Quality, Service, Knowledge

Resistance To Chemicals

Polypropylene is a paraffin-based fiber and is classified as an olefin. It is the lightest textile fiber, possesses high tensile strength, and excellent abrasion resistance. These properties make polypropylene monofilaments suitable for decorative fabrics. They are, for example, outdoor furniture, automotive fabrics and fiber cloths.

Polypropylene monofilaments are available in pigmented colors added during the fiber manufacture – each monofilament is colored all the way through. This factor contributes to color stability.

The following physical properties are listed to aid the textile manufacturer in developing a variety of fiber and fabric applications.

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE MONONFILAMENT
GENERAL PROPERTIES
SPECIFIC GRAVITY The specific gravity of polypropylene is 0.09-0.91.
STIFFNESS The degree of stiffness can be modified by changes in the additive systems and production techniques.
EFFECTS OF MOISTURE Polypropylene does not absorb moisture.
LIGHT RESISTANCE By combining proper additives, the light stability of polypropylene is substantially improved.
ABRASION RESISTANCE Polypropylene has excellent abrasion resistance.
RESISTANCE: MILDEW AND INSECTS Insects and mildew do not attach to polypropylene.
IDENTIFICATION Because of low specific gravity, polypropylene floats on water. Melting point: 325°F - 335°F.
TENSILE PROPERTIES Polypropylene monofilaments have an average tenacity range of 4-7 grams per denier.
ELONGATION Polypropylene has an ultimate elongation of 14-30%.

THERMAL PROPERTIES
SOFTENING & MELTING TEMPERATURES Polypropylene will soften at 300°F - 310°F, and melts at 325°F - 335°F.
SHRINKAGE Shrinkage at boil, 3-9%
Shrinkage at 250°F, 5-12.5%
FLAMMABILITY Polypropylene is difficult to ignite and upon burning melts to a bead. Proper additives can produce flame retardancy.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
  1. Polypropylene polyolefin fiber has excellent chemical resistance to most acids, alkalis and salts. Polypropylene has good resistance to solvents at room temperature.
CHEMICAL PERCENT CONCENTRATION °F TEMPERATURE LOSS OF TENSILE STRENGTH AFTER EXPOSURE OF
10 hours
75 hours
125 hours
ACIDS
Hydrochloric
Nitric
Sulfuric
Acetic
Oxalic		 5
10
10
10
10		 72
72
72
72
72 		none
none
none
none
none
ALKALIS
Ammonium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide		 10
10		 72
72 		none
none
none
SALTS
Sodium Hydrosulfite
Sodium Chloride		 10
10		 72
72 		none
none
none
SOLVENTS
Benzene
Acetone
Chlorothene		 100
100
100		 72
72
72		 none
none
none
OXIDIZING AGENTS
Hydrogen Peroxide
Sodium Hypochlorite
Potassium Dichromate		 5
10
10		 72
72
72		 none
none
none