Polypropylene vs. Polyamide: What’s the Difference?

Main Difference

The main difference between Polypropylene and Polyamide is that the Polypropylene is a polymer and Polyamide is a macromolecule with repeating units linked by amide bonds

• Polypropylene

  Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene.

  Polypropylene belongs to the group of polyolefins and is partially crystalline and non-polar. Its properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat resistant. It is a white, mechanically rugged material and has a high chemical resistance. Polypropylene is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic (after polyethylene) and it is often used in packaging and labeling. In 2013, the global market for polypropylene was about 55 million tonnes.

• Polyamide

  A polyamide is a macromolecule with repeating units linked by amide bonds.

  Polyamides occur both naturally and artificially. Examples of naturally occurring polyamides are proteins, such as wool and silk. Artificially made polyamides can be made through step-growth polymerization or solid-phase synthesis yielding materials such as nylons, aramids, and sodium poly(aspartate). Synthetic polyamides are commonly used in textiles, automotive applications, carpets and sportswear due to their high durability and strength. The transportation manufacturing industry is the major consumer, accounting for 35% of polyamide (PA) consumption.

• Polypropylene (noun)

  A thermoplastic resin made by the polymerization of propylene, and used for films, fibres, or moulding materials. Also known as polypropene.

• Polyamide (noun)

  Any of a range of polymers containing amide (or peptide) repeat units; examples include proteins and nylon.

• Polypropylene (noun)

  a synthetic resin which is a polymer of propylene, used chiefly for films, fibres, or moulding materials

  “high-impact polypropylene”

  “polypropylene underwear”

• Polyamide (noun)

  a synthetic polymer of a type made by the linkage of an amino group of one molecule and a carboxylic acid group of another, including many synthetic fibres such as nylon.

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