Polypropylene CAS#9003-07-0

Polypropylene is an anisotactic polymer available in both low- and high-molecular-weight forms. The low-molecular-weight polymer is produced by passing propene at moderate pressure over a heated phosphoric acid catalyst supported on an inert material at 200°C. This process yields propene trimers and tetramers.

The high-molecular-weight polymer is manufactured by introducing propene into an inert solvent, such as heptane, containing a trialkylaluminum compound and a titanium compound. The resulting product consists of a mixture of isotactic and atactic polypropylene, with the isotactic form as the major component. Polypropylene is widely used as a thermoplastic molding material.

Polypropylene Chemical Properties

Product Application of Polypropylene CAS#9003-07-0

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in various applications, including packaging, labeling, and textiles. Owing to its excellent processability and low production cost, PP is one of the most extensively manufactured polymers, particularly in the automotive industry.

In its pristine state, PP exhibits resistance to photo-oxidation and thermal oxidation at moderate temperatures. However, it is susceptible to various external aging factors, such as heat, light, and radiation, which can limit its service temperature. When exposed to high temperatures or irradiation, the tertiary hydrogen atoms in PP chains are vulnerable to attack by oxygen. Under outdoor aging conditions, the oxidation of PP is known to depend on both light exposure and temperature. Furthermore, PP can undergo photodegradation because its molecular chains are affected by ultraviolet wavelengths in the range of 310–350 nm.