Properties

Polypropylene along with Polyethylene is a member of the polyolefin family. This family of materials is the most widely used and it accounts for over half of worldwide thermoplastic consumption. These materials are regarded as commodity polymers (Used for everyday products) 

The addition of glass fibres makes them suited to engineering products, this therefore becomes an engineering polymer.

Polypropylenes are translucent white initially and are easy to add a variety of colours to. Material performance can be impaired if transparent mouldings are required. If the material are going to be used outdoors, UV stabilisers are needed as colours will fade over time and the material will become brittle. Mouldings may also be machined.

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Finishing

Polypropylene is not suited to painting although the surface can be treated to aid adhesion of paint. Polypropylene mouldings can be glued with the use of available adhesives.

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