Corrugated plastic polypropylene (PP) sheet—also known as fluted polypropylene sheet— is a polyolefin product known for its lightweight and versatility across many industries and applications. This material has replaced many other manufacturing materials as it tends to be both low cost and high performing.
Because polypropylene tends to be rigid, it is often used for manufacturing molded material and can come in different grades depending on the manufacturer’s specific needs.
The Many Uses of Corrugated Plastic Polypropylene
Corrugated plastic polypropylene appears in a wide range of industries such as automotive, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, packaging, and signage. While its most common applications include signage, trade show, and retail displays, it’s also used in binding, crates, packaging, vehicle trunk liners, and more.
Because corrugated plastic polypropylene is sturdy, reusable, recyclable, returnable, and waterproof, shipping containers made of corrugated PP perform better than corrugated paper containers.
In addition to standard shipping containers, corrugated PP is also often used to construct or line chemical tanks. In addition, its acid resistance is often used in battery boxes or other acid containment systems. As a lining, corrugated PP is also useful for chlorinated swimming pools.
Because it is resistant to strong cleaning fluids, corrugated polypropylene is used as a durable barrier in cleanroom construction. In medical applications, polypropylene is often used in the prosthetic industry as it can be heated and shaped as natural-seeming supports for artificial limbs.
Polypropylene has also been shown to be helpful in fiber applications. In addition to injection molding, polypropylene can also be used in ropes, carpets, upholstery, and clothing.
Is Corrugated Plastic Weatherproof?
Corrugated PP is both waterproof and weatherproof. Even wet, it will continue to hold its strong, rigid shape—hence its popularity for use in outdoor applications. Corrugated PP can stand up to extreme outdoor conditions, including rain, wind, hail, and, when treated, direct sunlight.
Corrugated polypropylene also provides excellent resistance to chemical or acid exposure and boasts excellent electrical insulation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Corrugated Polypropylene
Like most other natural and synthetic polymers, polypropylene has both strengths and weaknesses that can be a factor when deciding if it’s the best material for your project.
Advantages
- Both strong and flexible
- Relatively inexpensive
- Low coefficient of friction
- Resistant to moisture
- Strong chemical resistance over a wide range of acids and bases
- Excellent electrical resistance and serves as an effective insulation material
- Strong fatigue resistance
- Superior impact strength
- Easily repairable
Disadvantages
- It can be challenging to paint
- Has poor bonding properties
- Lowered resistance to chlorinated solvents and aromatics
- High thermal expansion coefficient, which limits its high-temperature applications
- Relatively high flammability
- Vulnerable to oxidation
- Susceptible to UV degradation unless specially treated
Corrugated polypropylene features a unique blend of qualities that aren’t found in any other material. For this ready, despite some disadvantages, it still makes an excellent material for many projects.
Differences Between Polypropylene and Polyethylene?
Polyethylene and polypropylene are classified as synthetic polymers, meaning they consist of many smaller units. The monomer unit is propylene in polypropylene and ethylene. The “poly” refers to multiple numbers of monomers used in the creation.
Physically, the two are very similar. They are both light in weight, have high impact resistance, and are non-toxic. That said, there are some notable differences.
- Polyethylene can be optically transparent, whereas polypropylene can only be made translucent.
- Polyethylene withstands cold temperatures better than polypropylene.
- Polypropylene performs better as an electrical insulator.
- Polypropylene has a higher melting point than polyethylene.
- Polyethylene is slightly more sturdy than polypropylene.
- Polypropylene is stiffer and more resistant to chemicals and organic solvents than polyethylene.
- Polypropylene does not stretch and is typically more rigid than polyethylene.
Corrugated Plastic Polypropylene At Piedmont Plastics
Piedmont Plastics is happy to offer plastic polypropylene sheets in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors. We can provide pieces cut to a 12 or 24-inch width and 12, 24, or 48-inch length. Thickness can come in four or six millimeters, and available colors include white, black, yellow, red, and green.
Get in touch with our team today for ordering information and to discuss how corrugated PP can help with your manufacturing needs.