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Polypropylene Specifications

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

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 and tensile strength.

see also datasheets for:
Propylux Static-Control Polypro | Propylux HS Heat Stabilizied Polypro | TecaPro MT | FlameTec Polypro
GENERAL PROPERTIES
Polypropylene provides excellent resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. It has a lower impact strength, but its working temperatures and tensile strength are superior to low or high density polyethylene. 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 alkalines, but poor resistance to aromatic, aliphatic and chlorinated solvents.

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 TECHNIQUES
• Hot gas welding • Spin welding • Fusion & butt welding • Machining with wood or metal working tools • Vacuum forming • Ultra-sonic sealing

THERMO-FORMED APPLICATIONS
• Chemical resistant tanks & linings  • Laboratory consoles, sinks & ducts • Plating barrels & tanks • Lavatory partitions • Filter press plates • Railroad crossing components • Pump components & housings • Prosthetic devices • Die cutting pads • Clean room walls, floors & ceilings

TYPICAL PROPERTIES of POLYPROPYLENE
ASTM or UL test Property Homopolymer Co-Polymer Flame
Retardant
PHYSICAL
D792 Density (lb/in³)
(g/cm³)
0.033
0.905
0.033
0.897
0.035
0.988
D570 Water Absorption, 24 hrs (%) <0.01 0.01 0.02
MECHANICAL
D638 Tensile Strength (psi) 4,800 4,800 4,300
D638 Tensile Modulus (psi) 195,000 - -
D638 Tensile Elongation at Yield (%) 12 23 28
D790 Flexural Strength (psi) 7,000 5,400 -
D790 Flexural Modulus (psi) 180,000 160,000 145,000
D695 Compressive Strength (psi) 7,000 6,000 -
D695 Compressive Modulus (psi) - - -
D785 Hardness, Rockwell R 92 80 -
D256 IZOD Notched Impact (ft-lb/in) 1.9 7.5 0.65
THERMAL
D696 Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
(x 10 -5 in./in./°F)
6.2 6.6 -
D648 Heat Deflection Temp (°F / °C)
at 66 psi
at 264 psi

210 / 99
125 / 52

173 / 78
110 / 43

106 / 41
57 / 14
D3418 Melting Temperature (°F / °C) 327 / 164 327 / 164 327 / 164
- Max Operating Temp (°F / °C) 180 / 82 170 / 77 180 / 82
C177 Thermal Conductivity
(BTU-in/ft²-hr-°F)
(x 10 -4 cal/cm-sec-°C)

0.76-0.81
2.6-2.8

-
-

-
-
UL94 Flammability Rating HB n.r. V-O
ELECTRICAL
D149 Dielectric Strength (V/mil) short time, 1/8" thick 500-660 475 500-650
D150 Dielectric Constant at 1 kHz 2.25 2.2-2.36 2.3
D150 Dissipation Factor at 1 kHz 0.0005-0.0018 0.0017 -
D257 Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) at 50% RH 8.5 x 10 14 2 x 10 16 10 15
D495 Arc Resistance (sec) 160 100 -

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.