Polypropylene Technical Data and Information


Polypropylene is an economical material that offers a combination of outstanding physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties not found in any other thermoplastic. Compared to low or high density polyethylene, it has a lower impact strength, but superior working temperature range and higher tensile strength.

Polypropylene possesses excellent resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. It is light in weight, resistant to staining, and has a low moisture absorption rate. This is a tough, heat-resistant, semi-rigid material, ideal for the transfer of hot liquids or gases. It is recommended for vacuum systems and where higher heats and pressures are encountered. It has excellent resistance to acids and alkalies, but poor aromatic, aliphatic and chlorinated solvent resistance.

Features:
Lightweight, High tensile strength, Impact resistant, High compressive strength, Excellent dielectric properties, Resists most alkalis and acids, Resists stress cracking, Retains stiffness and flex, Low moisture absorption, Non-toxic, Non-staining, Easily fabricated, High heat resistance.

Fabrication:
Polypropylene can be easily fabricated using the following techniques:
Hot air welded, spin welded, fusion and butt welded, machined with wood or metal working tools, vacuum formed, ultra-sonic welded.

Applications:
Chemical resistant tanks and linings, laboratory consoles, sinks and ducts, plating barrels and tanks, die cutting pads, clean room walls, floors and ceilings.

Typical properties of Polypropylene

ASTM 

Property

Value

Physical

D792 Specific gravity 0.905
D792 Specific volume (in.³/lb.) 30.8-30.4
D570 Water absorption, 24 hours, 3.0 mm thick (%) 0.01-0.03

Mechanical

D638 Tensile strength (psi) 5,000
D638 Elongation (%) 10-20
D638 Tensile modulus (10~5 psi) 1.6
D790 Flexural modulus (10~5 psi) 1.7-2.5
D256 Impact strength, izod (ft-lb/in. of notch) 0.5-2.2
D785 Hardness, Rockwell R 80-110

Thermal

C177 Thermal conductivity (10~4 cal-cm/sec-cm~2-°) 2.8
D696 Coefficient of thermal expansion (10~5 in./in.-°) 3.2-5.7
D648 Deflection temperature (°) At 264 psi 125-140
D648 Deflection temperature (°) At 66 psi 200-250
UL94 Flammability rating HB

Electrical

D149 Dielectric strength (V/mil) short time, 3mm thick 500-660
D150 Dielectric constant At 1kHz 2.2-2.6
D150 Dissipation factor At 1kHz 0.0005-0.0018
D257 Volume resistivity (ohm-cm) At 73°, 50% RH 10~17
D495 Arc resistance 160
     

These values are representative of those obtained under standard ASTM conditions and should not be used to design parts which function under different conditions.

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