The never-ending quest for materials that can withstand the rigors of multiple sectors of designers and engineers is evident in their urge to constantly evolve with new technology. One such material that has gained ground is polypropylene. But what sets polypropylene apart from other materials? In this comprehensive blog post, we explore the engineering possibilities of polypropylene, its properties as a polymer, the available processes to fabricate it, and its conceivable applications in numerous fields. So, aim to understand the real potential of the material and let us judge whether it is capable of bearing the epithet of ‘the engineering polymer’ or not. Prepare to see for yourself the outstanding characteristics and properties of this very selective thermoplastic material that changed the engineering world.
What is Polypropylene?
Polypropylene denotes a diverse range of synaptic responses across the brain-substance. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer composed of polypropylene molecules and is widely used in a variety of atomically bonded materials where several desired properties are inherent in the structure. Though it is mostly manufactured under the polymerization process, which encompasses the combination of propylene monomer and the construction of long chains, it can be molded, extruded, or shaped using various techniques. Primary properties that enable the material to be cost-effective and used to manufacture multiple petrochemical-related applications like packaging, components, etc., are its resistance to chemicals, lightweight structure, and processing gain. Polypropylene’s versatility, alongside its capability to withstand an array of extreme conditions, renders it the most universally used compound.
Understanding Polypropylene as a Thermoplastic
Polypropylene proves to be useful in various industries thanks to its unique properties and also its economic feasibility. Its properties are quite light, easy to process, and chemical and fatigue-resilient. Polypropylene is well suited to molding, extrusion, and shaping, which enables it to be found in packaging products, automotive parts, appliances, and even medical equipment. Due to being a thermoplastic, it can be melted and reshaped numerous times while remaining relatively unchanged. Because of its strength, cost, and applicability, polypropylene has gained popularity in both engineering and manufacturing.
How Polypropylene is Made and Processed
Polypropylene is a type of plastic that can be created through a method referred to as polymerization. During this process, polymers of propylene are obtained. This takes place due to the presence of favorable factors such as pressure, temperature and catalysts.
After such conditions are met, the polypropylene so produced can then be processed into parts using various methods. One of them is called ‘injection molding’: here, hot molten polypropylene is injected into mold cavities and, after cooling, is allowed to ingest shape. The other is called extrusion, where the polymer is melted and then pushed through a die to create standardized tubes or sheets. There are also blow-molding processes for making polypropylene bottles, which require hollow shapes.
Such properties as moldability, extrudability, and shapeability make polypropylene very good for finishing processes. Being one of the few plastics that can be broken down and remolded repeatedly without making the basic properties change gives it a definite edge in engineering and plastic manufacturing. Also, owing to its strength, low cost, and resistance to chemicals, it has applications in packing, automobiles, appliances, and medical devices, among other industries.
This allows engineers and manufacturers to utilize the distinct features of polypropylene in the design and manufacturing of targeted products by comprehending the various stages of production and processing of the polymer.
Key Properties of Polypropylene and Its Chemical Resistance
Polypropylene boasts several important properties, making it a good option across industries. Some of its notable features include the following:
- Chemical Resistance: Polypropylene polymers have good resistance to acid, bases, solvents, oils and virtually a wide range of chemicals enabling it to be used in areas which involve exposure to numerous substances.
- Durability: Polypropylene has great impact strength and toughness, making it very durable, thus allowing centration to endure harsh environments and great depositions over long periods. As a result, it is useful when long-lasting functioning is needed.
- Affordability: As a relatively inexpensive material, polypropylene is an additional appealing option for application within mass production techniques. The regularity of demand for the raw material is guaranteed by its low cost and good characteristics.
- Low Density: Polypropylene being light-weighted material allows for great weight savings especially in industries that require weight saving measures. This feature is especially useful in the automotive and aerospace industries.
- Flexibility: Due to the high level of flexibility exhibited by polypropylene it can be converted to diverse shapes and sizes which adds to versatility and complexity of intricate designs and complex parts.
- Heat Resistance: Polypropylene has a glorious heat resistance property with a melting point temperature near about 160 C or 320 F. This property guarantees that it will not lose its stability and form when subjected to slightly high temperatures.
- Electrical Insulation: Polypropylene has great electrical insulations and therefore is used in areas where the transfer of electrical current is to be confined as much as possible.
- Hygienic and FDA Approval: Polypropylene is indeed hygienic materials in itself since it does not retain moisture, does not absorb chemicals, and is impermeable to bacteria. It is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for purposes involving food contact.
These combined properties explain the reasons for the wide popularity of polypropylene and its application in many sectors of the economy involving engineering and manufacturing processes where reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness are key considerations.
Is Polypropylene an Engineering Plastic?
Defining Engineering Plastics and Their Characteristics
What are engineering plastics, you may ask? Well, they are indeed a class of polymers that possess fantastic chemical and mechanical properties. Due to their properties and characteristics, these plastics can come in useful in a wide array of engineering and manufacturing fields. Unlike your standard everyday-use plastics, engineering plastics are quite different as they serve a different purpose. They possess higher requirements when it comes to durability, strength, heat, chemical resistance, and rigidity.
Engineering polymers are a unique class of polymers that are known for having great impact resistance along with high tensile stiffness. This, for starters, allows them to be stressed out on an industrial scale along with being very strong in coping well in harsh conditions. They are also stable thermally meaning composure can be maintained even with the performance being increased. Not to mention, engineering polymers are also highly stable in terms of moisture, UV radiation, and any sort of chemical, making them usable in a wide variety of industries.
Some examples of Engineering polymers are polypropylene which is known for being used in the automotive, aerospace, electronics and consumer goods industries. Their durability and resilience allows them to be cheap and easy to obtain, meaning components, packaging and insulation can be manufactured with great ease.
To summarize, engineering polymers are quite different from standard commercial grade polymers primarily due to their strength and rigidity which in turn allows them to be a source of reliable engineering grade materials. Their stability and durability mean they can be used across a variety of industries complementing one another.
Comparison of Polypropylene with Other Engineering Plastics
These characteristics have allowed polypropylene to penetrate a market previously dominated by other engineering plastics. The quantitative comparison is as follows:
Polyethylene (PE):
- PP has a higher melting point than PE and hence has better heat resistance.
- PP has higher mechanical strength and stiffness than PE.
- Similar to polyethylene, PP has higher impact strength and Provides them with greater flexibility.
- PP has superior plasticity but provides protection for a wider range of chemicals.
Polycarbonate (PC):
- PP has a lower impact strength than polycarbonate.
- Pp is less susceptible to chemical attack than pc making it a better chemical resistant. Pp is also less likely to degrade from chemicals than pc.
- PC is better suited for optical devices due to its greater light transmittance and clarity than PP, which has a low visual quality.
- PP is low-cost compared to PC.
Polyamide (PA/Nylon):
- Polyamide is a high moisture absorbent compared to pp.
- PP is more resistant to deformation from chemicals than polyamide.
- Polyamides exhibit enhanced mechanical strength characteristics along with improved toughness as well.
- Polyamides have a lesser resistance to the effects of ultraviolet radiation than PP.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET):Â
- PP is a preferable option over PET, considering the better chemical resistance features.
- Compared to polypropylene, PET has superior barrier characteristics to gases and moisture, making it particularly useful for packaging.
- PET has a lower impact strength and shows a reduction in low temperature than PP.
- Considering these characteristics, PET has better dimensional stability and thermal resistance than that of PP.
With these considerations, engineers and manufacturers are able to choose the most suitable engineering plastic for their applications. Each file can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries as each one has its own properties and benefits.
Applications of Polypropylene in Engineering
Polypropylene (PP) is an extraordinarily incredible engineering plastic that has a large number of industries based on its properties and benefits. Here are some notable applications of polypropylene in engineering:
- Automotive Components: PP has extensive usage in the automotive industry, they include manufactures of bumpers, interior trims and lorry and battery casing. PP is also ideal for these usages due to its excellent impact resistance, and chemical and lightweight properties.
- Packaging: The most common materials, including food containers, bottles, and even caps, are made from PP because it is highly popular. It is rarer for people to see high clarity excellent heat resistance, and low moisture absorption, which preserves packaged products’ freshness like with PP.
- Medical Devices: PP has many top places in the medical field where it is a good material for syringes, vials and even medical packs and labware, it is also extensively used in medical machinery or equipment. The reason for these uses is PP’s strong biocompatibility, sterilizability, and chemical and solvent resistance.
- Textile and Fibers: PP fibers are used in geotextile, ropes, carpets and even filters. The fibers have a great strength, resist UV radiation and are pretty durable making it applicable for industrial and consumer applications.
- Polypropylene polymer: Electrical Apparatus: It is PP in the manufacture of electrical appliances as casings of electronic equipment, aspects of power tools, switches, etc. Moreover, distinguished insulation of electricity, flame retantion material and dimensional stability improve the safety and efficiency of such appliances.
- Industrial Equipment: PP is also used in the manufacturing of industrial equipment such as tanks, pipes, valves, and fittings. Because of its high chemical resistance, endurance, and capacity to cope with extreme climates, it has numerous industrial uses.
- Furniture: PP is widely used in the furniture sector in making chairs, tables and other storage units. Its light weight, easy to shape, impact and moisture resistant properties make it a favorable material in the design of furniture.
These are just few mentions of the long list of the characteristics of polypropylene and its uses in engineering. In my opinion it is and will be an effective solution in many other industries as well.
How Does Polypropylene Compare to Commodity Plastics?
The Role of Polypropylene in the Plastic Industry
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the important polymers in the production of plastics due to its range of properties that make it a popular material of choice for many industries. As a result, polypropylene is ranked as one of the topmost plastics to be produced and used around the world.
Polypropylene serves a particular function in the form of packaging. The lightweight attributes, chemical resistance properties and the ability to be shaped into various forms suit it well as a packaging material. Furthermore, thermal and moisture permeability properties of polypropylene maintain and protect the packaged products.
Moreover, it is also extensively applied in the automotive industry which is one of the largest sectors. Its strong impact resistance features combined with low density and durability properties make them preferable materials in making components like bumpers, dashboards, and trims within the vehicle. Also, the use of polypropylene will allow an increase in fuel efficiency of the vehicle since it has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Within the textile industries, polypropylene fibers are used for geotextiles, upholstery, and carpet needs. Propropylene has a hydrophobic nature which makes the fibers resistmoisture and mildew enhancing the use of the pakaging in moist or outdoor environments.
These are only a few of the ways polypropylene has occupied an important position in plastic industry. The property of being lightweight, impact resistant, chemically resistant and versatile makes it an indispensable material in a number of industries while providing dependable performance in harsh environments.
Comparing Polypropylene with Polyethylene and High-Density Polyethylene
Among visually similar plastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are three, which, however, are typically used for different purposes. However, there are key differences among these materials, allowing each one to be especially suited for certain applications.
Polypropylene (PP):Â
- It has a wide range of applications due to its lightweight nature.
- Incredible resistance to a number of chemicals.
- Possesses high heat resistance, maintaining functionality up to 100 degrees Celsius.
- It has low moisture retention, making it ideal for outdoor conditions where there is high humidity.
- Textiles, automotive parts, packaging, and household goods are among the most common uses.
Polyethylene (PE):Â
- Comes in branches such as high-density and low-density polyethylenes.
- Has good impact resistance due to its low tensile strength and flexibility therefore making it suitable for plastic films and bags.
- Have a very good impact resistance coupled with high tensile strength, therefore making it ideal for pipes, containers, and bottles.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):Â
- It is very rigid and has a great strength-to-density ratio.
- Very good resistance to UV radiation, moisture and a number of chemicals.
- It can endure high levels of impact while absorbing very little moisture.
- It is commonly used for constructing water pipes, tanks, outdoor furniture, and crates.
To choose the right material for some applications, it’s important to understand the differences between polypropylene, polyethylene, and high density polyethylene. Each material possesses different characteristics and benefits that fulfill diverse needs in various industries like automotive, packaging, textiles and so on.
Analyzing the Mechanical Properties and Heat Resistance
The selection of the most appropriate material for the specific applications will hinge on the understanding of the mechanical properties and heat resistance of polypropylene. This thermoplastic polymer has a number of benefits which make it a commonly sought after material in a range of industries.
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Polypropylene has great mechanical properties; thus, this polymer is suited for a variety of engineering applications. Several of these include the following:
- Strength and Stiffness: Polypropylene is lightweight but has a high strength ratio resulting in numerous excellent mechanical and stiffness construction. The above means that it can also bear heavy loads and resist permanently deforming.
- Toughness: Polypropylene is strong enough to not shatter when tinkered with which favors usage in areas where toughness is needed.
- Flexibility: The very fact that it has a low flexural modulus or rigidity implies that it would be rather flexible. This flexibility also results in better processing as well as better designing of the material through innovation.
- Fatigue Resistance: Fatigue is the main point of consideration for several applications including bolted wide flange connections that required cyclic loading; polypropylene stands up well against fatigue resistance.
Durability of Polypropylene under Heat
The ability of Polypropylene to withstand high heat explains its application in various sectors. Some notable factors to focus on include:
- Melting Point: With a melting temperature that is not lower than 130 °C and not exceeding 171 °C, this polymer can be used at considerably high temperatures with no considerable alteration in structure.
- Thermal Stability: Its mechanical properties are preserved over various temperature stages which further enhance its applicability.
- Heat Deflection Temperature: The polypropylenes heat deflection temperature is around 80°C to 100 °C. This condition shows the definite humidity under which a certain stress was applied which causes the material to begin deforming.
In reviewing the mechanical aspects of polypropylene in addition to the thermal features, the engineers and designers are able to select the thermal features applicable for their constructions.
What Are the Key Properties of Polypropylene?
Overview of the Physical Properties
Polypropylene has multiple key physical properties that make it suitable as a material for different applications. Here are some of the essential physical properties of polypropylene:
- Density: Polypropylene is light as it possesses relatively low density and thus can be useful in applications that require a reduction in weight.
- Chemical Resistance: It possesses good chemical resistance, enabling it to endure a variety of chemicals with minimal deterioration.
- Tensile Strength: Polypropylene has a good tensile strength which enhances the structural integrity and durability of the material.
- Flexibility: Polypropylene exhibits a high degree of flexibility which makes it easy to process and can be shaped into a broad spectrum of shapes without considerable deformation.
- Thermal Stability: Polypropylene is thermally stable since it maintains its mechanical properties under a wide range of temperatures.
- Heat Deflection Temperature: Polypropylene has a heat deflection temperature within the range of 80°C to 100°C (176°F to 212°F , HTD) . This range suggests the temperature at which the material can be deformed when loaded.
Engineering designers and builders can understand these properties of the material and make appropriate choices using polypropylene for their various applications.
Exploring Electrical Properties and Their Impact
Because of its good electrical properties, polypropylene has many applications in the electrical and electronics industries. The material has low dielectric constant as well as low loss factor, thus being a very good insulator. This property of polypropylene allows it to isolate the electrical parts, thus stopping the leakage of electric current or at least minimizing it. In addition, polypropylene has electrical properties that can endure large temperature differences, meaning that these applications are guaranteed stability and reliability. Together with these properties, as well as its mechanical strength and resistance to chemicals, polypropylene is widely used in capacitors, electrical connectors, insulating films, and other electrical components.
Also, it should be emphasized that some specific electrical properties can be changed due to the specific grade and formulation of polymers. Engineers and designers should also reference the technical data or do some appropriate tests to ensure that particular polypropylene will be able to perform required electric performance for this type of application.
Understanding the Barrier Properties of Polypropylene Film
The excellent barrier properties of polypropylene film make it popular in areas that require protection from humidity, gases, and odors. Without a doubt, such a special molecular structure of polypropylene contributes to its lacquer properties where water vapor transmission and gas permeation are effectively blocked. In simpler terms it can be said that the polypropylene film maximizes the protection of water and gas from entering into packaged products, thus maintaining the freshness.
Further measures can be taken by supplemonting the film with other metalized films or barrier coatings which can enhance the barrier properties of the polypropylene film. It enhances the barrier properties of the film against light, moisture, and oxygen, thereby enabling the use of the film for rigorous applications in food, drug and electronic items.
However, it should be understood that there are several factors limiting the barrier properties of polypropylene resin film, such as film thickness, formulation and manufacturing processes. For those who are engineers and manufacturers, there is a need to refer to appropriate technical data sheets and perform tests which are necessary to certify that polypropylene film abides by application requirements.
The outstanding barrier properties of polypropylene resin film combined with its easy handling, mechanical stability, and low costs have made it the film of choice in areas where protection and preservation of the barrier areas is of utmost importance.
Where is Polypropylene Widely Used?
Automotive Components
Polypropylene is widely used in the automotive industry for countless parts and applications. Some of those applications include:
- Bumpers and Body Panels: Polypropylene is a good choice for producing automobile bumpers and body panels because of its superb impact resistance and durability, which acts as a useful barrier as well as improving the aesthetics of the car.
- Interior Trims: Polypropylene’s light weight, flexibility and abrasion resistance means that it can be conveniently used in the automotive sector in the manufacturing production of the automobile interiors such as door and dashboard panels and in hinges and other upholstery.
- Battery Housings: Electric and hybrid vehicles look to polypropylene for battery housings because of its chemical properties. This application allows for both the protection of the battery from the external environment as well as the safe use of the battery.
- Air Intake Systems: Components such as air filters and ducts are made out of polypropylene and are found in air intake systems. The use of this material proves helpful due to its high-temperature resistance and low friction, which is beneficial to engine performance.
Polypropylene has a lot of economic up sides like its low cost which when coupled with it’s incredibly mechanical prowess like its toughness enables it to be viable for any automobile applications. Such versatility when applied to the most strictest environments allows for reliability even in the most extreme of conditions such as those in the automotive industry.
Applications in Packaging and Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene
The high rate of growth in the demand for various packaging materials for products in different industries has led to a similar increase in the demand for various forms of polypropylene. Examples of these products include bottles, containers, and packaging films. Below are some of the areas where polypropylene is used in as far as packaging is concerned:
- Polypropylene Containers and Bottles: The combination of lightweight and strength of the material makes polypropylene suitable for the packaging of products in bottles and containers. Polypropylene offers its customers excellent chemical resistance, which in turn guarantees their safety.
- BOPP Films/ Flexible Packaging Films: BOPP films are in high demand in the food and beverages sector to pack snacks, confectionery and other consumables. The flexible films possess ability to resist moisture, heat sealable and are highly transparent which are ideal in packing vegetables.
- Polypropylene Sacks and Woven Bags: Polypropylene woven bags and sacks are highly in demand in the agriculture packaging, fertilizers and building materials sectors. They are strong, resistant to tearing and are breathable allowing for safe storage of materials.
- Polypropylene Films: Polypropylene films are popular for usage as labels and tags because they are durable and can easily be printed on. The films are able to resist harsh conditions and hence the information written in them are clearly visible over the product’s life.
Due to its advantages, especially its low cost as well as its wide range of mechanical properties, polypropylene still remains a commendable option in the packaging sector, ensuring strong protection and ease of use for a multitude of goods.
The Use in Textiles and Household Products
Interior decoration and textiles utilize polypropylene as well as packaging. To a great use of the majority of consumers, these domains are more useful:
- Textiles: Polypropylene is actively utilized for making staple fibers and filaments in the wide range of knitted and woven textiles, as well as nonwovens with the specific combination of features, such as low weight, moisture or stain resistance, and high durability. In addition to that, they are normally used in matrix for carpets, furniture and outdoor clothing as well due to high strength and long-lasting comfort.
- Rugs and Mats: Roth’s documented majority of consumers have joined the growing popularity of polypropylene mats and rugs in household decoration and interior development for their great thermal insulating effect and low cost. More importantly, these rugs are able to withstand high pedestrian traffic without fading in color from sun exposure and dirt, thus making them easy to maintain. They serve as a great substitute for natural textile fibers without compromising aesthetic decoration and functional qualities.
- Household Products: Polypropylene makes a great contribution to the production of various household items. The first items such as containers or storage bins or even food containers generally include polypropylenes owing to their great climatic and moister resistance. And due to many great aspects such as lightweight and resistance to strike, dustbin buckets, laundry baskets and even traffic garden furniture are also made up of them.
- Furniture: Also, polypropylene is used in the production of certain parts of furniture. Strong and durable polypropylene is used in structural parts such as chair arms, chair shells, and seat backs. Polypropylene’s miscibility also offers great design opportunities as the material can be made into various shapes and colors.
The fact that it is also used in the textiles and home application demonstrates the versatility and trustability of the polymer in fulfilling different needs of consumers. The demand of these properties explains the preference of this material in these applications as it ensures comfort, durability and usefulness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do you think polypropylene stands out among the rest of the plastic materials?
A: Polypropylene is a popular selection because it possesses good mechanical properties, is relatively inexpensive, and is quite flexible. It is a polymer that is recognized for its equitable set of characteristics – fabricating with good resistance to chemical and physical overuse, making it reliable for extensive different purposes.
Q: Polypropylene is supposed to be produced through what means?
A: The method of producing polypropylene includes that of treating propylene monomers with a polymerisation catalyst. Ipso facto it can produce polypropylene in different aspects such as isotactic polypropylene which has a wide market most especially because it possesses a number of advantageous properties.
Q: What classification of polypropylene products do we have today?
A: Polypropylene is classified into three groups, such as polypropylene homopolymer, polypropylene copolymer, and atactic polypropylene. every type provides different benefits and is used based on the requirements of the application’s needs and wants.
Q: How does polypropylene usage differ from other conventional engineering plastics?
A: When compared with other traditional engineering plastic, polypropylene is remarkably an engineered polymer that compares well on the characteristics in-terms of weight, cost, chemical resilience and strength although some may not meet the requirement of a high melting point which is characteristic of some engineering plastic.
Q: What are the common forms of polypropylene, and how can they be used?
A: Common forms of polypropylene include sheets, films, and fibers. These forms can be used in a myriad of applications ranging from consumer goods to industrial components due to their adaptability and the ease with which polypropylene can be processed.
Q: Can a molecularly oriented polypropylene section include units having clarity and transparency?
A: Yes, certain grades of polypropylene are used in many applications such as packing and common laboratory equipment that do require enhanced optical properties including clarity and transparency.
Q: What are some limitations of polypropylene?
A: Polypropylene cannot withstand extremely high temperatures, and its impact resistance at low temperatures is limited compared to some other plastics. Therefore, applications requiring these properties might necessitate the use of alternative materials.
Q: How does the development of polypropylene technology widen the spectrum of its application in different disciplines?
A: Advances in polypropylene technology have led to the development of new grades of polypropylene that possess good impact strength and high-temperature tolerance, thus enabling its wider use in many industries.
Q: How is polypropylene different from polyethylene, an equally widespread polymer used in many applications?
A: The primary difference lies in their structural unit, as polyethylene is classified as a linear hydrocarbon polymer which results in a more elevated melting point and enhanced rigidity than polyethylene, thus making it appropriate for specified uses such as plastic parts.
Reference Sources
1. Microplastic Exposure to Infants Connecting with the Use of Polypropylene Bottles During The Use of Formula Feeding Design Microbottles, Polymeric Microbottles
- Authors: Dunzhu Li And Others
- Journal: Nature Food
- International Paper Exhibition: 19th October 2020
- Key Findings: It is shown through this study that more than 90 % of infants who have devoted a significant portion of their time and resources towards bottle-feeding are exposed to Microplastic health hazard. This causes alarm toward the big risk this research stresses that infants are opening the door to malevolent effects of microplastics to their health.
- Methodology: This research focused on Polypropylene’s mechanical bottle of baby formula preparation with the help of pictures and videos in detail of the polymer’s geographical region manipulation of diverse bottle models, types, and built (Li et al., pp746-754).
2. The photocatalytic degradation of polypropylene microplastics using visible light in a continuous flow of water
- Authors: A. Uheida Et Al
- Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
- Key Findings: Diminishing micro plastics from a photograph using a polymer microbottle filament in a continuous water supply system which this established as a fresh technique that aims to reduce the use of low density material. The research also confirmed the findings claimed to be correct.
- Methodology: The Vicinity of the laboratory was supplied with a continuous flow system, which helped in evaluating the performance of visible light photocatalysis in degrading polypropylene microplastics by measuring the different rates of degradation and efficiencies under set different conditions (Uheida et al., 2020, p. 124299).
3. Assessment of the human-derived cells microplastics toxicity, the Cytotoxicity of Polypropylene microplastics
- Authors: Jangsun Hwang et al.
- Journal: Science of the Total Environment
- Year: 20th Sept 2019
- Key Findings: The researchers discovered that polypropylene particles were less cytotoxic while their boosting their concentration and granule size increased their cytotoxicity. Immune responses however were triggered by the larger concentration of the small sized polypropylene particles meaning there could be hypersensitivity of some sort.
- Methodology: The study was conducted on various human cell lines for cytotoxicity with a focus on how the different sizes and concentrations of polypropylene microplastics affect the cells (Hwang et al., 2019, Pp.657-669).
4. Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber and Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced High-Performance Concrete
- Authors: Dehong Wang et al.
- Journal: Construction and Building Materials
- Year: 01st Feb 2019
- Key Findings: The study was aimed at enhancing the mechanical characteristics of high performance concrete which was coupled up with the use of basalt and polypropylene fibers, through the use of the fibers an improvement of strength and durability was experienced.
- Methodology: A series of experimental tests were done where different proportions of fibers were put into concrete samples, and their compression, tension, and flexural rigidities were evaluated (Wang et al. 2019).
5. Effect of the addition of polypropylene fiber on concrete propertiesÂ
- Authors: Mujeebul Rahman Latifi et al.
- Journal: Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, Appendix: RePec: 10.978 2021.
- Publication Date: 2021-05-12
- Key Findings: Polypropylene fibers increased the durability of concrete mixtures, minimised plastic shrinkage cracking, and improved the energy absorbing capacity.
- Methodology: A systematic literature review was undertaken, examining a number of papers that discuss the impact of polypropylene fibers on concrete’s mechanical and physical performance (Latifi et al. 2021, pp. 345–369).
6. Experimental study of compressive behavior of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete and polypropylene fiber fabric-reinforced concreteÂ
- Authors: Yuan Qin et al.
- Journal: Construction and Building Materials
- Publication Date: 2019-01-01
- Key Findings: The study examines the compressive behavior of fibrous poly-reinforced concrete and clad fabric poly composites, reinforcing the composites’ mechanical properties.
- Methodology: Laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the compressive strength of concrete mixtures containing polypropylenes and other polymer reinforcements and their absence (Qin et al., 2019).
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