Polypropylene fibers are widely used in the nonwovens sector due to their superior performance and low cost. Polypropylene fibers are a major fiber in nonwoven processing. It dominates many nonwoven markets. The principal applications include nonwoven fabrics (refer to Table), especially absorbent product cover stock markets and home furnishings.
ABSORBENT PRODUCTS – Diapers
In the nonwovens industry, absorbent products are crucial. The largest absorbent product application is baby diapers. However, adult incontinence applications show the greatest growth.
These are the major structural components of diapers currently in use.
The top sheet (cover stock).
Acquisition, transport, or distribution layer.
Absorbent core.
Back sheet.
Secondary components materials are:
Barrier leg cuffs.
Elastomeric materials
Hot-melt glues.
Top sheet applications currently use spun-bonded polypropylene, which is usually, produced using a multi-beam process. SMS (spun bond/melt-blown/spun bond), polypropylene composites, and carded thermal bonds of polypropylene. Some applications may require the use of thermally bonded bicomponents.
The spunbonded webs of polypropylene have been popular for cover stock applications. However, they are not as soft as the staple fiber-based thermally-bonded Polypropylene.
EPP Model For Aircraft:
EPP foam can absorb impacts that would destroy radio-controlled models made of lighter traditional materials like balsa and EPS foams. EPP foam, unlike expanded polystyrene (EPS), which can be easily broken on impact and friable, is able to absorb kinetic impacts very well and retains its original form.
Expanded polypropylene foams (EPP) have gained popularity since 2001 and are now used as a structural material for hobbyist radio-controlled model aircraft.
surface finish than the models made from other types. EPP is chemically inert and can be used with a variety of adhesives. EPP can easily be heat-molded and can be finished by using cutting tools or abrasive paper. EPP is a popular material for model making. It has been particularly well-received in the following areas:
Wind-driven slope soarers.
Indoor electric-powered profile electric model
Gliders that can be hand-launched for children.
EPP is the most popular material in slope soaring. It allows radio-controlled, radio-controlled gliders with great strength and maneuverability. EPP’s strength has made slope combat (the act of friendly competitors trying to knock each others’ planes out of the air by direct contact) as well as slope pylon racing a common practice.
Advantages:
Polypropylene, a light fiber with a density of 0.91 gm/cm3, is the least dense synthetic fiber.
It doesn’t absorb moisture. The fiber’s wet and dry properties are the same. Because it allows for quick moisture transport, such as in the case of babies’ ever-dry nappies, low moisture regain should not be considered a problem.
It is extremely resistant to chemicals. PP fibers are extremely resistant to acids and alkalis.
PP fibre has a lower thermal conductivity than other fibers, so it can be used for thermal wear.
Disadvantages:
Below are the main drawbacks to PP fibers:
It has a low melting temperature that prevents it from being ironed like wool, nylon, and wool.
It is difficult to dye after manufacturing unless you have done extensive treatment or modification.
Low texturizability is due to high crystallinity and low thermal conductivity. Drawing polypropylene takes 2 seconds to heat up, whereas PET (POY), which takes only 0.4 seconds, requires just 2 seconds.
Low UV and thermal stability, which can be overcome by expensive antioxidants and UV stabilizers.
Low resilience in comparison to PET and Nylon
Its low Tg (-15 to 20degC) makes it creepy.
Poor adhesion to glues or latexes
Flammable that melts and burns like butter.