Polypropylene thermal conductivity
Polypropylene has a thermal conductivity of about 0.22 W/m·K at room temperature — typical of unfilled thermoplastics and roughly 1000× lower than aluminium. Homopolymer and random copolymer PP differ only marginally on thermal conductivity, but they diverge on HDT, impact strength and processing window. This page collects PP's thermal numbers alongside ranked comparisons against ABS, HDPE, PVC and PA66.
What to look for
- Thermal conductivity: 0.20–0.24 W/m·K (unfilled)
- Melting point (Tm): 160–170 °C for homopolymer, 130–155 °C for random copolymer
- Glass transition (Tg): near −10 °C
- HDT at 0.45 MPa: 90–110 °C; at 1.8 MPa: 50–65 °C
- CTE: ~100–150 × 10⁻⁶/K — high, budget for shrinkage
Top materials for polypropylene thermal conductivity
- #1ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A tough engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive, consumer products, electronics and 3D printing.
- #2PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
A transparent, high-impact engineering plastic used in glazing, electronics and safety equipment.
- #3PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #4PA66Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon)
A tough, wear-resistant nylon widely used for gears, bushings, and under-the-hood automotive parts.
- #5PEEKPolyether Ether Ketone
A semi-crystalline high-performance polymer with outstanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties.
- #6PLAPolylactic Acid
A biodegradable, plant-based thermoplastic and the most popular 3D printing filament.
- #7HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene
A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.
- #8PolypropylenePolypropylene
A lightweight, fatigue-resistant polymer ubiquitous in packaging, textiles, and living hinges.
- #9Acrylic (PMMA)Poly(methyl methacrylate)
A rigid, glass-clear thermoplastic offering excellent UV resistance and optical clarity.
- #10POM (Delrin)Polyoxymethylene
A stiff, low-friction acetal polymer engineered for precision gears and mechanical parts.
- #11PA12 StandardPolyamide 12 Standard
Low water absorption, good dimensional stability, excellent chemical resistance.
- #12PA11 FlexiblePolyamide 11 Flexible
Bio-based, excellent flexibility, good impact strength and chemical resistance.
- #13PA610 Low AbsorptionPolyamide 610 Low Absorption
Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66, good chemical and dimensional stability.
- #14PBT StandardPolybutylene Terephthalate Standard
Excellent electrical properties, good chemical resistance, low warpage.
- #15PET UnfilledPolyethylene Terephthalate Unfilled
Good stiffness, strength, and barrier properties. Often used in packaging and fibers.
- #16PPS GF40Polyphenylene Sulfide, 40% Glass Fiber Reinforced
Exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and inherent flame retardancy.
- #17PPA StandardPolyphthalamide Standard
High strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures, good chemical resistance.
- #18PPO/PPE StandardPolyphenylene Oxide / Polyphenylene Ether Standard
Excellent hydrolytic stability, dimensional stability, and electrical properties.
- #19PC/ABS BlendPolycarbonate / Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend
Combines the impact strength of PC with the processability of ABS.
- #20PC/PBT BlendPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend
Good toughness, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
Frequently asked
Unfilled PP is 0.20–0.24 W/m·K. Talc- or glass-filled PP compounds move up to 0.35–0.55 W/m·K; thermally-conductive PP with graphite or boron nitride fillers reaches 1–3 W/m·K.
Homopolymer PP is stiffer, has higher HDT and is clearer; random and impact copolymers add ethylene units for better low-temperature impact, easier flow and lower melting point. For injection moulding, homopolymer is the default rigid grade; impact copolymer is preferred for cold-service parts.
PP holds up to ~100 °C continuous (steam-sterilisable grades exist). Above 100 °C, switch to PPR pipe grade, PPS or a filled PPA.
Yes — 0.22 W/m·K conductivity plus low dielectric loss make PP a common choice for capacitor films and electrical housings where heat rejection is not the goal.