Overview
Copolymer PP (Polypropylene Copolymer) is a modified polypropylene material produced by incorporating ethylene monomers into the polypropylene molecular structure. This modification significantly improves impact resistance, toughness, low-temperature performance, and flexibility compared with standard Homopolymer PP (PP-H).
Copolymer PP is available in two primary forms:
- Random Copolymer PP (PP-R) – Improved transparency and flexibility
- Impact Copolymer PP (PP-C) – Enhanced impact strength and toughness
Copolymer PP is widely used in:
- Automotive Components
- Industrial Containers
- Medical Devices
- Pipe Systems
- Food Packaging
- Consumer Products
- Electrical Housings
- Appliance Components
Due to its excellent balance of toughness, chemical resistance, and lightweight properties, Copolymer PP is one of the most versatile polypropylene materials available.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | Copolymer PP |
| Full Name | Polypropylene Copolymer |
| Common Name | PP-C |
| Material Family | Polypropylene Thermoplastic |
| Density | 0.90–0.91 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Natural, White, Black, Colored |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Thermoforming |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Rod, Tube, Film, Pellets |
Chemical Composition
Copolymer PP is produced by copolymerizing propylene with a controlled percentage of ethylene.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene Copolymer | Structural Matrix |
| Ethylene Segments | Impact Modification |
| Antioxidants | Thermal Stability |
| UV Stabilizers (Optional) | Outdoor Resistance |
| Colorants | Appearance Enhancement |
The addition of ethylene improves toughness while maintaining excellent chemical resistance.
Common Copolymer PP Types
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Random Copolymer (PP-R) | Improved Clarity, Flexibility |
| Impact Copolymer (PP-C) | Enhanced Impact Resistance |
| Glass Filled PP-C | Higher Stiffness |
| Mineral Filled PP-C | Improved Dimensional Stability |
| Medical Grade PP-C | Healthcare Applications |
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 25–35 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 22–32 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200–700% |
| Flexural Strength | 25–50 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 0.8–1.6 GPa |
| Hardness | Shore D 60–72 |
| Impact Strength | Excellent |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Toughness | Outstanding |
| Impact Resistance | Outstanding |
| Flexibility | Good |
| Fatigue Resistance | Excellent |
Copolymer PP offers significantly better impact performance than Homopolymer PP.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.90–0.91 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | <0.03% |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.20–0.25 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | >10¹⁶ Ω·cm |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 1900 J/kg·K |
Like all polypropylene materials, PP-C remains lightweight and moisture resistant.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 155–165°C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 70–100°C |
| Continuous Service Temperature | -30°C to 100°C |
| Short-Term Service Temperature | Up to 115°C |
Copolymer PP provides improved low-temperature toughness compared with PP-H.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| PP Copolymer | 0.90 | 30 MPa |
| PP Homopolymer | 0.90 | 35 MPa |
| HDPE | 0.95 | 30 MPa |
| ABS | 1.05 | 45 MPa |
PP-C offers an excellent balance between strength and toughness.
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water | Excellent |
| Acids | Excellent |
| Alkalis | Excellent |
| Salt Solutions | Excellent |
| Alcohols | Excellent |
| Oils & Greases | Excellent |
| Organic Solvents | Good |
| Strong Oxidizers | Fair |
Chemical resistance remains one of the strongest advantages of polypropylene copolymers.
Moisture Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water Absorption | Outstanding |
| Humidity Resistance | Outstanding |
| Corrosion Resistance | Outstanding |
| Environmental Stability | Excellent |
PP-C maintains stable dimensions in humid and wet environments.
Low Temperature Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Impact Strength at 0°C | Excellent |
| Impact Strength at -20°C | Excellent |
| Crack Resistance | Excellent |
| Cold Weather Durability | Excellent |
This is one of the primary advantages of Copolymer PP over Homopolymer PP.
Electrical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁶ Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | >10¹⁵ Ω |
| Dielectric Strength | 20–40 kV/mm |
| Dielectric Constant | 2.2–2.6 |
PP-C is widely used for electrical and electronic applications.
Impact Resistance
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature Impact | Outstanding |
| Low Temperature Impact | Outstanding |
| Drop Resistance | Excellent |
| Crack Resistance | Excellent |
Impact Copolymer PP grades are specifically engineered for demanding impact applications.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Routing | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| PP Copolymer | Excellent |
| PP Homopolymer | Excellent |
| HDPE | Excellent |
| POM | Outstanding |
PP-C can be easily machined into industrial and custom components.
Injection Molding Characteristics
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moldability | Outstanding |
| Flow Characteristics | Excellent |
| Production Efficiency | Outstanding |
| Surface Finish | Good |
| Shrinkage Control | Moderate |
Copolymer PP is widely used for complex injection molded parts requiring toughness.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ISO | PP-C |
| ASTM | Polypropylene Copolymer |
| DIN | PP-C |
| JIS | PP Copolymer |
| GB/T (China) | 共聚聚丙烯（PP-C） |
| UL | Polypropylene Copolymer |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheet | Yes |
| Rod | Yes |
| Tube | Yes |
| Film | Yes |
| Pellets | Yes |
| Injection Molded Parts | Yes |
Typical Applications
Automotive Industry
- Bumpers
- Battery Cases
- Interior Components
- Fluid Reservoirs
Medical Industry
- Sterile Containers
- Medical Packaging
- Laboratory Equipment
- Device Housings
Food Processing & Packaging
- Food Containers
- Reusable Packaging
- Storage Bins
- Caps and Closures
Pipe Systems
- Water Pipes
- Pressure Piping
- Industrial Fluid Systems
Electrical Industry
- Electrical Housings
- Battery Components
- Insulation Components
Consumer Products
- Storage Containers
- Household Products
- Durable Packaging
- Appliance Components
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| Injection Molding | Outstanding |
| Extrusion | Excellent |
| Blow Molding | Excellent |
| Thermoforming | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
Advantages
Outstanding Impact Resistance
Significantly better than Homopolymer PP.
Excellent Low-Temperature Performance
Maintains toughness in cold environments.
Excellent Chemical Resistance
Suitable for harsh industrial conditions.
Lightweight
One of the lightest engineering plastics available.
Excellent Fatigue Resistance
Performs well in repetitive-use applications.
Cost Effective
Provides excellent performance at low material cost.
Limitations
Lower Stiffness Than PP-H
Less rigid than Homopolymer PP.
Lower Heat Resistance
Slightly reduced temperature capability.
UV Sensitivity
Requires stabilization for prolonged outdoor use.
Moderate Wear Resistance
Not ideal for high-abrasion applications.
Comparison with Common Plastics
| Property | PP Copolymer | PP Homopolymer | HDPE | POM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Outstanding | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Stiffness | Good | Higher | Moderate | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Low Temperature Performance | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | Low | Low | Low | Higher |
Comparison with Homopolymer PP
| Property | PP Copolymer | PP Homopolymer |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Better | Good |
| Low Temperature Performance | Better | Moderate |
| Toughness | Higher | Moderate |
| Stiffness | Lower | Higher |
| Heat Resistance | Slightly Lower | Higher |
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Natural Finish
- Matte Finish
- Textured Finish
Functional Finishes
- CNC Machined Finish
- Molded Finish
- Extruded Finish
Specialty Grades
- Random Copolymer PP (PP-R)
- Impact Copolymer PP (PP-C)
- Glass Filled PP-C
- Medical Grade PP-C
- UV-Stabilized PP-C
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Copolymer PP?
Copolymer PP is a modified polypropylene containing ethylene that improves impact resistance and toughness.
What is Copolymer PP used for?
Typical applications include:
- Automotive Parts
- Medical Devices
- Packaging
- Pipe Systems
- Industrial Equipment
What is the difference between PP-C and PP-H?
PP-C offers better toughness and impact resistance, while PP-H provides greater stiffness and heat resistance.
Is PP-C chemically resistant?
Yes. PP-C provides excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, moisture, and many industrial chemicals.
Can PP-C be machined?
Yes. PP-C offers excellent CNC machining and fabrication characteristics.
Why choose Copolymer PP?
Because it combines:
- Outstanding Impact Resistance
- Excellent Chemical Resistance
- Low-Temperature Toughness
- Lightweight Construction
- Cost Efficiency
Is PP-C food safe?
Yes. FDA-compliant grades are widely used in food packaging and processing applications.
Does GCNOV provide Copolymer PP manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- PP-C CNC Machining
- Polypropylene Fabrication
- Injection Molding
- Plastic Welding
- Thermoforming
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production