When comparing polypropylene vs. polyethylene you’ll find they have a lot in common. They find use across many industries, and both polymers have very similar chemical structures. However, there are also some key differences between the two that need to be considered.
Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) both belong to the thermoplastic family. Depending on the grade, they can be melted and reformed multiple times. Polypropylene is a polyolefin, which means that it is made up of repeating units of propylene. Polyethylene, on the other hand, while also a polyolefin, can be made from a variety of different monomers, the most common being ethylene.
Of the two, polypropylene can withstand higher temperatures. It is more rigid and has a higher melting point than polyethylene. Also, polypropylene is used in food packaging, as it is food-safe and moisture-resistant. Polypropylene finds its way into packaging, carpets, ropes, and plastic parts.
Polyethylene is widely used in packaging as well since it is very strong and durable. This includes food packaging. Other common places to find polyethylene are cable and wire insulation, toys, buckets, and grocery bags. In this article, we will compare polypropylene vs. polyethylene in terms of its properties, applications, and more.
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the polyolefin family. It is made up of repeating units of propylene and can be made through various different manufacturing processes, including injection molding and extrusion. For more information, see our guide on All About Polypropylene.
Figure 1 below are examples of Polypropylene (PP) pellets:
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