PP – polypropylene homopolymer
Weldable, chemical-resistant polyolefin up to about 100 °C
Polypropylene homopolymer is the stiffest polyolefin with the highest service temperature (about 100 °C). It is light, weldable and highly resistant to acids, bases and aqueous solutions, which is why it dominates tanks, gas scrubbers and electroplating equipment. It is brittle below 0 °C.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation (ISO 1043) | PP-H |
| Trade names | Polystone P homopolymer (Roechling); TECAFINE PP (Ensinger) |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Sheets and rods | Stock-shape manufacturer's specification |
| Food contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.1520; EU 10/2011 (depending on grade) |
| Machined part to drawing | ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing |
Composition and filler
Pure polymer
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| PP homopolymer | 100% |
Mechanical properties
Typical values from the stock-shape manufacturer's catalog, 23 °C; ISO/ASTM methods as per the source
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | >30 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity (tensile) | >1,500 MPa |
| Elongation at break | >50% |
| Hardness | Shore D >70 |
| Notched impact | >4 kJ/m² |
Typical physical and thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | >0.90 g/cm³ |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 100 °C |
| Maximum short-term temperature | 150 °C |
| Minimum service temperature | 0 °C |
| Melting point or glass transition | 162-167 °C |
| Linear thermal expansion | 120-190 µm/m·K |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.2 W/m·K |
| Water absorption (24 h) | <0.1% |
| Dielectric strength | >40 kV/mm |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Calculate the weight of PP – polypropylene homopolymer bar, plate or pipe →
Chemical resistance
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acids | Excellent (except strong oxidizers) |
| Bases (alkalis) | Excellent |
| Solvents | Good |
| Hydrocarbons and oils | Limited (aromatics and chlorinated solvents cause swelling) |
| Steam and hot water | Good up to ~100 °C |
Stock forms and sizes
- Sheet (plate)
- Rod (round bar)
- Weldable sheet
- Tube and bushing
- Raw material: rod (round bar), sheet (plate) and tube, cut to size
- Machined part to drawing or sample, in the same order as the metal parts
- Lot certificate of conformity; FDA/EU 10/2011 declaration when the grade allows
Service temperature, machining and assembly
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Continuous service up to 100 °C, short peaks up to 150 °C; minimum 0 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep). |
| Annealing (stress relief) | Not usual. |
| Bonding and welding | Welds very well by hot plate, extrusion and hot air welding. |
| Machining | Machines easily. |
Typical applications
- Tanks and chemical treatment equipment
- Gas scrubbers and ducts
- Electroplating parts
- Pump and filter parts
Alternatives: PVDF for more aggressive chemicals and higher temperature; HDPE for low temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards cover PP?
Sheets and rods: Stock-shape manufacturer's specification. Food contact: FDA 21 CFR 177.1520; EU 10/2011 (depending on grade). Machined part to drawing: ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing.
Up to what temperature can PP be used?
Continuous service up to 100 °C, short peaks up to 150 °C; minimum 0 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep).
Which materials can replace PP?
PVDF for more aggressive chemicals and higher temperature; HDPE for low temperature.
Can PP handle hot water?
Up to about 100 °C without load. For steam and higher temperatures with chemicals, use PVDF or PTFE.
Where to buy PP in Brazil?
Dustre supplies PP as bar, plate, tube, block and forged or machined parts, subject to availability, with a quality certificate. Head office in Osasco/SP, branches in Joinville/SC and Baixo Guandu/ES, delivery across Brazil and export worldwide (export documents and 3.1 certificate; Incoterm agreed in the quote). For a quote, message Helena, our virtual assistant on WhatsApp +55 11 98649-0075, or write to vendas@dustre.com.br.