POLYPROPYLENE (CO-POLYMER) – PPC
Material Information
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic that belongs to the polyolefin group of materials. Like most polyolefins, polypropylene is approved for direct food contact. Polypropylene offers a great combination of physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, with a good strength to weight ratio. Although polypropylene has lower impact strength than HDPE and LDPE, it is superior when it comes to working temperature and tensile strength. It is lightweight, resistant to staining, and does not absorb moisture. It has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and degreasing agents, but has poor resistance to aromatic, aliphatic, and chlorinated solvents. It is also tough, heat-resistant, and semi-rigid, making it ideal for use with hot liquids or gases. Its hard, smooth, surface also makes it ideal for use in areas where bacteria build up is a concern. Polypropylene is available in two basic types either as a homopolymer or a copolymer.
Polypropylene copolymer is a little bit softer and more pliable than the homopolymer but has better impact strength and is more durable. It is also more stress crack resistant and is tougher at lower temperatures. It can run in the temperature range -20º to 180º F. PPC is very versatile and inexpensive. Its lower rigidity is ideal for use in automotive tanks to prevent cracking from road vibration, and orthotic devices. It can also be used for applications that require good chemical resistance, or FDA and 3-A Dairy compliance. PPC is available in a natural color; and in the form of rod, sheet, strip, and film. It can be machined with ordinary wood or metalworking equipment.
Application
- Die cutting pads
- Chemical processing and storage
- Fire fighting equipment
- Fabricated parts/living hinge parts
- Orthotic and prosthetic devices
- Plating and anodizing process equipment
- Tanks – secondary containment
- Medical devices
- Metal finishing
Properties
- High impact strength
- Good resistance to cracking at low temperatures
- More pliable
- Meets food handling guidelines
- Chemical and corrosion resistant
- No moisture absorption
- Inexpensive
- FDA and 3-A Dairy compliant
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
Homo-Polymer |
Co-Polymer |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.033 | 0.033 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 0.905 | 0.897 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | 0.01 | – |
Mechanical |
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| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 4,800 | 4800 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | 195,000 | – |
| Tensile Elongation at Yield (%) | D638 | 12 | 23 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | 7,000 | 5400 |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 180,000 | 160000 |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | 1.9 | 7.5 |
| Rockwell Hardness |
D785 | R92 | R80 |
Thermal |
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| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F |
D696 | 6.2 | 6.6 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 125 | 110 |
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | 327 | 327 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | 180 | 170 | |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | HB | N.R. |
Electrical |
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| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) @ .125″ Thick |
D149 | 500-660 | 475 |
| Arc Resistance (sec) | D495 | 160 | 100 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) @ 50% RH | D257 | 8.5 X 10^14 | 2.0 X 10^16 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 kHz | D150 | 2.25 | 2.20-2.36 |
| Dissipation Factor at 1 kHz | D150 | 0.0005-0.0018 | 0.0017 |
NOTE:
The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.