You may have noticed the initials PP on some plastic products, which stand for Polypropylene. This material is one of the most widely used in various industries.
It is fully recyclable and is identified by the number 5, designated for yellow recycling bins. Its applications include textiles, containers, laboratory equipment, and more. Let’s explore this fascinating material further.
What Is Polypropylene and How Is It Produced?
El Polypropylene (PP) es un termoplástico que se obtiene a partir de la reacción de polimerización de tipo Ziegler Natta, es decir, una técnica en la cual se utiliza un catalizador para tener dicha reacción química.
The physical properties of polypropylene are determined by its molecular weight. During processing, it’s essential to account for its susceptibility to degradation, high temperatures, and UV radiation exposure.
Characteristics of Polypropylene
Unlike PET, polypropylene is more flexible, but this isn’t its only advantage. Other characteristics include:
- Low production cost
- Rigidity without losing transparency
- Higher heat resistance
- Compatibility with most processing techniques, such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming
- One of the lowest-density plastics
- Chemically inert
Is Polypropylene (PP) Toxic?
No, polypropylene is considered a very safe plastic for humans. However, if heated to high temperatures to the point of combustion, it can release gases that may be harmful to the environment and people if inhaled in large amounts.
Common Uses of Polypropylene
Thanks to its versatility and durability, polypropylene is found in almost everything we use daily, such as:
- Bumpers and battery cases
- Bags
- Carpets
- Appliances
- Food and beverage containers
- Hospital supplies
- Disposable clothing
- Electrical components
At Plastimex we strive to meet our customers' needs by working with various materials, with polypropylene playing a key role in the production of our caps. These caps are used across a wide range of industries, including agrochemical, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
Contamos con múltiples diseños para todo tipo de necesidad, entre ellas: tapas planas, tapas Flip Top, tapa atomizadora, tapa dispensadora o tapas con válvula de ventilación para envases de PET y PEAD. Consulta estos y otros modelos en nuestro catálogo.
