Polypropylene (PP), olefin fibre in the textile industry, is a type of thermoplastic polymer resin made by polymerising propylene gas, a byproduct from crude oil refining. The discovery of a stereoselective polymerization in 1954 led to the production of large-scale commercial polypropylene in 1957. Over the following years, polypropylene became increasingly popular in consumer and industrial applications, and the plastic showed potential for textile production.
PP is known for its lightweight, durable, and chemical-resistant properties, which make it suitable for nonwoven fabrics, ropes and carpets, packaging, medical devices and other household goods. Its high tensile strength and moisture-wicking abilities make it popular for activewear.
Polypropylene (PP) is a linear hydrocarbon polymer derived from propylene gas extracted from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. The gas is polymerized using a catalyst, linking the propylene molecules into long chains that give PP its unique properties. The material is then melted, cooled, and cut into pellets, which are later melted, moulded, spun, or extruded into various forms, including textile fibres. Nonwoven PP textiles are made by melting and spinning polypropylene into fine fibres in a hot, airy environment. These fibres are thermally bonded between hot rollers, creating a flexible, durable fabric with a weave-like appearance. While lightweight and breathable, its comfort can vary depending on the intended use.
The main benefit of PP as a fabric is its moisture transfer abilities, as it doesn’t absorb any moisture. The moisture passes through the polypropylene fabric entirely. Therefore, this fabric became popular in textiles worn close to the skin. In addition, the thermal conductivity of this material is lower than that of other synthetic fibres, which means that it is ideally suited for cold weather wear. However, polypropylene tends to absorb and retain body odours(hydrophobic) when used for undergarments, and it also melts at relatively low temperatures.
Challenges & Environmental Impact
The production process of PP is efficient, cost-effective, and easy to manufacture, making polypropylene one of the most widely produced and versatile plastics globally. However, its reliance on fossil fuels and the microplastic issues raises environmental concerns. PP comes from a non-renewable resource that increases fossil fuel consumption during production and contributes to resource depletion.
It releases greenhouse gases when extracted, transported, and processed, contributing to climate change.
We need to find out how long, or if it ever does, decompose. It may take hundreds of years to break down, potentially releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Improper disposal can result in plastic pollution in landfills and waterways, harming marine life with microplastics.
There are efforts made to produce polypropylene from bio-based resources. Bio-based polypropylene (PP) is a plant polymer compound with the same balanced properties as standard polypropylene. This polymer comes from corn, vegetable oils, and sugarcane.
Sources
Wikipedia – Polypropylene 
Sewport – Polypropylene fabric
Wikipedia – Olefin fiber
Sciencedirect – (Bio)Propylene production processes: A critical review
Encyclopedia – Nonwoven textiles
November 2024, RETHINK
