What are Polypropylene Compounds?

Polypropylene is a widely used thermoplastic polymer derived from petroleum-based feedstock. However, on its own polypropylene has limited properties and applications. To enhance its strength, durability and versatility for different end-use applications, polypropylene is compounded with additives and fillers. The resulting mixture is known as polypropylene compounds.

Additives and Fillers Used

A variety of additives and fillers are added during the compounding process to impart specific properties to polypropylene. Common additives include colorants, nucleating agents, heat and light stabilizers, antistatic agents, flame retardants and lubricants. Fillers like glass fibers, mineral fillers and materials like wood flour are also mixed in to boost strength, stiffness and dimensional stability. The type and amount of additives and fillers incorporated depends on the desired characteristics and end-use of the compounded polypropylene.

Mechanical Properties Achieved

Compounding enhances the mechanical and physical properties of polypropylene significantly. Glass fiber reinforced Polypropylene Compounds have high rigidity and strength relative to unfilled grades. Mineral filled compounds have improved stiffness, impact resistance and dimensional stability compared to unfilled polymer. Nucleating agents allow production of polypropylene with higher crystalline content which directly translates to improved strength and hardness. Heat stabilizers maintain properties at elevated service temperatures. Thus formulations tailored with the right additives and fillers deliver polypropylene with reinforced mechanical abilities.

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