Polypropylene Vs. ABS Plastic: Decoding the Properties

Polypropylene or ABS Plastic? This article helps to discover the differences in properties, uses, and benefits of the two materials.

Polypropylene plastic is basically a thermoplastic made of Polypropylene. This semi-crystalline polymer is widely used in various industries to produce high-quality products. On the other hand, the full form of ABS plastic is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is also known as graft copolymer and contains three particular monomers; acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. ABS plastic is usually used in various molding and injecting applications.

However, having an in-depth knowledge of the properties, applications, advantages, and disadvantages of these plastics assists professionals in selecting the right material. In this article, we detail Polypropylene Plastic vs ABS Plastic while covering the related aspects to differentiate these two competing materials.

Polypropylene Plastic: Everything You Need to Know

Polypropylene plastic was invented in 1951 by two Phillips Petroleum scientists, Paul Hogan and Robert L. Banks. Giulio Natta and Paolo Chini developed isotactic polypropylene in 1954. Finally, the commercial production of Polypropylene plastic started in 1957.

The manufacturing of Polypropylene (PP) is a complex polymerization process. Here, propylene gas undergoes a controlled transformation in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst. Later, the PP pallets are placed in a large cylindrical barrel, and an appropriate amount of heat and pressure is applied. This causes them to melt and form a homogenous molten mass. Finally, the molten mass is framed in different shapes like sheets, Films, Rods, Etc.

Common Characteristics of Polypropylene Plastic

Here are the basic properties of this plastic material.

The hosted chemical and stress resistance capability ensures longevity.
Polypropylene Plastic sheets are lightweight.
By having flexible nature, it offers the structural integrity of the final formation.
The temperature-resistant characteristic of this plastic sheet makes it suitable for outdoor and extreme weather use.
It comes with a slippery surface.
Polypropylene plastic can be given different shapes very easily.
It is food-safe.

Common Applications of Polypropylene Plastic

We list the most common applications of Polypropylene plastic.

It can be used to manufacture coverings for various types of bottles and containers. Above all, its food-safe characteristic allows it to be used in the caps of water bottoms, jars, and food packaging.
Polypropylene plastic is also used to produce outdoor and indoor furniture, dividers, etc.
Various toys and plastic-based machine parts are made of this construction material.
Tote bags and lunch bags are made of Polypropylene plastic.
Used in the advertising industry to make boards, signage, etc.

Advantages of Polypropylene plastic

The below benefits are offered by Polypropylene plastic:

It is affordable.
Polypropylene plastic offers water, fatigue, and biological resistance.
High melting point.
This material is recyclable.
It provides better insulation solutions.

Disadvantages of Polypropylene Plastic

The following are the common issues of this material.

Sunlight can cause damage to Polypropylene plastic-made items.
Chlorinated solvents and aromatics can negatively affect Polypropylene plastic.
Painting a Polypropylene plastic sheet or item is challenging as it doesn’t bond well with paint.
It is more susceptible to catching fire.

ABS Plastic: Everything You Need to Know

ABS plastic was developed in 1948, and it is a US-based patent. The Borg Warner Corporation brought it to the commercial market in 1954. However, in general, there are two processes available to produce ABS plastic. In the first process, chains of polybutadiene are combined with a backbone chain of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). Finally, the respective complex molecular structure forms ABS plastic.

The second process is called the emulsion process. Here, polybutadiene is prepared as a watery latex in the first step. Then, styrene and acrylonitrile are added to this latex. The three constituents – polybutadiene, styrene, and acrylonitrile – undergo a copolymerization process in controlled condition. Finally, ABS plastic is produced.

The full name of ABS plastic is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a common thermoplastic polymer derived from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. The glass transition temperature is approximately 105 °C (221 °F), and it is amorphous and, therefore, has no true melting point.

Common Characteristics of ABS Plastic

Below is a list of the base characteristics of ABS Plastic:

ABS Plastic is empowered by a higher level of tensile strength.
It showcases remarkable resistive characteristics against corrosion, strain, abrasion, and direct impact.
ABS is easy to process and has different forms in terms of machining, sanding, etc.
This plastic material can withstand moderate temperatures without significant deformation. However, its melting point is low: around 105°C.
It boosts the structural integrity of a framing due to its enhanced rigidity and dimensional stability.
ABS plastic material can be easily blended with other materials to form a high-quality final product with specific properties and serving solutions.
ABS is food-grade material.

Common Applications of ABS Plastic

Some of the general use of ABS plastic we inform you in this section.

ABS is a preferred material for producing automotive components like interior items, dashboard parts, door panels, seat backs, seat belts, etc.
The accommodated chemical resistance and durability direct product designers to use ABS plastic in pipe fittings, drainage systems, and other plumbing components.
This graft copolymer is also used in the construction of luggage, carrying cases, and protective gear.
In the medical industry, products like syringes, trays, and casings contain BAS due to their biocompatibility and ability to withstand sterilization processes.
It is utilized to produce 3D building materials, prototypes, keyboard keys, various tools, and so on.

Advantages of ABS Plastic

Here are some must-know advantages of this material.

It is lightweight and easy to carry.
ABS plastic offers a higher degree of sturdiness.
Enhanced lifespan.
It is recyclable, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Disadvantages of ABS Plastic

Below are the issues with ABS plastic.

Painting on it is not that easy.
It cannot be used in high-temperature products.
It does not have a good UV resistance capability.

Comparison Between Polypropylene Plastic Vs. ABS Plastic

Type	Polypropylene Plastic	ABS Plastic
Short description	Polypropylene plastic is a thermoplastic	ABS plastic is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and is known as graft copolymer
What ingredients used to make this	Propylene gas, Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst	Polybutadiene, styrene, and acrylonitrile
Applications	Polypropylene plastic is used to manufacture furniture, toys, boards, signages, etc.	ABS Plastic is used to make 3D building materials, prototypes, keyboard keys, various tools, autobody components, etc.
Characteristics	It provides a higher degree of strength and durability. It has chemical and stress resistance capabilities. It is also flexible.	It has corrosion, strain, abrasion, and direct impact resistance capabilities. Easy to process. Low melting point.
Trade Name	Proteus, Propylux, etc.	Cycogel, etc.
Price	Per Ton Polypropylene plastic price ranges from $1,283 to $1,350	The per pound price is $1.50 to $2.34.

Final Thoughts

Many people can’t identify Polypropylene and ABS plastic if they are the same color. They are different materials, including working temperatures, physical properties, applications, features, etc.

If you don’t know how to choose a suitable material for your project, please contact UVTECO. As an expert in material and machining solutions, UVTECO is a trustworthy supplier of Polypropylene plastic and ABS plastic from China, and we will help you choose the right material for your projects.