What is difference of Polypropylene and Polyethylene

1.The brief introducetion of pp and pe

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.

2. What is Polypropylene?

Polypropylene is a versatile polymer that can be found in: packaging for food and other consumer goods, carpets, and ropes. Some common characteristics of polypropylene include

High melting point

Good chemical resistance

Good moisture resistance

Rigidity

Since polypropylene has a high melting point, it can be used in applications where it needs to withstand higher temperatures. Polypropylene is also moisture-resistant, which makes it a good choice for food packaging. Plus, its inherent rigidity gives it good strength and durability.

3. What is Polyethylene?

This versatile polymer can be used in various applications, including houseware, bottles, wire insulation, toys, etc. As polyethylene is available in multiple different grades, it can be tailored to meet specific needs. Some common characteristics of polyethylene include:

Good chemical resistance

Good moisture resistance

High impact strength

Flexibility

The most common polyethylene grades are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE is a soft, flexible polymer that is often used in food packaging and grocery bags. HDPE is a stronger, more rigid polymer that is often used in bottles, pipes, and buckets.

4. Polypropylene vs. Polyethylene: Applications and Uses

Both polypropylene and polyethylene are versatile polymers that can be used for many different purposes. Some common uses for polypropylene and polyethylene include:

Food packaging

Packaging for other consumer goods

Carpets

Ropes

Buckets

Grocery bags

The two polymers differ, however, and some products can make use of one but not the other. For example, polypropylene is often used in the production of non-translucent materials (though it can be made translucent through a chemical treatment called bleaching). Some polyethylene materials, meanwhile, are naturally translucent.

5. Cost Comparison of Polypropylene vs. Polyethylene

Polypropylene costs about $0.55-0.80 per kilogram while polyethylene costs about $0.80-1.60 per kilogram. The actual cost depends on the specific grade that is being used, but polypropylene is generally less expensive than polyethylene. 

6. About Us

Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective products for global factories, plastic product manufacturers, and material distributors. Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. provides the best PP, PE, PVC, AVE, and ABS material solutions for plastic product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, distributors, factory owners, processing workshops, etc.

If you are looking for general plastic materials, please feel free to get the latest prices and quotations from Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. The sales team will reply within 48 hours.