PP plastic is widely used in the production of household products such as food containers, plastic cups, baby toys, furniture, etc. Many people often wonder what PP plastic is and is it safe for children? baby? Let’s find out information with antranplastic through the article below!
1. What is PP plastic?
PP plastic, full name polypropylene, has a chemical formula of (C3H6)n. PP plastic is a polymer with high mechanical strength, produced from propene monomer (or propylene). Some outstanding features of PP plastic include:
- Light density, transparent white, colorless, odorless, tasteless.
- High heat stability, can withstand temperatures from 130 – 170 degrees Celsius (melting temperature: 170 – 200 degrees Celsius).
- PP plastic is non-toxic, easy to find, so it is cheap and widely used on the market.
PP plastic, full name polypropylene, has a chemical formula of (C3H6)
2. How to identify PP plastic
- High and clear printing ability thanks to transparent PP plastic with high gloss on the surface.
- PP plastic will not be as flexible as PE plastic, will be difficult to stretch, and will be quite hard.
- When there are small punctures or cuts, they can easily tear.
- PP plastic is resistant to grease, water vapor, waterproofing and other gases.
- This type of plastic possesses heat resistance higher than 100 degrees Celsius and the temperature for sealing PP packaging is about 140 degrees Celsius.
PP plastic cup and spoon set
3. Current types of PP plastic
There are 3 types of PP plastic commonly used in daily life including: PP scrap plastic, primary PP plastic granules, and recycled PP plastic granules.
There are 3 types of PP plastic commonly used in daily life including: PP scrap plastic, primary PP plastic granules, and recycled PP plastic granules.
There are 3 types of PP plastic commonly used in everyday life
3.1. PP scrap plastic
PP scrap plastic is recycled plastic from used plastic products. The process of recycling PP scrap plastic is increasingly being innovated, so it is commonly used, with a cheap price of about 6,000 – 12,000 VND/kg. Characteristics of PP scrap plastic are environmentally friendly and safe for users.
PP scrap plastic is recycled plastic from used plastic products
3.2. Primary PP plastic beads
Primary PP plastic pellets are produced from petroleum, unadulterated, and without additives. The purity of primary PP plastic is up to 99%, so it is used to make some types of water purifiers on the market.
Primary PP plastic pellets are naturally white, flexible and highly durable. When produced, virgin PP plastic is often combined with colorants to create diverse product models.
18 liter plastic bucket made from virgin PP plastic
3.3. PP recycled plastic granules
PP recycled plastic pellets are similar to PP scrap plastic, regenerated from used plastic products such as car battery covers, signal lights, battery cables, ice makers,… This type of plastic Usually produced by granular process. The price of recycled PP plastic is cheap but still ensures the quality of use.
PP recycled plastic pellets are regenerated from used plastic products
4. What tools and equipment is PP plastic often used for?
4.1. Cosmetic dispenser
PP plastic is used to produce cosmetic dispensers that are favored by many women because of their convenience, saving space and weight in luggage when traveling. The PP plastic cosmetic dispenser is tested to be non-toxic, safe to use, and can preserve cosmetic solutions well.
The PP plastic cosmetic dispenser is tested to be non-toxic
4.2. Household appliances, food packaging
Household appliances and food packaging made of PP plastic helps limit oxidation and preserve food well. With high heat resistance, household appliances and food packaging made of PP can easily heat food when needed.
Household products made from PP plastic are commonly found: Food containers, baby food trays, trays, cups, water bottles.
Baby food dispenser 60 ml (10 boxes/pack)
4.3. Utensils and toys for children
Utensils such as milk bottles, drinking bottles, baby bathtubs, baby spoons, toys, etc. made from PP plastic are extremely popular on the market today. To buy quality products, you should carefully check the information on the packaging, materials, and product brand before buying!
Utensils such as milk bottles, drinking bottles, baby bathtubs, baby spoons, toys, etc. made from PP plastic are extremely popular on the market today. To buy quality products, you should carefully check the information on the packaging, materials, and product brand before buying!
4.4. In construction and interior
When building a house, PP plastic panels are placed on the outside to increase heat resistance and limit the spread of heat in the house. In addition, PP plastic is also used to produce a number of items such as tables and chairs, cabinets, imitation wood floors, shelves, storage bins, etc.
Thin plastic hanger (10 hooks)
5. Advantages and disadvantages of PP plastic
5.1. Advantage:
- High mechanical strength: Because it is made into fibers, PP plastic has elasticity, anti-deformation, and good bearing capacity.
- High heat resistance: Can withstand temperatures from 130 – 170 degrees Celsius (melting temperature: 170 – 200 degrees Celsius).
- Waterproof and anti-oxidant: Manufactured in the form of a multi-layer outer coating to increase the permeability of gas, water vapor, grease and some other gases.
- High gloss: Increases the aesthetics of the product.
- Safe and highly applicable: PP plastic is highly safe because it does not contain toxins harmful to health. Therefore, this type of plastic is commonly used in life and production.
5.2. Defect:
- Aging quickly if left outdoors for a long time: Polypropylene properties are easily degraded by UV rays, so PP plastic products are easily cracked and damaged when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. .
- Easily brittle or broken into pieces at low temperatures: Polypropylene has a high coefficient of thermal expansion and contracts at low temperatures. Therefore, PP plastic is easily broken or completely broken if placed in a low temperature environment such as a refrigerator.
PP plastic products are susceptible to cracking and damage when exposed to direct sunlight
6. Is PP plastic safe for babies?
PP plastic is tested by the Ministry of Health to be safe for babies to use because this material is odorless, does not contain harmful substances, and does not cause skin irritation. However, to completely ensure your baby’s health, you should choose to buy PP plastic products, utensils, and toys from reputable brands and stores.
PP plastic can withstand heat up to 170 degrees Celsius without affecting the baby’s health. At the same time, this type of plastic is also used in the production of plastic items for microwave ovens and is also a safe, recyclable material suitable for use by children.
