Polipropoleni

Polipropoleni is a thermoplastic polymer in the polyolefin family. In many languages the material is the same as what is commonly called polypropylene, a widely used plastic with diverse applications. The term polipropoleni may appear as an alternate spelling or transliteration for polypropylene in some sources.

It consists of repeating propylene units connected by carbon–carbon bonds. Depending on the arrangement of side groups along the chain, polipropoleni can be isotactic, syndiotactic, or atactic, which affects crystallinity, mechanical properties, and processing behavior. Isotactic and syndiotactic forms are crystalline; atactic is usually amorphous and more flexible.

Production is achieved by polymerizing propylene using Ziegler–Natta or metallocene catalysts. Polymerization can occur in slurry, gas-phase, or solution processes. Catalyst choice influences tacticity, molecular weight distribution, and, when copolymers are made, comonomer content such as ethylene.

Key properties include high chemical resistance, good electrical insulation, low density, and a melting point around 160–170 C. The material can be stiff and strong when highly crystalline, but impact strength and flexibility can be improved with copolymers or additives. Weathering and UV resistance can be enhanced with stabilizers.

Common applications cover packaging films and containers, fibers and textiles, automotive interior parts, consumer goods, and medical devices that require sterilization compatibility. Polipropoleni is widely recyclable; the resin is commonly coded as 5 for polypropylenes. It is derived from petroleum feedstocks and has a long history since its development in the 1950s by Ziegler and Natta. Its environmental impact depends on use, additives, and recycling practices.