7581. Polypropylene

Nomenclature

CAS number: 9003-07-0
1-Propene homopolymer; propylene polymer.

Description and references

Class of compounds also known as olefins. Three forms are possible. Isotactic (fiber-forming): methyl groups are all on same side of plane of zig-zag carbon atom chain. Syndiotactic: methyl groups are on alternate sides of plane of carbon atom chain. Atactic (not fiber-forming, amorphous): methyl groups are in a random arrangement with respect to plane of carbon atom chain. Early synthesis of isotactic form with Ziegler catalyst and comparison with atactic form: Natta et al., J. Chem. Soc. 77, 1708 (1955); Natta, J. Polym. Sci. 16, 143 (1955). Reviews: N. G. Gaylord, H. F. Mark, Linear and Stereoregular Addition Polymers (Interscience, New York, 1959) pp 54-65; R. W. Moncrieff, Man-Made Fibres (Wiley, New York, 4th ed., 1963) pp 500-510; J. G. Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres (Merrow Publishing Co., England, 3rd ed., 1964) pp 369-379; G. Crespi, L. Luciani, “Olefin Polymers (Polypropylene)” in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology Vol. 16 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1981) pp 453-469. Review of thermal decomposition and toxicity: V. Purohit, R. A. Orzel, J. Am. Coll. Toxicol. 7, 221-242 (1988).

Chemical structure

Derivative

Isotactic form.

Nomenclature

Amco (Am. Mfg.); Amerfil (Am. Thermoplastic); Beamette (Dawbarn); Courlene PY (Courtaulds); DLP (Dawbarn); Gerfil (G. F. Chem.); Herculon (Hercules); Lambeth (Lambeth Rope); Meraklon (Montecatini); Moplen (Montecatini); Olane (Avi-Sun); Prolene (Industrial Rayon); Tuff-Lite (Indust. Plastic); Ulstron (ICI).

Properties

Solid material, softens at ≈155°, mp ≈165°. Low flammability comparable to that of wool. Keeps strength down to -100°. d 0.90-0.92. Practically insol in cold org solvents. Sol in hot decalin, hot tetralin, boiling tetrachloroethane. Shrinks in boiling trichloroethylene. Resistant to acids, alkalies; attacked by strong oxidizing agents, e.g., hydrogen peroxide. Good resistance to abrasion (“pilling”). Tendency to develop static charges. Unstabilized material has poor resistance to sunlight. Difficult to dye, lacks dye-attracting polar groups in structure.

Use

Isotactic form: for fishing gear, ropes, filter cloths, laundry bags, protective clothing, blankets, fabrics, carpets, yarns, etc.