As a lightweight, efficient and low-cost synthetic fiber, polypropylene fiber (polypropylene fiber) is widely used in textile, construction, industry, medical and other fields with its diverse categories and excellent properties. Different types of polypropylene fibers have different emphasis on characteristics, and their adaptation scenarios are significantly different. Mastering its classification, characteristics and scientific selection methods is crucial for manufacturers, purchasers and other practitioners. The following will comprehensively analyze the core information and selection logic of polypropylene fiber.

The classification dimensions of polypropylene fiber are clear and can be divided into four major categories.

• According to the shape, there are polypropylene short fiber and polypropylene filament. The short fiber can be blended with other fibers. The filament is divided into drafted yarn, elastic yarn, etc., which are suitable for different textile processes.
• According to the structure, it includes solid polypropylene fiber and hollow polypropylene fiber. The hollow fiber can be subdivided into single hole and porous fiber. Hollow, lightweight and better in warmth;
• Divided by function, it covers functional categories such as ordinary polypropylene fiber, flame-retardant polypropylene fiber, antibacterial polypropylene fiber, antistatic polypropylene fiber;
• Divided by processing method, there are also special products such as polypropylene non-woven fiber and geotechnical polypropylene fiber.

The core common characteristics of polypropylene fiber are very outstanding:

• First, the density is extremely low (0.90-0.92g/cm³), which is the lightest variety among common synthetic fibers, and can significantly reduce the weight of the finished product;
• Second, it has excellent corrosion resistance and is resistant to chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and salts. The chemical material has strong stability and is not easily eroded;
• Third, it has good wear resistance and fatigue resistance, its breaking strength is close to that of polyester, and its service life is long;
• Fourth, its cost is controllable, with abundant sources of raw materials, mature production technology, and its price is 20%-30% lower than polyester and nylon.

At the same time, different categories also have exclusive characteristics, such as the warmth retention of hollow polypropylene is more than 30% higher than that of ordinary polypropylene, the limiting oxygen index of flame-retardant polypropylene is ≥28%, and the inhibition rate of antibacterial polypropylene on E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus exceeds 90%.

Based on the differences in characteristics, various types of polypropylene fibers have different emphasis on adaption scenarios.

• Ordinary polypropylene short fiber is often used for home textile filling (quilts, pillows), carpets, and labor protection gloves;
• Polypropylene filament is suitable for making sportswear, swimwear, and industrial filter cloth;
• Hollow polypropylene fiber is a high-quality raw material for high-end down jackets and thermal underwear linings, and can also be used for automobile sound insulation cotton;
• Flame-retardant polypropylene fiber is suitable for fire-fighting suits, industrial protective clothing, and public building curtains;
• Antibacterial polypropylene fiber is used in medical dressings, disposable medical masks, and antibacterial socks;
• Geotechnical-specific polypropylene fiber is widely used in concrete reinforcement of roads and bridges and geotextile production.

The selection of polypropylene fiber can follow a four-step core logic:

1. First, clarify the use scenarios and core requirements. For example, hollow polypropylene is preferred for warmth scenarios, ordinary polypropylene for corrosive environments, and flame-retardant/antibacterial polypropylene for protective scenarios.
2. The second is to check key indicators and confirm the length, fineness, strength, and functional parameters (such as flame retardant grade, antibacterial rate) of the fiber according to needs.
3. The third is to match the processing technology, choose short fiber for textile blending, choose filament for woven fabrics, and choose special short fiber for non-woven fabric production;
4. The fourth is to calculate the comprehensive cost, select the source supplier based on the batch demand, balance the cost and quality while meeting the performance requirements, and avoid waste caused by excessive pursuit of high-end categories.

In summary, polypropylene fiber has rich categories, diverse characteristics, and is suitable for a wide range of scenarios. By accurately locating demand, checking core indicators, and matching processes and costs, suitable polypropylene fiber categories can be selected, giving full play to its advantages of light weight, corrosion resistance, and low cost to empower various products.