PP copolymer vs homopolymer
Polypropylene ships in three families that behave very differently. Homopolymer PP is stiff, glossy and cheap but brittle below 0 °C. Random copolymer PP adds ethylene (2–7 %) for clarity and low-temperature toughness — the pick for food containers and medical. Block (impact) copolymer PP adds an EPR rubber phase for sub-zero impact — the pick for automotive bumpers and battery cases.
What to look for
- Room-temperature and sub-zero impact strength
- Optical clarity and haze
- Stiffness and HDT
- Suitability for injection moulding vs film / blow moulding
- Food-contact and medical certification
Top materials for pp copolymer vs homopolymer
- #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
PLA density 1.24 g/cm³, tensile 50–65 MPa, Tg 60 °C. 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
Homopolymer PP is 100 % propylene — stiffer (1.5 GPa modulus), higher HDT, but brittle at 0 °C. Copolymer PP contains 2–15 % ethylene: random copolymer for clarity and low-temp toughness, block copolymer for high impact.
Random copolymer is optically clear, food-safe and used for hot-fill bottles and syringes. Block (impact) copolymer is opaque with dispersed EPR rubber, tough down to -30 °C, used for bumpers, crates and battery cases.
Homopolymer PP (Sabic PP 575P, LyondellBasell Moplen HP500N) for stiff housings and closures; random copolymer (Borealis RJ370MO) for transparent parts; block copolymer (Sabic PP 108MF10, Total PPC 10642) for automotive impact grades.
Not in tensile — homopolymer wins there (35 MPa vs 25–30 MPa). Copolymers win on impact and elongation. The right pick depends on whether the part fails by yield or by impact.