Overview
Homopolymer PP (Polypropylene Homopolymer) is the most widely used grade of polypropylene, offering an excellent combination of high stiffness, chemical resistance, low density, fatigue resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
Compared with PP Copolymer, Homopolymer PP provides higher tensile strength, greater rigidity, improved heat resistance, and superior hardness. These characteristics make it ideal for structural applications, chemical processing equipment, and industrial components.
Homopolymer PP is widely used in:
- Chemical Tanks
- Industrial Equipment
- Packaging Containers
- Automotive Components
- Food Processing Equipment
- Laboratory Equipment
- Pipe Systems
- Electrical Components
Due to its lightweight nature, excellent chemical resistance, and low manufacturing cost, Homopolymer PP remains one of the most commonly specified industrial thermoplastics worldwide.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | Homopolymer PP |
| Full Name | Polypropylene Homopolymer |
| Common Name | PP-H |
| Material Family | Polypropylene Thermoplastic |
| Density | 0.90–0.91 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Natural, White, Black, Colored |
| Typical Manufacturing Methods | Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, CNC Machining |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Rod, Tube, Film, Pellets |
Chemical Composition
Homopolymer PP is produced from polymerized propylene monomers with a highly regular molecular structure.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene Homopolymer | Structural Matrix |
| Antioxidants | Thermal Stability |
| UV Stabilizers (Optional) | Outdoor Resistance |
| Colorants | Appearance Enhancement |
The highly crystalline structure contributes to its stiffness and heat resistance.
Mechanical Properties
Typical Values
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 30–40 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 28–38 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 100–400% |
| Flexural Strength | 40–65 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 1.4–2.0 GPa |
| Hardness | Shore D 70–75 |
| Impact Strength | Good |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Stiffness | Excellent |
| Fatigue Resistance | Outstanding |
| Toughness | Good |
| Structural Strength | Good |
Homopolymer PP provides greater rigidity than copolymer PP grades.
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 |
Homopolymer PP is among the lightest industrial plastics available.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 160–170°C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 90–115°C |
| Continuous Service Temperature | -10°C to 100°C |
| Short-Term Service Temperature | Up to 120°C |
Homopolymer PP offers slightly better heat resistance than copolymer PP.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| PP Homopolymer | 0.90 | 35 MPa |
| PP Copolymer | 0.90 | 28 MPa |
| HDPE | 0.95 | 30 MPa |
| Aluminum 6061 | 2.70 | 310 MPa |
PP-H provides excellent structural performance while maintaining extremely low weight.
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 |
Homopolymer PP is highly resistant to most industrial chemicals.
Moisture Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Water Absorption | Outstanding |
| Humidity Resistance | Outstanding |
| Corrosion Resistance | Outstanding |
| Environmental Stability | Excellent |
PP-H maintains dimensional stability even in wet and corrosive environments.
Fatigue Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Repeated Flexing | Outstanding |
| Living Hinge Performance | Outstanding |
| Crack Resistance | Excellent |
| Long-Term Durability | Excellent |
Polypropylene Homopolymer is one of the best plastics available for living hinge applications.
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-H is widely used in electrical insulation and electronic applications.
Impact Resistance
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature Impact | Good |
| Low Temperature Impact | Moderate |
| Drop Resistance | Good |
| Crack Resistance | Good |
Homopolymer PP is more rigid but less impact resistant than copolymer PP.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Routing | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| PP Homopolymer | Excellent |
| PP Copolymer | Excellent |
| HDPE | Excellent |
| POM | Outstanding |
PP-H is commonly machined into tanks, valves, and custom industrial components.
Injection Molding Characteristics
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moldability | Outstanding |
| Flow Characteristics | Excellent |
| Production Efficiency | Outstanding |
| Surface Finish | Good |
| Shrinkage Control | Moderate |
PP Homopolymer is one of the most commonly injection molded thermoplastics.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ISO | PP-H |
| ASTM | Polypropylene Homopolymer |
| DIN | PP-H |
| JIS | PP Homopolymer |
| GB/T (China) | 均聚聚丙烯（PP-H） |
| UL | Polypropylene Homopolymer |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Sheet | Yes |
| Rod | Yes |
| Tube | Yes |
| Film | Yes |
| Pellets | Yes |
| Injection Molded Parts | Yes |
Typical Applications
Chemical Processing Industry
- Chemical Tanks
- Acid Storage Systems
- Laboratory Equipment
- Pipe Systems
Food Processing Industry
- Food Containers
- Processing Equipment
- Packaging Components
Automotive Industry
- Battery Components
- Interior Trim
- Fluid Reservoirs
Electrical Industry
- Electrical Housings
- Insulation Components
- Battery Cases
Industrial Equipment
- Valves
- Pumps
- Machine Guards
- Structural Panels
Consumer Products
- Storage Containers
- Hinged Packaging
- Household Products
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| Injection Molding | Outstanding |
| Extrusion | Excellent |
| Blow Molding | Excellent |
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
Advantages
High Stiffness
Offers greater rigidity than PP Copolymer grades.
Excellent Chemical Resistance
Suitable for harsh industrial environments.
Outstanding Fatigue Resistance
Ideal for repetitive motion and living hinge applications.
Lightweight
One of the lightest engineering plastics available.
Excellent Moisture Resistance
Virtually no water absorption.
Cost Effective
Provides excellent value for industrial applications.
Limitations
Lower Low-Temperature Impact Resistance
Can become brittle in very cold environments.
UV Sensitivity
Outdoor applications require UV-stabilized grades.
Moderate Wear Resistance
Not ideal for severe sliding wear applications.
Lower Structural Strength Than Engineering Plastics
Less rigid than POM, Nylon, or reinforced composites.
Comparison with Common Plastics
| Property | PP-H | PP Copolymer | HDPE | POM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | Higher | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance | Good | Better | Excellent | Good |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Heat Resistance | Better | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Cost | Low | Low | Low | Higher |
Comparison with PP Copolymer
| Property | PP Homopolymer | PP Copolymer |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Higher | Lower |
| Stiffness | Higher | Lower |
| Heat Resistance | Better | Good |
| Impact Resistance | Lower | Better |
| Low Temperature Performance | Lower | Better |
Available Surface Finishes
Standard Finishes
- Natural Finish
- Matte Finish
- Textured Finish
Functional Finishes
- CNC Machined Finish
- Molded Finish
- Extruded Finish
Specialty Grades
- Glass Filled PP-H
- UV Stabilized PP-H
- Conductive PP-H
- Flame Retardant PP-H
- FDA Food Grade PP-H
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Homopolymer PP?
Homopolymer PP (PP-H) is the standard polypropylene grade known for high stiffness, chemical resistance, and lightweight performance.
What is Homopolymer PP used for?
Typical applications include:
- Chemical Tanks
- Industrial Equipment
- Pipe Systems
- Food Containers
- Electrical Components
What is the difference between PP-H and PP Copolymer?
PP-H offers higher strength and stiffness, while PP Copolymer provides better impact resistance and low-temperature performance.
Is PP-H chemically resistant?
Yes. PP-H provides outstanding resistance to acids, alkalis, moisture, and many industrial chemicals.
Can PP-H be machined?
Yes. PP-H offers excellent CNC machining and fabrication characteristics.
Why choose PP Homopolymer?
Because it combines:
- High Stiffness
- Excellent Chemical Resistance
- Outstanding Fatigue Resistance
- Lightweight Construction
- Cost Efficiency
Is PP-H food safe?
Yes. FDA-compliant grades are widely used in food processing and packaging applications.
Does GCNOV provide PP-H manufacturing services?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- PP-H CNC Machining
- Polypropylene Fabrication
- Injection Molding
- Tank Fabrication
- Plastic Welding
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production