PP (Polypropylene)

polymercommodity

Polypropylene is the most produced plastic globally by volume. Semi-crystalline thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance, low density (0.90–0.91 g/cm³ — lightest engineering plastic, floats in water), good fatigue resistance (living hinges) and low cost. Available as homopolymer (higher stiffness) and copolymer (better impact). Trade names: Moplen (LyondellBasell), Sabic PP (SABIC), Borealis PP. Used for packaging, automotive bumpers/interiors, medical devices, piping, hinges, containers, textiles (nonwoven) and household goods.

Mechanical properties

Homopolymer

Property	Value	Unit
Tensile Strength	31–37	MPa
Tensile Modulus	1300–1800	MPa
Elongation at Break	100–600	%

Copolymer

Property	Value	Unit
Charpy Impact (notched, 23°C)	5–15	kJ/m²
Charpy Impact (notched, -20°C)	2–5	kJ/m²

General

Property	Value	Unit
Density	0.9–0.91	g/cm³
Melting Point	160–170	°C
HDT/A (1.8 MPa)	50–65	°C
Water Absorption (24h)	0.01–0.03	%

Related materials

PA66 (Nylon 66)

polyamide

Polyamide 66 — stiffer and more heat-resistant than PA6. Higher crystallinity gives better creep resistance and ~40°C higher melting point (260°C vs 220°C). Slightly more brittle. More moisture-sensitive at saturation than PA6. Trade names include Ultramid A (BASF), Zytel 101 (DuPont), Tecamid 66 (Ensinger). Dominant in US/UK markets. Used for automotive engine components, electrical connectors, gears, cable ties, and industrial bushings.

🇺🇸 Nylon 66 / ASTM D4066 Group 111

PC/ABS (Blend)

engineering_blends

Polycarbonate + ABS blend — one of the most widely used industrial thermoplastic alloys. Combines PC impact strength and heat resistance with ABS processability and lower cost. Better chemical resistance than pure PC. Properties tunable by PC/ABS ratio. Trade names include Bayblend (Covestro), Cycoloy (SABIC), Pulse (Techpolymers). Used for automotive dashboards, laptop/phone housings, power tool casings, and 3D printing (FDM filament).

🇩🇪 Bayblend (Covestro)🇺🇸 Cycoloy (SABIC)

PE-UHMW

polyethylene

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene — the highest impact-strength thermoplastic. Molecular weight 2-6 million g/mol. Self-lubricating, extremely wear-resistant (15x better than carbon steel), and chemically inert. Used for hip/knee implant bearings, conveyor guides, dock fenders, chute liners, food processing equipment, and ballistic armor (Dyneema/Spectra fiber form).

🇺🇸 ASTM D4020

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