Short definition
Polypropylene (PP) is a synthetic thermoplastic fibre produced by polymerisation and melt spinning. It has a very low density, high resistance to acids and alkalis, good resistance to decay and high electrical insulation capacity. These characteristics make PP useful for selected technical and industrial textile applications.
Properties
- Similar to polyethylene (PE)
- Low density
- High resistance to alkalis and acids; soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons at 70°C (toluene, xylene)
- Good resistance to decay
- High electrical insulation capacity
Temperatures
- Melting point: approx. 160°C to 175°C depending on type
Quick facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Synthetic fibre |
| Abbreviation | PP |
| Density | Very low |
| Chemical resistance | High resistance to acids and alkalis |
| Biological resistance | Good resistance to decay |
| Electrical properties | High insulation capacity |
| Moisture absorption | Very low |
| Heat behaviour | Thermoplastic |
| Melting point | Approx. 160–175°C depending on type |
| Typical applications | Technical textiles, filtration, geotextiles, specialised industrial products |
Also known as
Technical terms
- Polypropylene
- PP
- Polypropylene fibre
- Polypropylene sewing thread
- PP fibre
- PP filament
Common descriptions
- PP thread
- Polypropylene thread
- Lightweight sewing thread
- Low-density thread
- Chemical-resistant thread
- Industrial polypropylene thread
- Polypropylene filament
- What is polypropylene thread?
- PP vs PE fibre
- Does polypropylene absorb water?
- Is polypropylene chemical resistant?
- Is PP electrically insulating?
International terminology
| Language | Common terminology |
|---|---|
| English | Polypropylene, PP, Polypropylene fibre, Polypropylene thread |
| German | Polypropylen, PP, Polypropylenfaser, Polypropylengarn |
| French | Polypropylène, PP, Fibre de polypropylène, Fil en polypropylène |
| Italian | Polipropilene, PP, Fibra di polipropilene, Filo in polipropilene |
| Spanish | Polipropileno, PP, Fibra de polipropileno, Hilo de polipropileno |
| Chinese | 聚丙烯, PP, 聚丙烯纤维, 丙纶 |
| Vietnamese | Polypropylene, PP, Xơ polypropylene, Chỉ polypropylene |
FAQ
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Polypropylene fibres are produced by polymerisation. The polymer is processed into filaments using the melt spinning process.
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Polypropylene offers low density, good chemical resistance, resistance to decay and high electrical insulation capacity.
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Polypropylene has similar properties to polyethylene, particularly in terms of low density and chemical resistance, but differs in specific chemical behaviour and performance characteristics.
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Yes. Polypropylene has high resistance to alkalis and acids. However, it is soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene at approximately 70°C.
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Polypropylene has very low moisture absorption, contributing to dimensional stability in humid environments.
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Yes. Polypropylene provides good resistance to decay, supporting durability in outdoor or damp conditions.
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Its low weight, chemical resistance and electrical insulation properties make it suitable for specialised technical uses.
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Polypropylene has a melting point of approximately 160°C to 175°C, depending on the type.
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Yes. Polypropylene is thermoplastic and softens or melts when exposed to high temperatures.
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Polypropylene threads are used in technical textiles, filtration applications, packaging, geotextiles and specialised industrial products.