Polypropylene

About Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a low cost, chemical resistant plastic with excellent aesthetic qualities. It is easy to weld using thermoplastic welding equipment and is often fabricated into water and chemical tanks.

Polypropylene used in the manufacturing of upper and lower extremity orthoses and prosthetics offers the O&P fabricator a material that is easy to drape, blister form and seam. Polypropylene is easy to decorate with transfer patterns for O&P applications. FDA compliant polypropylene grades are available.

Polypropylene is available in homopolymer, carbon reinforced homopolymer, and copolymer grades.

Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, by manufacturer, brand, and grade. Custom sizes and colors available upon request.

Polypropylene Properties and Material Options

Homopolymer Polypropylene (Polypro)– Homopolymer polypropylene is stronger and stiffer than copolymer. It is a very durable, rigid plastic available in natural (a translucent white) and a variety of colors. Easily formed, polypropylene is widely used for body jackets, upper and lower extremity orthoses (especially AFO’s), and rigid outer prosthetic sockets.

Copolymer Polypropylene (Copoly PP)– Copolymer polypropylene is a bit softer, but it is tougher and more durable than homopolymer polypropylene. Copolymer polypropylene tends to have better stress crack resistance and low temperature toughness than homopolymer polypropylene. Used in many of the same applications as homopolymer polypropylene, but where slightly more flexibility is needed.

SIMONA® Polypropylene FRP-3– This unique FM 4910 listed PP for semicon cleanroom equipment offers higher impact strength and rigidity over other flame retardant PP products and resists alkalines, many solvents, and UPW (Ultra Pure Water). It’s easy to form, fabricate and weld with SIMONA® FRP-3 welding rod, and available in a uniform white color.

Foamlite® P (Closed Cell Polypropylene Foam Sheet)– Foamlite® P is a lightweight, UV stable sheet with solid polypropylene surfaces and a polypropylene foam core. The material is 28% lighter than solid PP sheet. Foamlite® P is stiffer than either polyethylene foam or PVC foam sheet materials. It is often specified for applications such as vehicle cabinets and shelving and animal trailer wall cladding where light weight and high stiffness are required.

Polystone® P CubX® (Polypropylene Sheet with a Hollow PP Cubic Interior Structure)– Polystone® P CubX® is a lightweight, 57 mm thick sheet material with solid polypropylene surfaces and a hollow PP cubic grid core. It is used for chemical tanks where high stiffness, ease of fabrication, and low thermal conductivity are required. The high strength cubic structure often allows for tank construction without the use of costly steel reinforcement bars. Polystone® P CubX® can be welded using standard thermoplastic welding equipment.

Tech Tip For O&P Fabricators– Homopolymer recommended oven temperatures are 325°F to 350°F. Copolymer recommended oven temperatures are 300°F to 350°F.