Research and application of polypropylene: a review

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile polymer with numerous applications that has undergone substantial changes in recent years, focusing on the demand for next-generation polymers. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research in PP and its advanced functional applications. The chronological development and fundamentals of PP are mentioned. Notably, the incorporation of nanomaterial like graphene, MXene, nano-clay, borophane, silver nanoparticles, etc., with PP for advanced applications has been tabulated with their key features and challenges. The article also conducts a detailed analysis of advancements and research gaps within three key forms of PP: fiber, membrane, and matrix. The versatile applications of PP across sectors like biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and air/water filtration are highlighted. However, challenges such as limited UV resistance, bonding issues, and flammability are noted. The study emphasizes the promising potential of PP while addressing unresolved concerns, with the goal of guiding future research and promoting innovation in polymer applications. Graphical Abstract

Low-Density and High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced PP/POE Composite Foam via Irradiation Crosslinking

“…Due to the ease of synthesis, excellent comprehensive performance, and low cost of polypropylene (PP), it has become one of the most widely used plastics globally, and is extensively applied in various aspects of our daily lives [ 1 ]. For instance, PP can achieve lightweight design and high specific strength structural application through foaming processes, while possessing characteristics such as thermal insulation.…”

“…For instance, PP can achieve lightweight design and high specific strength structural application through foaming processes, while possessing characteristics such as thermal insulation. Particularly driven by the increasing demand in recent years, there is a significant need for PP in emerging fields, like sandwich structures of automotive structures, interiors, food packaging, and other fields [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Enhancing the foaming expansion ratio and mechanical properties of PP foam to reduce the usage of chemically synthesized materials represents a crucial direction in the development of polymer foam applications under the impetus of a low carbon footprint.…”

Crystallization Behaviours Regulations and Thermostability Enhancement Strategy of Polypropylene Composites modified by Dispersed Rice Husk Charcoal

“…Rice husk Charcoal (RHC) is a waste material produced after the production of rice husk electricity, it has a very high amorphous silica content (95%) and after burning the waste material is usually land lled which can cause some serious environmental problems, at this time its reuse as a ller in composite materials can solve the problem of the large accumulation of electricity waste RHC due to the growth of the population and the increased demand for rice and electricity, as it is not only cheap but also solves the problem of environmental pollution caused by land lls [24][25][26] . Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most consumed varieties of plastics, a polymer made from the polymerization of propylene monomer, usually divided into homopolymer polypropylene, block copolymer polypropylene and random copolymer polypropylene to aggregate state structure makes it has good electrical properties and insulation properties as well as almost no change in performance due to moisture, but PP as a petroleum-based plastic when used in large quantities to cause environmental pollution, has a low modulus, poor heat resistance and easy ageing which limits its further application [27,28] . Therefore, the preparation of PP/rice husk charcoal composites not only broadens the application area of PP, but also gives a new value to waste rice husk charcoal.…”

A Facile Surface Modification Scheme for Medical-Grade Titanium and Polypropylene Using a Novel Mussel-Inspired Biomimetic Polymer with Cationic Quaternary Ammonium Functionalities for Antibacterial Application

“…Titanium or its alloys were seen in different orthopedic or dental applications, such as temporary and long-term external fixations, and craniofacial and dental implants [ 12 , 13 ], which generally required fairly tough physical properties. The medical applications of polypropylene, instead, were more widely noted in various clinical practices [ 14 ]. Polypropylene can be easily processed into different geometric shapes such as tubing, films, or even fibrous meshes used in hernia or pelvic organ prolapse [ 15 , 16 ].…”