Definition and Application of PP Functional Additives

PP functional additives refer to chemical substances added during the production of polypropylene that can improve the performance of PP or give it special functions. These additives are not only for improving the physical strength or processing performance of the material, they can also make PP have multiple properties such as anti-ultraviolet, antistatic, antibacterial, and heat resistance, meeting the special needs of different industries for plastic products.

Common types of PP functional additives

Antioxidants
During the processing of polypropylene, oxidation reaction is a common phenomenon, especially under high temperature conditions. Antioxidants protect the physical properties of PP materials from damage by preventing or delaying the oxidation process. Common antioxidants include BHT (tert-butylhydroquinone) and IRGANOX.

UV absorbers and light stabilizers
Polypropylene materials usually degrade when exposed to sunlight for a long time, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause the material to age. Adding UV absorbers or light stabilizers can effectively delay this process. Commonly used UV absorbers include benzotriazole and diphenylmethane.

Antistatic agent
In some applications, PP products may generate static electricity due to friction or environmental conditions, affecting their performance. The addition of antistatic agents can reduce this static electricity accumulation phenomenon. Common antistatic agents include cationic surfactants and fatty acid derivatives.

Flame retardant
PP is a flammable material. The addition of flame retardants can effectively improve its flame retardant properties. It is widely used in electrical appliances, automobiles and other industries. Common flame retardants include phosphate esters, bromides, etc.

Plasticizer
The role of plasticizers is to make the material more flexible by lowering the glass transition temperature of PP. Plasticizers are often used to improve the processability of PP and increase its softness, especially in some applications that require flexibility, such as packaging films.

Application of PP functional additives

Packaging industry
In the packaging industry, PP materials are often used in food packaging, medical packaging and other fields. In order to improve the durability, waterproofness and barrier properties of packaging, functional additives are used in large quantities. For example, anti-ultraviolet additives can extend the service life of food packaging bags and prevent ultraviolet rays from causing a decrease in food quality.

Automotive industry
In the automotive industry, PP materials are widely used in automotive interiors, exteriors and components due to their light weight and durability. In order to meet the needs of impact resistance, heat resistance, UV resistance, etc., adding various functional additives has become an important way to improve product quality and performance.

Medical field
The application of polypropylene in the medical industry includes syringes, infusion bags, disposable gloves, etc. In order to ensure the safety and durability of these medical devices, the use of functional additives becomes particularly important. Antibacterial additives can inhibit bacterial growth and increase the hygienic safety of medical devices.

Electronic and electrical field
Electronic and electrical products have high requirements for PP's electrical properties, thermal stability, flame retardancy and other aspects. By adding flame retardants, plasticizers and antistatic agents, PP can be better adapted to the use environment of electronic products to avoid safety hazards caused by static electricity or fire.