PP - Polypropylene
The polymer with the largest growth rate in the world
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Request a QuotePolypropylene (PP) is a versatile semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer produced through stereospecific polymerization of propylene monomer. With global production exceeding 75 million tonnes annually, PP represents the second-largest plastic resin market worldwide after polyethylene.
The global polypropylene market was valued at approximately $125 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% through 2030, making it the polymer with the largest growth rate globally according to Grand View Research. This growth is driven by expanding automotive, packaging, and textile applications.
Polypropylene complies with ASTM D4101 specifications for polypropylene injection and extrusion materials and ISO 1873 standards for PP materials. The material is approved for food contact under FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 regulations.
Among numerous properties of this material may be highlighted the following:
- The density of polypropylene is about 0.905 g/cm³, one of the lowest among all plastic materials commercially available. This allows to obtain parts with low weight.
- Provides high rigidity, superior to most commercial plastics.
- Good impact resistance at environment temperature for all types of polypropylene.
- Excellent transparency.
- High flexibility resistance.
- High surface hardness.
- High chemical resistance and it is not attacked by the great majority of chemicals at environment temperature.
- Very low water absorption.
- Low permeability to water vapor.
- Very low electrical conductivity.
According to the American Chemistry Council, the packaging sector accounts for approximately 30% of PP consumption, followed by automotive applications at 20% and textiles at 15%.
There are three main types of PP: homopolymers, random copolymers and heterophasic copolymers.
Each type has specific applications and may be modified and adapted to different uses by the techniques of formulation.
Specifications
| Density | 0.905g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | Very Low |
| Electrical Conductivity | Very Low |
| Chemical Resistance | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
Polypropylene (PP) is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer with the largest growth rate in the world due to its exceptional properties and versatility. With a density of about 0.905 g/cm3 (one of the lowest among commercial plastics), PP offers high rigidity, excellent impact resistance, superior transparency, and outstanding chemical resistance. It is used in packaging, automotive, textiles, consumer goods, and medical applications.
Syntex America supplies three main types of polypropylene: PP Homopolymer (PPHomo) for high temperature resistance and sterilization applications, PP Copolymer (PPCopo) for excellent mechanical strength at low temperatures and automotive parts, and PP Random (PPRaco) for high transparency applications like cosmetics packaging and freezer containers. Each type can be modified for specific applications.
PP Homopolymer offers high temperature resistance (can be sterilized with gamma ray and ethylene oxide), excellent chemical resistance to acids and bases, and superior electrical and mechanical properties, but becomes fragile below 0C. PP Copolymer provides excellent mechanical strength at low temperatures, is more flexible and durable, and has increased impact resistance when modified with thermoplastic rubber, though with lower chemical resistance.
Polypropylene is used across numerous industries including: packaging (food containers, bottle caps, BOPP films), textiles (nonwovens for diapers, hospital products), automotive (battery boxes, interior parts, bumpers), consumer goods (housewares, toys, garden furniture), medical (sterilizable containers, hospital products), and food service (thermoformed cups, freezer containers, mineral water bottles).
Key properties of Polypropylene include: lowest density among commercial plastics (0.905 g/cm3) for lightweight parts, high rigidity and surface hardness, excellent transparency and gloss, high flexibility resistance for living hinges, very low water absorption and vapor permeability, excellent chemical resistance at ambient temperature, very low electrical conductivity making it ideal for electrical applications, and good impact resistance at room temperature.