Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) is a highly versatile closed-cell bead
foam that provides a unique range of properties, including
outstanding energy absorption, multiple impact resistance, thermal
insulation, buoyancy, water and chemical resistance, exceptionally
high strength-to-weight ratio and 100% recyclability. EPP can be
made in a wide range of densities, from 15 to 200 grams per litre,
which are transformed by moulding into 18 to 260 grams per litre.
The steam chest moulding process fuses individual beads into the
final product form, resulting in a strong and lightweight shape.
EPP is a fantastic material used for purposes which require
elasticity in repetitive static and dynamic loads. It's a properly
foamed polypropylene in the form of closed grains filled with air,
which create closed cellar structures. It is the structure that
polypropylene foam owes its properties.
Low weight, high energy absorption, well chemical resistance and great susceptibility to
thermoforming, to name a few. Furthermore, it has shape memory -
that is the ability to return to the previous shape after being
exposed to a load.
Features
- Light-weight, waterproof, Antiflaming and self-extinguishing, etc
- Sound insulation, heat insulation, noise absorption, heat
preservation and anti-corrosion
- Tough, rigid with a high impact strength, not easy to age and can
keep its colour for long time
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Environmental-friendly green healthy materials
The main performance parameters are shown in Table
| Subject | Description |
| Exposure Media | 7 days immersion at 22°C
KEY: 1 = no
Change 2 = slight swelling |
| Petrol / Gasoline | 2 |
| Gas-oil | 2 |
| Kerosene | 2 |
| Mineral oil | 2 |
| Toluene | 2 |
| A-cetone | 2 |
| Ethyl alcohol | 1 |
| n- Heptane | 2 |
| Ethyl acetate | 1 |
| Methyl ethyl ketone | 2 |
| 10% Sulfuric acid | 1 |
| 10% Nitric acid | 1 |
| 10% Hydrochloric acid | 1 |
| 10% Sodium hydroxide | 1 |
| Ammonium solution | 1 |
EPP is widely utilised by automotive manufacturers because of its
performance benefits for energy management, lightweight, enhanced
functionality, durability and recyclability. Applications include
seating, bumpers, stowage systems, door panels, pillars, floor
levellers, parcel shelves, headrests, tool kits, sun visors and
myriad filler parts.
Reusable industrial packaging, known as dunnage, is frequently made
from EPP due to its durability and its inherent ability to absorb
energy in transit. EPP is used increasingly in furniture, toys such
as model aircraft and other consumer products due to its
versatility as a structural material and its lightweight, as well
as other performance characteristics. appro colour range
EPP is approved for use in conjunction with food products. Its
thermal insulation properties and structural strength make it
appropriate for containers such as food delivery containers and
beverage coolers and the like. EPP does not support microbial
growth and can be made sterile with steam cleaning.
EPP was first developed in the 1970's as a result of research into
new forms of polypropylene. The material's first applications were
for automotive products in Japan in 1982. Demand for EPP has since
increased dramatically in all regions of the world based partly on
the need of automakers to improve energy management functions
whilst reducing weight and improving environmental benefits. The
first automotive application for EPP was for an energy-absorbing
component in a bumper system. EPP is now widely utilised for
numerous other automotive parts and systems, including seating and
other interior components
