Polypropylene
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Presentation Transcript
Polypropylene John Caballero MEEN3344
Polypropylene Discovery • Polypropylene was first polymerized by Dr. Karl Rehn in Germany in 1951 but sadly didn't recognize the importance of his discovery • It was then rediscovered on March 11, 1954 by Giulio Natta. Advantages • has a high melting temperature 160°C (320°F) which enables it to be exposed to greater temperatures and keep its same shape. Example, dishwasher safe tupperware • Environmentally safe so it can be used in everyday life • is a thermoplastic polymer, can be recycled, number “5” Disadvantages • Polypropylene is liable to chain degradation from exposure to UV radiation • The polymer can also be oxidized at high temperatures, a common problem during molding operations • Quaternary ammonium biocides was found by researchers to be leaking out of polypropylene plastics used in laboratory experiments (A biocide is a chemical substance capable of killing living organisms)
Practical Applications • Biaxially Oriented polypropylene (BOPP) sheets are used to make a wide variety of materials including clear bags like the bags at a department store • highly colorfast, is widely used in manufacturing rugs and mats to be used at home • used in ropes, distinctive because they are light enough to float in water • used to make bottles, Plastic pails, car batteries, wastebaskets, cooler containers, dishes and pitchers, retreading automobile tires
Manufacturing • The largest company to produce Polypropylene is Lyondell-Basell and Dow Chemical Company • Polypropylene is commonly spun into fibers, injection molded, cast into thin films, extruded into sheet and profiles and blow molded • the fiber market accounts for the largest share of polypropylene usage • Polypropylene has a high tensile strength when the molecules are oriented, and a relatively low melt strength; these are the primary requirements for fiber markets.
Sources • Wikipedia, "Polypropylene." 11 Nov 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene>. • BASTIAN, KEVIN. "Polypropylene Offers More for Less ." 11 Nov 2008 <http://www.plasticsmachining.com/magazine/199806/polypro.html>. • recycled items online. 12 Nov 2008 <http://www.recycledproductsonline.co.uk/bullions >. • "safety gear." 12 Nov 2008 <http://www.newrivernets.com/nrn/safety.htm >. • "new and used lab equipment." 12 Nov 2008 <http://www.crscientific.com/plasticbottles.html >. • "recreational dynamics." 12 Nov 2008 <http://www.recreationdynamics.com/shots/UPE-1003.php >. • "Polypropylene Plant." 12 Nov 2008 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/96634714@N00/255431640/>. • "swico." 12 Nov 2008 <http://www.swicofil.com/asotaantifirecrackfiber.html>.