Definition

1. Noun:
   • A synthetic thermoplastic polymer: "Polypropylene" is a type of plastic material made by polymerizing propylene gas. It is known for being lightweight, resistant to chemicals and fatigue, and is used in a wide variety of applications.

Usage

• "Polypropylene" is an uncountable noun referring to the material itself. It is commonly used in industrial, manufacturing, and consumer contexts.
  • The container is made from durable polypropylene.
  • Polypropylene is often chosen for food packaging because it does not leach chemicals.

Examples

• Noun:
  • This reusable bottle is manufactured from polypropylene.
  • The fibers in this carpet are polypropylene, making it stain-resistant.
  • The chemical resistance of polypropylene makes it suitable for laboratory equipment.

Advanced Usage

• As a material specification: Used in technical descriptions to specify the type of plastic.
  • The component must be injection-molded from medical-grade polypropylene.

Variants and Related Words

• PP: A common abbreviation for polypropylene, often seen on recycling symbols (Resin Identification Code 5).
• Polypropene: A less common synonym for polypropylene.
• Propylene: The monomer (base chemical) from which polypropylene is polymerized.

Synonyms

• Thermoplastic polymer: A broader category of plastics that become moldable when heated, which includes polypropylene.
• Polyolefin: A class of polymers produced from simple olefins (like propylene), to which polypropylene belongs.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Polymerization: The chemical process that creates polypropylene from propylene monomers.
• Molding material: A term describing substances, like polypropylene, used in shaping processes (e.g., injection molding).

Noun

1. a polymer of propylene used as a thermoplastic molding material