Introduction to Polypropylene (PP) Rods

Polypropylene (PP) rods are thermoplastic plastic rods made primarily from polypropylene (PP) through extrusion processes. Characterized by their light weight, excellent chemical resistance, and low cost, they are one of the most versatile plastic rods available.

 

Core Characteristics

Characteristic	Description	Advantages
Low Density	Density is only 0.90-0.91 g/cm3, making it the lightest general-purpose plastic.	Particularly suitable for applications requiring lightweight materials.
Excellent Chemical Resistance	Resistant to most acids, alkalis, and salt solutions.	Ideal for corrosive environments such as chemical containers and pipelines.
Non-Toxic and Odorless	Complies with food safety standards and can be FDA-certified.	Suitable for food processing, medical devices, and other fields.
Good Insulation Properties	Low dielectric constant and excellent insulation performance.	Ideal for electrical insulation components.
Easy Processing	Can be shaped through machining methods such as turning, milling, and drilling.	Easy to process and cost-effective.

Main Types

Type	Characteristics	Applications
Homopolymer PP Rods	Good rigidity and high strength.	Mechanical parts, structural components.
Copolymer PP Rods	Better impact resistance and toughness.	Applications requiring impact resistance.
Reinforced PP Rods	Enhanced strength with glass fiber additives.	High-load structural components

 

 Performance Parameters Table

Performance Indicator	Homopolymer PP Rods	Copolymer PP Rods	Reinforced PP Rods	Test Standard
Tensile Strength (MPa)	30-35	25-30	40-50	ASTM D638
Flexural Strength (MPa)	40-50	35-45	60-70	ASTM D790
Impact Strength (J/m)	30-40	60-80	50-60	ASTM D256
Heat Deflection Temperature (°C)	100-105	90-95	130-140	ASTM D648
Operating Temperature (°C)	0 to 100	-10 to 100	-10 to 120	-

 Application Fields

1. Chemical Equipment: Corrosion-resistant pipelines, valves, pump components.

2. Food Industry: Food processing equipment parts, conveyor components.

3. Electronics and Electrical: Insulators, cable supports, junction boxes.

4. Daily Use Items: Furniture accessories, bathroom parts, stationery.

5. Medical Devices: Medical containers, instrument housings.

6. Automotive Parts: Interior components, ventilation ducts.

 

Processing and Usage Recommendations

1. Processing Methods:

   · Turning: Recommended speed of 100-300 m/min.

   · Milling: Use sharp tools with adequate cooling.

   · Drilling: Use spiral drill bits with low feed rates.

2. Selection Recommendations:

   · Choose UV-resistant models for outdoor use.

   · Use copolymer PP rods for low-temperature environments.

   · Select reinforced PP rods for high-load applications.

3. Precautions:

   · Avoid prolonged use at high temperatures.

   · Protect against sharp impacts.

   · Regularly inspect for aging.

 

Polypropylene (PP) rods are highly cost-effective general-purpose plastic rods with advantages such as light weight, excellent chemical resistance, and non-toxicity. Although they have limitations in low-temperature performance and weather resistance, selecting the appropriate type and additives can meet the needs of most industrial applications. Their low cost and good processability make them an ideal alternative to metals and other engineering plastics.