Polypropylene (or PP Copolymer) is one of the most common materials used in plastic injection moulding in the automotive industry. In fact, PP is one of the top three most commonly used polymers worldwide, largely for its variety of uses and properties.
What is Polypropylene (PP)?
PP is a thermoplastic which is tough, stiff and crystalline, and is made from a combination of propylene monomers. It is a hydrocarbon resin with a linear structure: its chemical formula is (C3H6)n.
The material was discovered and coined in 1951. Since then, has become increasingly popular, especially in these four industries:
- The Automotive Industry
- Industrial Applications
- Consumer Goods
- Furniture Market
In addition to this, polypropylene is one of the most cost-effective plastics on the market. It has a variety of other advantages which we will discuss below.
Related: Plastic Injection Moulding Material: The Properties of High Impact Polystyrene
What are the advantages of using PP in automotive manufacturing?
PP has a wide range of plastic injection moulding uses and properties. In the automotive industry, polypropylene can be found in bumpers, chemical tanks, cable insulation and gas cans. Furthermore, its binding qualities (when used with natural fibre composites) allows for its usage in applications such as door panels, boot liners and seat backs!
The following qualities of PP also make it a great material for use in the automotive industry:
1. It is a bad conductor of electricity
Polypropylene is an insulator. So, it is greatly suitable for manufacturing electronic components of vehicles such as capacitors. With an increase in consumption of electric vehicles, PP is becoming more and more sought after as the foundation for the future of road transport.
2. It has a high melting point and is extremely malleable
The melting point of polypropylene is 130 degrees Celsius. When melted, it is able to be moulded into a variety of shapes. In addition to this, the plastic can be reheated after cooling without great damage. Therefore, making it even more durable and versatile. PP is also corrosion resistant, with a broad chemical resistance over a wide thermal range.
3. It has a high tensile strength
Polypropylene can withstand up to 4800 psi, which means that it is ideal for applications involving heavy loads. It is also ideally suited to withstand cracking due to environmental stress.
4. It is a low density material
Because of its low density, PP is much more cost efficient (especially with regards to fuel consumption) than other materials on the market. This means that PP can be used to decrease the weight of a car, making it both more environmentally friendly and economically viable.
5. It can be transformed into fibre form
As a fibre form, polypropylene can be turned into mesh-like surfaces that can be used for many different applications in a car’s interior, such as in seatbelts.
Polypropylene (PP) Injection Moulding at Stephens Plastics
Here at Stephens Plastics, we are proud to offer a wide range of materials which can be used for injection moulding. Polypropylene proves to be one of the most popular on the market at the moment.
We have over ten years of experience in the field, and alongside our guarantee of competitive prices and professionalism, we might just be perfect for you.
Please do contact us with any questions you may have about PP plastic specifically, or any other of our products and services.
If you’re still unsure what material is best for you, please take a look at this previous blog: 10 Examples of Thermosetting Plastics for Injection Mouldings