POLYPROPYLENE

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INTRODUCTION

Polypropylene (PP) polymers are linear poly-olefins with the

repeating structure shown below

It is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications

including packaging and labelling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal
underwear and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable
containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers,
automotive components, and polymer banknotes.
An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged
and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids.
In 2013, the global market for polypropylene was about 55
million metric tons.

Polypropylene production plant

The PP manufacturing process is mainly made up of a raw material

refining process, polymerization process, after-treatment process and
granulation process.
Polypropylene is made from the polymerization of propylene gas in
the presence of a catalyst system, usually Ziegler-Natta or
metallocene catalyst.
Polymerization conditions (temperature, pressure and reactant
concentrations) are set by the polymer grade to be produced.
Various production processes exist with some general similarities.
They are taking place either in a gas-phase (fluidized bed or stirred
reactor) or a liquid-phase process (slurry or solution).
The gas-phase polymerization is economical and flexible and can
accommodate a large variety of catalysts.
It is the most common technology in modern polypropylene
production plants.
Relevant technologies are Novolen, Unipol (gas-phase
processes), Borstar and Spheripol (liquid-phase processes).

Hazards and Risks

Polypropylene is not acutely toxic, but pellets or beads may

mechanically cause harmful effects if ingested by waterfowl or
aquatic life.
No bio-concentration (accumulation in the food chain) is expected
because of the relatively high molecular weight.
PP is not water soluble and is expected to be inert in the
environment.
In the terrestrial environment, PP is expected to remain in the soil.
In water, PP will float.
No appreciable biodegradation is expected
Prolonged contact with PP is essentially nonirritating to the skin

Large release Industrial spills or releases

are infrequent and generally contained.
If a large spill does occur, the material
should be captured, collected and
reprocessed, or disposed of according to
applicable governmental requirements
During processing of polypropylene resins,
the material can be hot, irritating fumes
may be present, and dust can be formed.
The use of personal protective equipment
and good ventilation is recommended
during the processing of these resins.