Polypropylene has excellent dielectric strength, excellent chemical
resistance and outstanding heat resistance. Its moisture absorption
is practically nil and unsurpassed in flexural strength. Unlike polyethylene,
polypropylene is not prone to environmental stress cracking. It is
harder than polyethylene and has greater tensile strength. Although
its heat resistance allows usage is up to 80°C, it does tend to
become brittle below 0°C.
The chemical resistance of polypropylene is outstanding. At room temperature
it is essentially insoluble in common solvents. Polypropylene resists
acids, alkalies, moisture and salt solutions. It is attacked by strong
oxidizing agents such as concentrated nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
and wet chlorine especially at higher temperatures. Ultra violet light
and direct sunlight degrade polypropylene unless it is modified by
additives.
Welding of polypropylene should be done with nitrogen or dry air as
oxygen at high temperatures tends to degrade the material. Common
mill shapes are: sheet, rod, pipe, tubing and spheres.