polypropylene

[ pol-ee-proh-puh-leen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a plastic polymer of propylene, (C 3 H 5 ) n , used chiefly for molded parts, electrical insulation, packaging, and fibers for wearing apparel.

polypropylene

/ ˌpɒlɪˈprəʊpɪˌliːn /

noun

1. any of various tough flexible synthetic thermoplastic materials made by polymerizing propylene and used for making moulded articles, laminates, bottles, pipes, and fibres for ropes, bristles, upholstery, and carpets Systematic namepolypropene

polypropylene

/ pŏl′ē-prō′pə-lēn′ /

1. Any of various thermoplastic resins that are polymers consisting of repeated branched units derived from propane and having the formula CH 2 CH(CH 3 ), usually with the methane groups (CH 3 ) all on one side of the chain. Polypropylenes are similar to polyethylenes but are harder and tougher and are used to make molded articles and fibers.
2. A fabric of fibers made from any of these resins.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polypropylene¹

First recorded in 1930–35; poly- + propylene

Example Sentences

To get the mass, the team measured the total surface area of the plastic particles and incorporated a standard measure of thickness and density based on the most common microplastic waste types: polyethylene and polypropylene.

From Science Daily

Polyolefins are a family of thermoplastics that include polyethylene — the material used to make single-use and “reusable” plastic bags — and polypropylene — the ubiquitous plastic that holds our yogurts and forms microwaveable dishes and car bumpers.

From Los Angeles Times

The mesh, which is usually made from synthetic polypropylene, is intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue.

From BBC

The researchers found they could clearly differentiate oils created from polyethylene versus polypropylene feedstocks.

From Science Daily

Concertgoers at the Paramount Theater and attendees of the Northwest Folklife Festival, for example, can now order their libations in reusable polypropylene cups.

From Salon