You probably don’t imagine fabric being made of the same material as a food tray when you think of fabrics. But one kind of plastic, polypropylene (PP), has a wide range of uses, among them making fabric. Many of your inquiries about polypropylene fabric will be answered in the guide that follows, including:
- What is a polypropylene fabric?
- What variations of polypropylene are there?
- What are a few uses for polypropylene fabric?
Table of Contents
The Definition Of Polypropylene Fabric
Any textile item made from the thermoplastic polymer polypropylene is referred to as polypropylene fabric. This kind of plastic is non-polar, partially crystalline, and a member of the polyolefin group. The second most produced plastic in the world after polyethylene, polypropylene is more frequently used in packaging, straws, and other consumer and industrial goods than it is in the manufacture of textiles.
In 1951, the American company Phillips Petroleum invented this particular type of plastic. The chemists J. Robert Banks and R. While trying to make gasoline from propylene, Paul Hogan unintentionally produced polypropylene. Although this experiment was deemed a failure, it was quickly realized that this new compound could eventually compete with polyethylene in many applications.
But mass-production-ready polypropylene wasn’t developed until 1957. After the Italian chemist Giulio Natta and a German colleague were successful in turning this substance into an isotactic polymer in 1954, the Italian company Montecatini quickly began manufacturing this substance for both industrial and consumer use.
The LyondellBasell company continues to hold the trademark registration for the name “Moplen,” which was the original brand name for polypropylene. However, the term polypropylene, or simply “polypro,” is much more frequently used to refer to this substance.
Deckchair with canopy and sling in polypropylene fabric in dove grey
It was gradually learned that polypropylene also had potential as a textile as this type of plastic gained popularity in a variety of consumer and industrial applications. Fabric made of polypropylene is a nonwoven textile, which means it is created directly from raw materials without the use of spinning or weaving. The main advantage of polypropylene as a fabric is its capacity to transfer moisture; since this material cannot absorb any moisture, moisture can only pass through polypropylene fabric completely.
Because of this property, moisture that is sweated out while wearing a polypropylene garment is able to evaporate much faster than it would with a garment that retains moisture. In clothing worn close to the skin, this fabric is therefore popular. In contrast, polypro melts at relatively low temperatures and has a propensity to absorb and hold body odors when used for undergarments. It is not possible to wash polypro fabric at high temperatures due to the danger of serious burns from molten fabric.
One of the lightest synthetic fibers on the market, polypropylene fabric is incredibly resistant to most acids and alkalis. Additionally, this material has less thermal conductivity than the majority of synthetic fibers, making it the perfect material for cold-weather clothing.
Beige and White Basket Woven Polypropylene Upholstery Fabric
Additionally, this fabric has excellent abrasion resistance and resistance to insects and other pests. Polypro plastic can be easily molded into a variety of shapes and forms and can be reshaped through melting thanks to its noteworthy thermoplastic properties. Additionally, stress cracking is not a problem with this plastic.
However, once manufactured, polypro is notoriously difficult to dye, and it is also challenging to shape this fabric into various textures. This fabric is vulnerable to UV deterioration and does not stick to latex or epoxies well. Polypropylene fabric has a very negative environmental impact, just like every other synthetic textile.
Buy high-quality, low-priced polypropylene fabric here . If you are UK based, you can buy it here .
Where Is Fabric Made Of Polypropylene Made?
Currently, China is the country that exports the most polypropylene goods. This nation’s factories produced $5.9 billion worth of polypro plastics in 2016, and it is expected that this trend will continue for some time to come.
Germany is another major producer of this material; in 2016, it produced about $2.5 billion worth of polypropylene. Other major producers include Italy, France, Mexico, and Belgium. The value of American production of polypro goods in 2016 was $1.1 billion.
LyondellBasell is the leading producer of polypropylene on a global scale. This company has offices in Houston and London and was founded in the Netherlands.
Sinopec Group, based in Beijing, and PetroChina Group, also based in Beijing, are the runners-up in this sector. 55 percent of the world’s total production of polypropylene is produced by the top 10 companies.
All over the world, polypropylene is used to make fabrics. China is the world’s largest producer of finished polypro fabrics, and this kind of fabric is also used in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and many other nations to make clothing and other types of fabrics.
How Much Does Polypropylene Fabric Cost?
Polypropylene fabric liner being installed inside a cedar raised bed
As one of the most frequently produced plastics, polypro is typically quite affordable when purchased in large quantities. The world’s plastics market is dominated by a large number of major factories that compete with one another for market share, which lowers prices.
Polypropylene fabric, however, might be rather pricey. While polypropylene fabric used to be used to make thermal underwear fairly frequently, recent improvements in the production of polyester have largely rendered this type of fabric obsolete, which is the main cause of this price increase. Because of this, this type of fabric is more expensive for textile manufacturers than polyester and other synthetic fabrics that are similar to it, and the higher cost is typically passed on to the final customer.
It’s crucial to emphasize, however, that this price increase only applies to polypropylene fabric intended for use in clothing. Different varieties of polypropylene fabric that aren’t good for clothing are sold at reasonable costs and are typically quite cheap. There are numerous hues and textures available for these fabrics.
Polypropylene Fabric Characteristics
Polypropylene is a fiber that has inherent stain resistance, fade resistance, and strength. This is due to the lack of active dye sites in synthesized polypropylene. You cannot dye or alter the color of polypropylene after it has been extruded, as you will discover if you search for “dying polypropylene.” Polypropylene can only change color with organic and inorganic pigments when it is a hot liquid. Thanks to its non-dyeable properties, polypropylene is naturally stain resistant, which is fantastic news. It is therefore perfect for textile and upholstery applications.
Consider the fabric used for upholstery. Polypropylene is impervious to contamination technically. The inactive dye sites are to blame for this. The stain is located between the fibers of the fabric if something spills or soils it. With no chance of changing the color of your sofa, it is now incredibly simple to clean the entire cushion with common household cleaners like bleach. The fabric is durable, stain-resistant, and cleanable.
Polypropylene Material Types: Benefits & Uses
Multiple propylene monomers are joined by strong covalent bonds to form the basis of all polypropylene compounds. The manufacturing process allows for the manipulation of these monomers, though, to produce a wide range of polypropylene materials.
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (bopp) Film
Polypropylene is used to create BOPP film, which is stretched along both the transverse and longitudinal axes. Biaxial molecular chain orientation results from the fact that it is pulled in two directions. Either a tubular or tenter frame process is used by manufacturers to create BOPP film.
To improve their physical characteristics and produce premium products like PP woven bags, you can laminate BOPP film on other types of polypropylene.
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Properties & Benefits
- Increased stiffness
- Improved clarity
- Increased toughness
- Grease and oil resistance
- Oxidation resistance
- An improved barrier to prevent oxygen and water vapor permeation
- Better impact resistance, even at low temperatures
- Greater durability and longevity
- Allows for high-quality graphic printing
- Lightweight
- Moisture and water resistance
- Low cost
Typical Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Uses
- PP woven bags
- Dry food packaging
- Retail clothing packaging
- Animal feed storage
- Grass seed storage
- Soil, sand, and fertilizer storage
- Snack and tobacco packaging
- Shrinkwrap and heat-shrinkable films
- Dielectric film on capacitors
Polypropylene Homopolymer
The most popular variety of PP is polypropylene homopolymer. It only contains propylene monomers in their solid, semi-crystalline form, as the name would imply. There can be n propylene repeat units in the structure, but there will not be any other monomers.
Polypropylene Homopolymer Properties & Benefits
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Stronger and stiffer than copolymer
- Greater chemical resistance
- Weldability
- Corrosion resistance
- Processability
- Impact resistance
Typical Polypropylene Homopolymer Uses
- Food packaging
- Medical devices
- Tanks
- Scrubbers
- Electrical components
- Fume hoods
Polypropylene Copolymer
Random or block copolymers of polypropylene are both possible. A copolymer is a compound made of two various monomers.
Propylene and ethylene are present in random polypropylene copolymers. It’s not necessary to contrast polyethylene with. polypropylene bags if you combine the two materials into one. 6% polyethylene is typically distributed erratically among the polypropylene chains in these copolymers.
Copolymers of block polypropylene contain 5–15% polyethylene. Ethylene and propylene monomer units are organized into blocks or patterns. Comparing these to random copolymers, the regular order gives them greater strength, toughness, and ductility. The random ones, however, are more open and adaptable.
Polypropylene Copolymer Properties & Benefits
- Better impact strength, toughness, and durability than homopolymer
- Stress crack resistance
- Toughness in low temperatures
- Processability
- Chemical resistance
- Lightweight
- Moisture resistance
- Stain resistance
Typical Polypropylene Copolymer Uses
- Food packaging (random copolymer only)
- Stationery
- Reusable containers
- Textiles
- Polymer banknotes
- Laboratory equipment
- Automotive components
Electrostatic Non-woven Polypropylene Fibers
Extra-fine microfibers with diameters up to 600 nm are created when non-woven polypropylene fibers are made using an electrostatic melt-blown process. During spinning, the air stream interacts with the electrostatic forces to create fine fibers. Due to its use as a filter in N95 masks, this kind of PP has recently attracted attention.
Electrostatic Non-woven Polypropylene Properties & Benefits
- Low cost
- Moisture resistance
- Stability
- Color retention
- Moderate tensile strength
- Resistance to high temperatures
- Lightweight
- Insulation
Typical Electrostatic Non-woven Polypropylene Uses
- N95 and surgical masks
- Hospital gowns
- Medical apparel like hospital gowns, surgical covers, shoe covers, caps, and gloves
- Bath wipes
- Plasters
- Teabags
- Vacuum bags
- Allergen membranes
- Geotextiles
- Shopping bags
Expanded Polypropylene
A closed-cell foam with an extremely low density is expanded polypropylene. A sponge is an open-cell foam, whereas Styrofoam is a closed-cell foam. Expanded polypropylene can be used to create products made of 3D foam.
Expanded Polypropylene Properties & Benefits
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Thermal insulation
- Impact resistance
- Water resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Recyclable
- Durable
- Sound blocking and absorption
Typical Expanded Polypropylene Uses
- Coffee cups
- Food packaging
- Consumer goods packaging
- Automobile components
- Construction products
- HVAC systems
- Returnable packaging
- UAVs
- Drones
- Seating components
- Bumper cores
Our Key Takeaways
A manufactured material with many uses is polypropylene. It is robust, reasonably priced, long-lasting, and immune to things like moisture, color fading, deterioration, and chemicals. Polypropylene performs well as a textile material, whether you use it as a film coating or by itself.
Where Can I Find Fabric Made Of Polypropylene?
Although polypropylene fabric can be found virtually everywhere online, not all of it is created equal. The majority of polypropylene fabric is imported from China, where quality control can sometimes be an issue. Not to mention that it might take longer than 3 months to weave and ship your order if it’s out of stock. Waiting that long to reupholster your furniture is unreasonable.
The domestic producer and supplier of polypropylene fabric Revolution Fabrics is a blessing. We don’t import Polypropylene from China, India, or any other foreign nation. We believe that having a domestic polypropylene supply chain is essential because it uses less energy to produce, transport, and provides jobs for Americans. In less than 300 miles from our mill in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, we obtain our yarns. It only takes 3 weeks to weave and ship your order if it is ever out of stock. For interior designers, upholstery experts, and fabric shops, we also provide wholesale fabric options.
Faqs On Polypropylene Materials
Here are some clarifications on the uses for polypropylene and polypropylene fabrics, as well as their advantages.
Is Polypropylene Risky Or Safe?
One of the materials that can be used around people and animals safely is polypropylene. PP has a low degree of reactivity, is non-toxic, and does not corrode or deteriorate over time. Additionally, PP has an inert nature, which means it does not react with other chemicals.
The risk of skin and eye contact with PP is typically low. It can disrupt the digestive system if consumed. For this reason, polypropylene is a material that is widely used in food containers. Due to the material’s safety attributes, some people have also used it in baby bottles.
Because it doesn’t contain bisphenol A (BPA), polypropylene is less toxic than many other plastics. When in doubt, look up the polypropylene manufacturer to find out what additives they use in the finished product.
Because polypropylene cannot biodegrade, one of its characteristics, it must be recycled or properly disposed of.
Polypropylene: Is It A Plastic?
Yes. Polypropylene is a flexible plastic that is frequently used to make textile yarns and fibers, food and beverage containers, waterproofing, and multipurpose shopping bags.
Being a commodity plastic, polypropylene is frequently produced in high volumes for items that don’t need special engineering. Due to its low cost and frequent disposal, PP.
Polypropylene: What Kind Of Fabric?
Packaging, transportation, chemical fibers, and non-woven fabrics all use the thermoplastic synthetic resin known as polypropylene. Non-woven polypropylene fabrics are the most popular type of fabric and are used in both commercial and industrial products.
Relevant categories of polypropylene fabric include woven fabrics, knit fabrics, needle-punched non-wovens, and melt-blown non-wovens.
Fabrics made of polypropylene are breathable, but they are not as absorbent as other fabrics. Due to the fabric’s resistance to stains, wrinkles, and shrinking, they can be easily maintained and are suitable for all types of clothing, with particular uses in sportswear, marine use, and protective clothing.
Polypropylene presents a challenge when applying pigments because it rejects dye when submerged in liquid. Since alternative methods are difficult to implement on a large scale, the industry is investigating various dyes for production that is more affordable.
Can I Breathe Through Polypropylene?
When worn against the skin for a long time, polypropylene fabric does not irritate or trigger allergies. When textile workers come into contact with large fibers, the only respiratory problems associated with polypropylene occur.
Due to its ability to be formed into fine-pored meshes or meshes with meshes, polypropylene is frequently used as a material choice for filter elements. Nonwoven polypropylene is found in N95 masks.
Can Steel Be Beaten By Polypropylene?
PP is more robust than steel pound for pound.
Crystallinity is a key factor in determining the mechanical properties of polypropylene. The stiffness and tensile strength of PP fabric increase with the degree of crystallinity.
PP is a well-liked option for rugs due to its strength, despite not being as soft as acrylic. Additionally, it is UV-degradable and flammable. These tough rugs look great in outdoor and patio spaces where practicality takes precedence over aesthetics.
Is Polypropylene Completely Acid-free?
Yes, polypropylene is chemically inert and close to pH neutral. For the long-term preservation of sensitive documents, PP is ideal.
Is Pp Expensive?
Comparatively cheap to silk, wool, and cotton, polypropylene is a good alternative. This fabric is easier to make than these other materials because of the fewer steps involved. Polypropylene is a common component in plastic products, which range from toys to household goods to fabric.
Can You Waterproof Polypropylene?
Despite not being listed by any manufacturers as a waterproof fabric, polypropylene qualifies for light-duty applications involving water exposure due to its permeability to water molecules and ability to absorb some moisture.
Polypropylene fabric does not absorb moisture but it is not impenetrable. The material has pores that are large enough to let air and vapor through but too small for a liquid to pass through.
For more details, see our comprehensive guide on “is polypropylene waterproof”.
Can Polypropylene Be Recycled?
The solution is that new products can be made using extruded polypropylene.
The fabric can be reused without losing quality because it is recyclable. Businesses can reuse clothing made of the material to create new clothing or other products like carpet or insulation.
Polypropylene can be recycled numerous times without losing its integrity. With a 27% global recycling rate, it is the most widely recycled plastic. At the recycling facility, however, only about 1–6% of the material is mechanically recycled; the remainder is disposed of in landfills.
