Polypropylene
Low cost, chemical resistant plastic with excellent aesthetic qualities
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.
Shop for Polypropylene
STANDARD SIZES
| INDUSTRIAL SHEET |
Dimensions:
48 in x 96 in |
Thickness:
0.062 in – 4 in |
| O&P SHEET |
Dimensions:
12 in x 12 in – 48 in x 96 in |
Thickness:
0.030 in – 0.750 in |
| PROCOMP® |
Dimensions:
16 in x 16 in – 48 in x 96 in |
Thickness:
0.125 in – 0.500 in |
| INDUSTRIAL ROD |
Outside Diameter:
0.250 in – 14 in |
OPTIONS AVAILABLE
| COLOR |
Industrial Sheet:
Natural, Black, White
O&P Sheet:
Natural, Black, White, Brown, Flesh, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, Neon Green, Neon Pink, Royal Blue
ProComp™: Natural |
| TEXTURE, SURFACE, PATTERN |
Textured, Smooth |
| GRADES |
FDA Compliant, Heat Stabilized, Medical, Carbon Reinforced |
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.
ProComp® (Carbon reinforced poloypropylene)– Innovative polypropylene material reinforced with carbon fibers for a 25% increase in stiffness. Layers of carbon fibers are infused between layers of homopolymer polypropylene which results in zero carbon fiber strand protrusion when finishing. ProComp® offers financial and clinical, and fabrication advantages to Orthotic and Prosthetic practices.
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.
Typical Properties OF Polypropylene
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
POLYPROPYLENE
HOMOPOLYMER |
POLYPROPYLENE
COPOLYMER |
| Tensile strength |
psi |
D638 |
5,400 |
3,800 |
| Flexural modulus |
psi |
D790 |
225,000 |
215,000 |
| Izod impact (notched) |
ft-lbs/in of notch |
D256 |
1.2 |
12.5 |
Heat deflection temperature
@ 264 psi |
°F |
D648 |
210 |
190 |
Maximum continuous service
temperature in air |
°F |
|
- |
- |
Water absorption
(immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
slight |
slight |
Coefficient of linear thermal
expansion |
in/in/°Fx10-5 |
D696 |
- |
- |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
Explore the physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties of polypropylene.
Sort, compare, and find the plastic material suited for your application using our interactive properties table.
ProComp® composite thermoplastic resin-fiber materials are sold under license from, and are a product of, Rhode 401, LLC.