Polypropylene (PP) Fiber Fabric

 Polypropylene (PP) Fiber Fabric

——From Industrial Material to High-Performance Textile  

 1. Fundamental Definition  

Polypropylene fiber (PP fiber) is a synthetic fiber polymerized from propylene (CH₂=CH-CH₃). As the only textile fiber that can float on water (density: 0.91g/cm³), its purely hydrocarbon molecular structure lacks polar groups. Global annual production reaches ~7 million tons (12% of synthetic fibers).   

 2. Core Performance Parameters  

 3. Key Production Technologies  

(1) Melt Spinning Process  

- Conventional: 160-170°C melting, 2000-3000m/min speed  

- High-speed: ≥4000m/min (20% higher orientation)   

(2) Modification Technologies  

 4. Key Advantages  

(1) Physical Properties  

- Lightest fiber: 40% lighter than cotton at equal coverage  

- High strength: Fishing nets use PP with 8g/d tenacity  

- Chemical inertness: Resists strong acids/alkali (except HNO₃)  

(2) Functional Features  

- Moisture wicking: Capillary rise >15cm (ideal for quick-dry fabrics)  

- Electrical insulation: Volume resistivity 10¹⁶Ω·cm (cable standard)  

- Food-contact safe: FDA certified   

(3) Economic Benefits  

- Raw material cost: 20-30% cheaper than polyester  

- Energy efficiency: Melts at just 165°C (vs. polyester's 260°C)  

 5. Critical Limitations  

(1) Thermal Weakness  

- Softening point: 140-150°C (iron below 100°C)  

- Boiling water shrinkage: Up to 15%  

(2) Degradation Issues  

- UV sensitivity: Requires 2-5% UV stabilizers outdoors  

- Oxidative degradation: ~8% annual strength loss at 50°C  

(3) Processing Challenges  

- Difficult dyeing: Requires dope dyeing/modification  

- Poor adhesion: Needs plasma treatment for bonding  

 6. Modification Breakthroughs  

(1) Heat Resistance  

- Nano-SiO₂ modification: Heat deflection temp ↑to 120°C  

- Cross-linking: Boiling water shrinkage ↓to <3%   

(2) Functionalization  

 7. Application Guidelines  

 8. Market Data  

- Cost Comparison:  

  - PP filament: ¥15-25/kg  

  - PET filament: ¥20-35/kg  

- Lifespan:  

  - Outdoor gear: 3-5 years (with UV treatment)  

 9. Future Trends  

- Bio-based PP:  

  Sugarcane-derived propylene (Braskem's commercial tech)  

- Smart Response:  

  Fiber pores auto-expand >35°C (thermoregulation)  

- Recycling Revolution:  

  99.9% pure chemical depolymerization (PureCycle tech)  

Selection Tips:  

- Outdoor use → Choose ≥3% UV-stabilized grades  

- Medical → Verify ISO 10993 biocompatibility  

- Performance sportswear → Opt for bicomponent wicking structures  

(Note: Next-gen metallocene-catalyzed PP fibers are breaking traditional performance limits.)