Types, Uses And Properties of Polypropylene Resins

Polypropylene or PP resins are a type of thermoplastic polymer, which means they can be formed with the use of heat and they can also be re-melted while still retaining their innate characteristics. Thermoplastics are different in this particular way to thermosets, which are permanently changed after hardening. This is also why thermoplastics are usually recyclable.

Properties

Polypropylene resin is typically low-density, opaque polymers with excellent injection molding and thermoforming characteristics. When comparing them to other polymers, these materials have somewhat narrow temperature ranges, where they become brittle when the temperature drops below -20°C and they become unusable when the temperature reaches 120°C or beyond.

Polypropylene copolymers and polypropylene homopolymers make up most of the polypropylene formulations of today. Homopolymers are the “general-use” grade. They come in a semi-crystalline form made up of one propylene monomer. There are also various copolymers to choose from and when comparing these to the homopolymers, they tend to have better toughness and durability, increased softness, improved impact resistance, better resistance to cracks, and better low-temperature strength.

Polypropylene Types

Copolymers and homopolymers are the main polypropylene types.

Propylene homopolymer is the more widely used general-purpose grade out of the two. The main applications for this polypropylene resin include textiles, packaging, pipes, healthcare, electrical, and automotive applications.

PP copolymer is divided into block copolymers and random copolymers produced through a process of polymerizing ethane and propene:

• Propylene random copolymers are produced through a process of polymerizing together propene and ethene. It includes ethene units, typically up to 6% (by mass), randomly incorporated in polypropylene chains. These are polymers that are optically clear and flexible, which makes them suitable for applications that require transparency or for products that require a great-looking appearance. This is also the type of polymer that is used widely in the food-packaging industry.

• Propylene-block copolymers contain an ethene content that is higher (between 5% and 15%). It features co-monomer units that are arranged in blocks or regular patterns. These regular patterns make the thermoplastic less brittle and tougher when compared to random copolymers. These are the polymers that are suited to applications that require higher strength, which is why these products are usually widely in the industrial sector.

Impact copolymer is another polypropylene type. Propylene homopolymer contains a co-mixed copolymer propylene random phase with an ethylene-content of 45% to 65% known as a PP Impact Copolymer. The impact copolymers are used mainly in houseware, packaging, pipe, and film applications, along with the electrical and automotive segments.

Polypropylene Copolymer Vs. Polypropylene Homopolymer

Propylene homopolymer is stronger and stiffer, along with a higher strength-to-weight ratio when compared to the copolymer. These characteristics combined with great weldability and chemical resistance have made it a popular material in several corrosion-resistant structures.

Polypropylene copolymer may be slightly softer yet it offers an improved impact strength. It is more durable and tougher when comparing it to propylene homopolymer. It usually has better resistance to cracking and a lower-temperature toughness in comparison to a homopolymer, but there is a small decrease in the other properties.

Top 7 Uses Of Sodium Gluconate

Sodium gluconate is a naturally occurring, easily biodegradable, non toxic sodium salt of gluconic acid. It has a wide range of uses in the textile, cosmetics, construction, food processing among other industries. This is made possible due to the chelating properties of sodium gluconate. It combines with metal ions such as iron and zinc forming stable chelates at an alkaline PH. Below are the most common uses of sodium gluconate.

Top 7 Uses Of Sodium Gluconate
  1. Construction Industry

Sodium gluconate is used as a concrete retarder admixture to improve its strength during construction. It is a great water reducer for gypsum and concrete and used to reduce water resistance in cement. When used as a concrete admix, it acts a a corrosion inhibitor to iron bars made from steel and copper which are used in concrete mix.

Water pipes made of steel and iron are likely to corrode due to the dissolved oxygen in the water. However addition of sodium gluconate ensures it coats the metallic sections with a gluconate layer preventing the dissolved oxygen from coming into contact with the metal.

  1. Beauty, Cosmetics And Cleaning Industry

Sodium gluconate is widely used as a chelating agent in the cosmetics industry as it binds some metals which cause rancidity and discoloration hence improving the product’s appearance.

By virtue of its sequestering properties, it prevents hard water ions such as magnesium and calcium from interfering with how products that are alkaline in nature work. Shampoos and detergents lather easily when using hard water. Most acid based cleaning products also contain sodium gluconate which helps protect stainless steel metals from harsh chemicals.

  1. Electroplating And Metal Finishing

Sodium gluconate has a high affinity for metal ions hence the most used product in electroplating and metal finishing since it controls the stability of the solution to prevent unintended reactions in the bath.

  1. Agriculture

Sodium gluconate is used in fertilizers formulations to help plants absorb minerals easily due to its chelating properties.

  1. Food Preservation

Other uses of sodium gluconate lie in the food industry. It is used to prolong the shelf life of food products and it is also considered a natural preservative as it prevents bacteria overgrowth. It’s also used to reduce bitterness in various beverages by balancing the sour and sweet taste. If used as a food additive, it increases firmness and slice ability of meat products by increasing the meat and water binding capacity.

  1. Cleansing And Nourishing The Body

Humans have toxic metal ions present in their system which if not regulated can damage the nerves or slow down their functioning. Sodium gluconate is also used as a supplement to prevent sodium deficiency in the body.

  1. Promotes A Healthy Skin

Did you know the human body produces glutonates to assist in nutrients absorption from mineral? This goes to show that sodium gluconate is safe for your skin too and it acts as a skin conditioner promoting a healthy and glowing skin. It also helps in retaining water and moisture hence maintaining skin elasticity.

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