Which type of plastic is better PVC or Polypropylene

Plastic containers are widely used in various business areas. Compared to metal counterparts, plastic tanks are versatile, lightweight and inexpensive. The material is not subject to corrosion and is resistant to destructive external factors, such as solar radiation, moisture and temperature changes. PVC and polypropylene are used to make plastic containers. Products made from different materials have different properties and consumer characteristics.

Polypropylene: Features

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic material that consists of propylene monomers. The main feature is chemical resistance, which makes polypropylene containers suitable for transporting and storing food products and components for production in the chemical industry. The material does not react with substances stored in the container and does not change the taste of water, milk, wine, honey or vegetable oil. It does not affect the properties of alkalis, acids and other chemical compounds. Main characteristics:

• increased strength;
• resistance to impact loads and mechanical damage;
• perfectly smooth surface, which prevents dirt from accumulating on the walls and simplifies cleaning;
• durability – the service life reaches 50 years;
• reduced water absorption – no more than 0.5%.

Polypropylene products are recyclable, which helps to preserve the environment. The environmentally friendly material does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. It has electrical insulating properties.

PVC: features

Polyvinyl chloride is obtained by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers. There are flexible and rigid PVC. The main features are increased density and tensile strength (objectively for flexible forms). Advantages of the material:

• resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
• fire resistance – does not support combustion and is self-extinguishing;
• increased elasticity (for flexible forms);
• low price compared to polypropylene.

PVC is inferior to polypropylene in strength. Another disadvantage is a decrease in consumer properties during operation. The material gradually loses strength and becomes brittle. Chlorine is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride, which raises doubts about its environmental friendliness. When heated to temperatures above 60 ° C, it can release toxic substances. Rarely recycled due to the difficulties of the process. Special disposal is required to prevent landfill contamination with toxic emissions.

PVC and polypropylene: which is better for business

Considering the properties of the materials, it is not difficult to understand which type of plastic is better for business. If you compare the operating temperature range of PVC and polypropylene, the latter is significantly better. The melting point of polyvinyl chloride is 150 ° C. However, it begins to melt and deform already at a temperature of 65 ° C. At a temperature of -5 ° C, PVC products become brittle. The slightest shock or vibration loads lead to the formation of cracks and mechanical damage.

The operating temperature range of polypropylene is from -20 ° C to + 140 ° C. Due to the increased operating range, polypropylene containers are more suitable for transporting and storing goods in open spaces. Polypropylene is intended for creating elements of an autonomous water supply and sewerage system with the installation of pipes and containers outside the house. Hot water supply systems are installed from polypropylene pipes. At a water temperature of 95°C, the pipe retains its strength, does not melt or deform. What is made of polypropylene:

• Air ducts for ventilation systems;
• Fastening for water supply and sewerage pipelines;
• Galvanic baths;
• Containers for transporting fertilizers;
• Tanks with a conical bottom and mixers;
• Containers for transporting and storing food products.

Polypropylene is used to make containers for storing and transporting water, agricultural products, oil and oil products.

Polypropylene containers: advantages

If you are unsure when choosing a container made of PVC and polypropylene, you should find out the advantages of the latter. Polypropylene tanks meet the requirements of sanitation and hygiene, which is important in the food and pharmaceutical industries, when transporting food products and raw materials for the production of medicines. Washing the container with detergents and disinfectants, as well as treatment with hot steam is allowed.

Another advantage is safety for human health and the environment. The material does not interact with the stored substances, and does not emit harmful substances. Polypropylene is not subject to decay and is not transparent. The material does not allow sunlight to pass through, which helps to better preserve the properties of the products and water stored in the container.