Quality Poly Strapping May Surpass Those Made From Steel In Several Years

By Author: Thelma Bowman
Total Articles: 5

Polypropylene has yet to surpass steel in terms of strength. If it does, scientists are looking at reduced landfill, energy savings in production, and lighter but more durable frames. As early as now, however, quality poly strapping is seen as a viable replacement for steel strapping, for good reasons.

Italian chemist Giulio Natta is credited with the development of the first polypropylene resin in 1954, perfecting the work of German chemist Karl Ziegler. Both would share the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions in developing versatile plastics. Three years after the first polypropylene resin was produced, commercial production commenced.

Steel strapping is plagued by limitations industrial-grade plastic strapping can overcome, such as vulnerability to weather elements, high cost, and safety hazards. Even stainless steel cannot be considered entirely rustproof, as it only prevents rust from forming immediately. Polypropylene can resist the harshest weather, making it ideal for use in transporting goods under rough conditions.

Plastics also require less energy to produce, which results in reduced wastage in accordance with international standards. For example, iron ore melts at 1,538O C (2,800o F); polypropylene, on the other hand, melts at between 210 and 290O C (410 and 554O F). Polypropylene requires less heat to be melted for crafting products.

With plastics making up a large part of periodic waste production, manufacturers can derive raw materials from recycled plastics to be processed into fresh products. This makes polypropylene more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly, provided that the process adheres to accepted standards.

Plastic strapping is also safe to use since it has no sharp edges unlike steel. There's reduced risk of cuts and wounds in strapping and unstrapping. To harness the full strength of plastic strapping, special strapping tools are used. These can range from manual strapping tools to pneumatic power ones.

Plastics are expected to further increase in use in a few years. Scientists must find ways to make the most out of these materials, going beyond their usual applications. Plastics like polypropylene will only grow stronger and more versatile from this point on, adding to their possible applications. For more information on polypropylene, visit the British Plastics Federation's Plastipedia at bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/default.aspx or Science Daily at ScienceDaily.com.