and across
machine direction it is called biaxially oriented polypropylene. Two methods are widely used for
producing BOPP films, namely, the tenter process and tubular process. [43] Biaxial orientation
increases strength and clarity.[44] BOPP is widely used as a packaging material for packaging
products such as snack foods, fresh produce and confectionery. It is easy to coat, print and laminate
to give the required appearance and properties for use as a packaging material. This process is
normally called converting. It is normally produced in large rolls which are slit on slitting machines
into smaller rolls for use on packaging machines. BOPP is also used for stickers and labels, including
by commercial sellers such as Sticker Mule.[45]
Applications

Polypropylene lid of a Tic Tac box, with a living hinge and the resin identification code under its flap

As polypropylene is resistant to fatigue, most plastic living hinges, such as those on flip-top bottles,
are made from this material. However, it is important to ensure that chain molecules are oriented
across the hinge to maximise strength.

Polypropylene is used in the manufacturing of piping systems, both ones concerned with high purity
and ones designed for strength and rigidity (e.g., those intended for use in potable plumbing,
hydronic heating and cooling, and reclaimed water).[46] This material is often chosen for its
resistance to corrosion and chemical leaching, its resilience against most forms of physical damage,
including impact and freezing, its environmental benefits, and its ability to be joined by heat fusion
rather than gluing.[47][48][49]

A polypropylene chair

Many plastic items for medical or laboratory use can be made from polypropylene because it can
withstand the heat in an autoclave. Its heat resistance also enables it to be used as the
manufacturing material of consumer-grade kettles[citation needed]. Food containers made from it
will not melt in the dishwasher, and do not melt during industrial hot filling processes. For this
reason, most plastic tubs for dairy products are polypropylene sealed with aluminum foil (both heat-
resistant materials). After the product has cooled, the tubs are often given lids made of a less heat-
resistant material, such as LDPE or polystyrene. Such containers provide a good hands-on example of
the difference in modulus, since the rubbery (softer, more flexible) feeling of LDPE with respect to
polypropylene of the same thickness is readily apparent. Rugged, translucent, reusable plastic
containers made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes for consumers from various companies such as
Rubbermaid and Sterilite are commonly made of polypropylene, although the lids are often made of
somewhat more flexible LDPE so they can snap onto the container to close it. Polypropylene can also
be made into disposable bottles to contain liquid, powdered, or similar consumer products, although
HDPE and polyethylene terephthalate are commonly also used to make bottles. Plastic pails, car
batteries, wastebaskets, pharmacy prescription bottles, cooler containers, dishes and pitchers are
often made of polypropylene or HDPE, both of which commonly have rather similar appearance,
feel, and properties at ambient temperature. A diversity of medical devices are made from PP.[50]

Polypropylene items for laboratory use, blue and orange closures are not made of polypropylene.

A common application for polypropylene is as biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). These BOPP
sheets are used to make a wide variety of materials including clear bags. When polypropylene is
biaxially oriented, it becomes crystal clear and serves as an excellent packaging material for artistic
and retail products.
Polypropylene, highly colorfast, is widely used in manufacturing carpets, rugs and mats to be used at
home.[51]

Polypropylene is widely used in ropes, distinctive because they are light enough to float in water.[52]
For equal mass and construction, polypropylene rope is similar in strength to polyester rope.
Polypropylene costs less than most other synthetic fibers.

Polypropylene is also used as an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as insulation for electrical
cables for LSZH cable in low-ventilation environments, primarily tunnels. This is because it emits less
smoke and no toxic halogens, which may lead to production of acid in high-temperature conditions.

Polypropylene is also used in particular roofing membranes as the waterproofing top layer of single-
ply systems as opposed to modified-bit systems.

Polypropylene is most commonly used for plastic moldings, wherein it is injected into a mold while
molten, forming complex shapes at relatively low cost and high volume; examples include bottle
tops, bottles, and fittings.

It can also be produced in sheet form, widely used for the production of stationery folders,
packaging, and storage boxes. The wide color range, durability, low cost, and resistance to dirt make
it ideal as a protective cover for papers and other materials. It is used in Rubik's Cube stickers
because of these characteristics.

The availability of sheet polypropylene has provided an opportunity for the use of the material by
designers. The light-weight, durable, and colorful plastic makes an ideal medium for the creation of
light shades, and a number of designs have been developed using interlocking sections to create
elaborate designs.

Polypropylene sheets are a popular choice for trading card collectors; these come with pockets (nine
for standard-size cards) for the cards to be inserted and are used to protect their condition and are
meant to be stored in a binder.

Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is a foam form of polypropylene. EPP has very good impact
characteristics due to its low stiffness; this allows EPP to resume its shape after impacts. EPP is
extensively used in model aircraft and other radio controlled vehicles by hobbyists. This is mainly
due to its ability to absorb impacts, making this an ideal material for RC aircraft for beginners and
amateurs.
Polypropylene is used in the manufacture of loudspeaker drive units. Its use was pioneered by
engineers at the BBC and the patent rights subsequently purchased by Mission Electronics for use in
their Mission Freedom Loudspeaker and Mission 737 Renaissance loudspeaker.

Polypropylene fibres are used as a concrete additive to increase strength and reduce cracking and
spalling.[53] In some areas susceptible to earthquakes (e.g., California), PP fibers are added with
soils to improve the soil's strength and damping when constructing the foundation of structures
such as buildings, bridges, etc.[54]

Polypropylene fibres are also used in drywall joint compound for reinforcement. It can increase the
flexibility and dimensional stability of the joint compound and reduce shrinkage and cracking when it
dries.

Polypropylene is used in polypropylene drums.

In June 2016, a study showed that a mixture of polypropylene and durable superoleophobic surfaces
created by two engineers from Ohio State University can repel liquids such as shampoo and oil. This
technology could make it easier to remove all of the liquid contents from polypropylene bottles,
particularly those that have high surface tension such as shampoo or oil.[55]

Clothing

Various polypropylene yarns and textiles

Polypropylene is a major polymer used in nonwovens, with over 50% used[citation needed] for
diapers or sanitary products where it is treated to absorb water (hydrophilic) rather than naturally
repelling water (hydrophobic). Other non-woven uses include filters for air, gas, and liquids in which
the fibers can be formed into sheets or webs that can be pleated to form cartridges or layers that
filter in various efficiencies in the 0.5 to 30 micrometre range. Such applications occur in houses as
water filters or in air-conditioning-type filters. The high surface-area and naturally oleophilic
polypropylene nonwovens are ideal absorbers of oil spills with the familiar[citation needed] floating
barriers near oil spills on rivers.

Polypropylene, or 'polypro', has been used for the fabrication of cold-weather base layers, such as
long-sleeve shirts or long underwear. Polypropylene is also used in warm-weather clothing, in which
it transports sweat away from the skin. Polyester has replaced polypropylene in these applications in
the U.S. military, such as in the ECWCS.[56] Although polypropylene clothes are not easily
flammable, they can melt, which may result in severe burns if the wearer is involved in an explosion
or fire of any kind.[57] Polypropylene undergarments are known for retaining body odors which are
then difficult to remove. The current generation of polyester does not have this disadvantage.[58]

Some fashion designers have adapted polypropylene to construct jewelry and other wearable
items.[citation needed]

Medical

Its most common medical use is in the synthetic, nonabsorbable suture Prolene, manufactured by
Ethicon Inc.

Polypropylene has been used in hernia and pelvic organ prolapse repair operations to protect the
body from new hernias in the same location. A small patch of the material is placed over the spot of
the hernia, below the skin, and is painless and rarely, if ever, rejected by the body. However, a
polypropylene mesh will erode the tissue surrounding it over the uncertain period from days to
years.

A notable application was as a transvaginal mesh, used to treat vaginal prolapse and concurrent
urinary incontinence.[59] Due to the above-mentioned propensity for polypropylene mesh to erode
the tissue surrounding it, the FDA has issued several warnings on the use of polypropylene mesh
medical kits for certain applications in pelvic organ prolapse, specifically when introduced in close
proximity to the vaginal wall due to a continued increase in number of mesh-driven tissue erosions
reported by patients over the past few years.[60] On 3 January 2012, the FDA ordered 35
manufacturers of these mesh products to study the side effects of these devices. Due to the
outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the demand for PP has increased significantly because
it's a vital raw material for producing meltblown fabric, which is in turn the raw material for
producing facial masks.

FKP 1 polypropylene (PP) film capacitor for pulse applications with metal foil manufactured by
WIMA.[61]

Niche

Very thin sheets (≈2–20 µm) of polypropylene are used as a dielectric within certain high-
performance pulse and low-loss RF capacitors.

Expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam is a structural material in hobbyist radio control model aircraft.
Unlike expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) which is friable and breaks easily on impact, EPP foam is
able to absorb kinetic impacts very well without breaking, retains its original shape, and exhibits
memory form characteristics which allow it to return to its original shape in a short amount of
time.[62]
When the cathedral on Tenerife, La Laguna Cathedral, was repaired in 2002–2014, it turned out that
the vaults and dome were in a rather bad condition. Therefore, these parts of the building were
demolished, and replaced by constructions in polypropylene. This was reported as the first time this
material was used in this scale in buildings.[citation needed]

Under the trade name Ulstron polypropylene rope is used to manufacture scoop nets for whitebait.
It has also been used for sheets of yacht sails.[63][64]

Polymer banknotes are made from BOPP, where it provides a durable base and allows for the use of
transparent security features by omitting opaque inks in the desired areas.

Recycling

Polypropylene is recyclable and has the number "5" as its resin identification code:[65] Symbol Resin
Code 5 PP.svg

Repairing

Many objects are made with polypropylene precisely because it is resilient and resistant to most
solvents and glues. Also, there are very few glues available specifically for gluing PP. However, solid
PP objects not subject to undue flexing can be satisfactorily joined with a two-part epoxy glue or
using hot-glue guns. Preparation is important and it is often helpful to roughen the surface with a
file, emery paper or other abrasive material to provide better anchorage for the glue. Also it is
recommended to clean with mineral spirits or similar alcohol prior to gluing to remove any oils or
other contamination. Some experimentation may be required. There are also some industrial glues
available for PP, but these can be difficult to find, especially in a retail store.[66]

PP can be melted using a speed tip welding technique. With speed welding, the plastic welder,
similar to a soldering iron in appearance and wattage, is fitted with a feed tube for the plastic weld
rod. The speed tip heats the rod and the substrate, while at the same time it presses the molten
weld rod into position. A bead of softened plastic is laid into the joint, and the parts and weld rod
fuse. With polypropylene, the melted welding rod must be "mixed" with the semi-melted base
material being fabricated or repaired. A speed tip "gun" is essentially a soldering iron with a broad,
flat tip that can be used to melt the weld joint and filler material to create a bond.

Health concerns

The advocacy organization Environmental Working Group classifies PP as of low to moderate

hazard.[67][why?] PP is dope-dyed; no water is used in its dyeing, in contrast with cotton.[68]
In 2020 researchers reported that polypropylene infant feeding bottles with contemporary
preparation procedures were found to cause microplastics exposure to infants ranging from 14,600
to 4,550,000 particles per capita per day in 48 regions. Microplastics release is higher with warmer
liquids and similar with other polypropylene products such as lunchboxes.[69][70][71]