Difference Between Polypropylene and Nylon

Polypropylene vs Nylon

Polymers are large molecules, which has the same structural unit repeating over and over. The repeating units are called monomers. These monomers are bonded to each other with covalent bonds to form a polymer. They have a high molecular weight and consist over 10,000 atoms. In the synthesis process, which is known as polymerization, longer polymer chains are obtained.

There are two main types of polymers depending on their synthesis methods. If the monomers have double bonds between carbons, polymers can be synthesized from addition reactions. These polymers are known as addition polymers. In some of the polymerization reactions, when two monomers are joined, a small molecule like water is removed. Such polymers are condensation polymers. Polymers have very different physical and chemical properties than their monomers. Moreover, according to the number of repeating units in the polymer, their properties differ.

There are a large number of polymers present in the natural environment, and they play very important roles. Synthetic polymers are also used widely for different purposes. Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon, and Bakelite are some of the synthetic polymers. When producing synthetic polymers, the process should be highly controlled to get the desired product always.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a plastic polymer. Its monomer is propylene, which has three carbons and one double bond between two of those carbon atoms. Polypropylene is manufactured from propylene gas in the presence of a catalyst such as titanium chloride. It is an addition polymer. It is easy to produce and can be manufactured with high purity.

Polypropylenes are light in weight, have a high resistance to cracking, acids, organic solvents, electrolytes, and have a high melting point. Polypropylenes are non-toxic and have good dielectric properties. Polypropylene lasts long because it has good resistance to fatigue. It is tough, at the same time it is flexible. Usually it is opaque. It can be made translucent or colored using pigments.

Polypropylenes have a high economic value, but it is reasonably cheaper compared to others. They are used for pipes, containers, house ware, and packaging and for automotive parts. Polypropylene is degraded when exposed to heat or UV radiation. Therefore, by using UV absorbing additives, degradation can be minimized.

Nylon

Nylon is polymers with the amide functional group. They are a class of synthetic polymers, and it was the first successful synthetic polymer. Also, it is one of the most widely used polymers. Nylon is a thermoplastic and a silky material.

When synthesizing a polyamide like nylon, a molecule with carboxylic groups is reacted with a molecule having amine groups at both ends. Nylon was produced as a replacement for silk to make fabrics and such materials. Nylon can be lustrous, semi-lustrous or dull. They can be subjected to high elongation. Nylon is resistant to abrasion, insects, fungi, and many chemicals.

Polypropylene vs Nylon