The difference between polypropylene and polyethylene sheet

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Accepted Answer

Polypropylene Sheet

is a kind of thermoplastic product made by polymerization of propylenea, it includes Copolymer Polypropylene and Homopolymer Polypropylene Sheet.

Polypropylene material is non-toxic, tasteless and waterproof with low density, it can use at around 100℃. It has good chemical stability and easy for vacuforming.

The disadvantage of polypropylene sheet is low wear resistance and easy to crisp under low tempreture.

Polyethylene Sheet

is a thermoplastic product made by polymerization of ethylene.

Polyethylene material is odorless, non-toxic, with excellent low temperature resistance at -100~-70 °C. It has stable chemical properties and it’s an excellent electrical insulation product.

Polyethylene (PE) Sheet mainly includes HDPE Sheet, LDPE Sheet and LLDPE Sheet.

The most popular product is HDPE sheet. HDPE is a high-density polyethylene, it’s a highly HDPE is a non-polar thermoplastic material with high crystallinity.

Both PP and HDPE is widely used in food packaging. They look simiar but they are difference in performance.

--- HDPE has higher strength and stiffness than PP.

--- HDPE has a better performance on heat resistant, low temperature resistance, anti-aging and toughness than PP.

--- The transparency of PP is better than HDPE.

--- The price of PP is a little lower than HDPE.

--- HDPE is mostly used for structural parts and various parts, while PP is mostly used for water tanks, electroplating tank, containers and others.

Use of polypropylene sheet and polyethylene sheet

HDPE sheet

PP sheet

Method for distinguishing between PP and HDPE sheets

--- The surface of the HDPE sheet is self-slip, you can touch the surface of the board to distinct.

Generally, the surface and sides of HDPE sheet are smooth and feel like a candle, while the side of the PP sheet will produce some burrs and it’s rough.

--- The combustibility is different, check the following form.

Product	Combustibility	Combustion Situation	After Extinguishing	Smelling
PP	Easily	Fast melting and dropping with yellow flame	Few smoke and keep burning	Oily but less odor
HDPE	Easily	Slow melting and dropping with yellow & blue fllame	More smoke and keep burning	Paraffin burning and big smelling

Related Products

Polypropylene (PP) sheet

Polypropylene (PP) film

Thin PP film

Polyethylene (PE) sheet

HDPE sheet / LDPE sheet