Expanded polypropylene (EPP), like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE), is one of the featherweights of polymer foams. This is the very property for which the multifunctional foam beads are so popular, since their enormous potential for lightweight construction comes with ideal mechanical properties and impressive thermal insulation performance.
Already permanently established in the automotive and logistics/wrapping industries, the success of spherical EPP beads, which can be moulded perfectly into any part, is still growing: With its impressive robustness and marvellous design possibilities, expanded polypropylene is steadily finding its way into new applications, from furniture and model-making to toys and sports.
Strong yet light in weight, highly rigid while able to absorb a lot of energy – expanded polypropylene boasts a long list of outstanding product characteristics.
Here is a concise A to Z of impressive material properties of the lightweight plastic consisting of more than 90% air.
A
Adaptable to desired moulded density.
B
Good static and dynamic load capacity.
C
Chemically resistant.
D
Disinfectable and sterilizable.
E
Electrically conducting (optional).
F
Functionally reliable over a wide temperature range.
G
Low water absorptivity.
H
Highly energy absorbing.
I
Insulating: excellent heat insulation.
K
Beautifully designable.
L
Long-lasting.
M
Multifunctional.
N
Nature-friendly, harmless to health.
O
Oil-resistant.
P
Perfectly mouldable.
R
Recyclable.
S
Safe in transport.
T
Tensile: high tensile strength.
U
Ultralight.
V
Very deformable isotropically – independent of impact direction.
W
Heat-stable shape.
Z
Zero harmful substances – no propellants / chemical blowing agents.
