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0 A review of polypropylene shows that as various plastics continue filling landfills, market research indicates that the production of less harmful forms of plastics is rising. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer formed through the polymerization of propylene, first formed in 1951 and, at that time, took the plastic industry by storm. Today its use is again on the rise, commonly found in packaging, automobile, construction, healthcare and electronics.
Thermoplastic advantage
Because Polypropylene is a thermoplastic, it provides many advantages to other thermoset materials. Thermoset materials like silicone or polyurethane are curated through chemical bonds, making them more robust; however, they are no longer recyclable because of these chemical bonds. Other thermoplastic materials include polyester and nylon, both prominent in clothing, and like Polypropylene, they are both mouldable and recyclable.
Applications of Polypropylene
Construction
The construction industry is a sector in which Polypropylene is becoming more prominent. Its weight’s lightness, impact, shatter resistance, and low moisture absorption make it a better alternative to other plastic products. Roofing is one of the many applications where it succeeds. Polypropylene’s low moisture absorption makes it a top waterproof layer for the roof.
Electronics
Polypropylene also proves itself in the Electronics industry. Polypropylene is an alternative to PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) for electrical cable insulation. The heat resistance and chemical resistance that Polypropylene provides are qualities that you will not get from PVC. PVC’s susceptibility to this type of damage forces it to be replaced more often than a polypropylene cable. Along with the differences in the ability of the two products, PVC leaves a larger carbon footprint than that Polypropylene. Manufacturing PVC requires more energy and produces more carbon dioxide emissions, which furthers Polypropylene’s case that it is one of the best alternatives to the polymer PVC.
Packaging
In the packaging industry, Polypropylene continues to show its versatility. Its flexibility and durability are significant factors that make it so prominent in this industry. Polypropylene is the lightest of all polymers, which makes it easier to handle in transport. Polypropylene’s lightweight, partnered with its durability, means that when compared to alternatives like polyethylene, less Polypropylene is needed to package the same amount of product in less landfill waste proving Polypropylene’s low carbon footprint. It also is a BPA-free plastic. Polypropylene’s lack of BPA (Bisphenol A) makes it safer for food packaging than other plastic products.
Automotive
Polypropylene, most of all, has captured the automotive industry. Of all plastic-based products, none is used more frequently in automobile manufacturing than Polypropylene. Its mouldability is a tremendous advantage in manufacturing, and this comes because it is a thermoplastic polymer. Its mouldability and heat, chemical and impact resistance make it a reliable part of car bumpers, gas cans, interior flooring and carpet fibres. Polypropylene’s cost of manufacturing rivals that of all other plastics on the market, making it the clear choice economically and performance-wise.
Manufacturing
The production of Polypropylene alone is not a significant contributor to the buildup of greenhouse gas emissions; however, petroleum is a crucial component in its manufacturing. The production of petroleum is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which is a deterrent to using Polypropylene. At the current production rate, polypropylene Manufacturing is expected to contribute 1.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years. Despite these significant environmental impacts, recycling Polypropylene can alter this outcome. However, Polypropylene must still be recycled on a large enough scale to combat this outcome.
Recyclability
Polypropylene is recyclable through various methods. They are mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling is the process of separating Polypropylene from other recyclables like glass, paper and common plastics. In contrast, chemical recycling is the process of melting the polymers at low temperatures and then extruding the melted material into pellets to be reused. Unfortunately, Polypropylene isn’t recycled at scale at this point due to chemicals used in its recycling process, making waste by-products unavoidable. Not only that but each time polypropylene is recycled, the quality of the products decreases. The polymer loses its strength and flexibility due to weaker hydrogen and carbons atoms’ bonds.
Polypropylene is a plastic that’s been prevalent for many years and has many uses and benefits. Like most plastics, its production comes at some detriment to the earth. This detriment can be minimized by recycling. Finding a way to combat Polypropylene’s loss in quality after recycling is a critical step that we must take to further its value as a sustainable plastic.
Reference
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Basham, K. (2023). How is PP plastic recycled?: Plastic recycling. Plastic Expert. https://www.plasticexpert.co.uk/how-is-pp-plastic-recycled/
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Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Polypropylene. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/polypropylene
Polypropylene in the construction industry. Polypropylene in the construction industry – Designing Buildings. (n.d.). https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Polypropylene_in_the_construction_industry
Psadmin. (2019, July 1). Why polypropylene is the most preferred material for packaging. Plastivision. https://www.plastivision.org/blog/why-polypropylene-is-the-most-preferred-material-for-packaging/
PSI Urethanes, Inc. (n.d.). Thermoset urethane vs. thermoplastic urethane. Cast Polyurethane Manufacturer. https://psiurethanes.com/thermoset-vs-thermoplastic/#:~:text=Thermoset%20urethane%20is%20a%20polymer,a%20wide%20range%20of%20industries.v
PVC pipe vs PP pipe. PVC Pipe Locators. (2018, August 23). https://www.pvcpipelocators.com/pvc-vs-pp-pipe/#:~:text=Polypropylene%20pipes%20can%20be%20used,soda%2C%20and%20also%20resishttps://www.pvcpipelocators.com/pvc-vs-pp-pipe/#:~:text=Polypropylene%20pipes%20can%20be%20used,soda%2C%20and%20also%20resists%20abrasion. ts%20abrasion.
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