Polyethylene vs. Polypropylene vs. PVC Flooring Tiles

23 Dec.,2024

 

Polyethylene vs. Polypropylene vs. PVC Flooring Tiles

By Brett Hart

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Are you confused by all of the acronyms used to identify different plastics used in flooring? PE, PP, PVC, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, PEX. What does it mean, and why should you care? Here's the lowdown.

Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are three most commonly-used thermoplastics in the flooring industry. (Thermoplastics become soft and moldable upon heating and solidify again when cooled.) Each have different features that affect how well they work for certain applications. Here's how it works.

Polyvinyl Chloride Flooring

PVC can be rigid (RPVC) or flexible. RPVC is usually used for piping, doors, windows, bank cards and non-food packaging, but it can be brittle. With the addition of phthalates (chemicals used to soften plastics), RPVC becomes softer and more flexible and can replace rubber in many instances which is where it becomes useful in flooring.

PVC flooring is inexpensive and versatile. Chlorinated PVC is resistant to fire, oils and many chemicals. It can also withstand extreme environmental conditions.

In the flooring industry, PVC is popular due to its ability to prevent dirt buildup and fend off breeding of microbes in areas that need to be kept sterile. Its waterproof properties make it a popular material for outdoor patio tiles and sports courts.

Note: There is some concern over phthalates' health effects on humans as some studies have shown certain phthalate exposures to coincide with changes in hormone levels and increased birth defects in rodents. Phthalates typically do not persist in outdoor environments due to biodegradation, photodegradation and anaerobic degradation.

Polypropylene Floors

PP is free of bisphenol A (BPA), a common chemical in use for making plastics since the s that has been found to seep into food or beverages, causing concern over possible health effects on the brain and prostate glands.

It is a lightweight, strong and flexible plastic that is resistant to high heat - up to 200 degrees Celsius. PP is also resistant to corrosion, chemicals and moisture.

Polypropylene has a wide variety of uses, including packaging, thermal underwear, carpeting, laboratory equipment and automotive components. In the flooring industry, PP is often used for garage floor tiles, due to durability and load rating properties as well as chemical resistance.

Polyethylene for Foam Floors

PE is the most common plastic and comes in several different densities. Medium and high density polyethylene (MDPE and HDPE) have a melting point range of between 120 and 180 degrees Celsius. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) melts between 105 and 115 degrees Celsius. LDPE, MDPE and HDPE are all resistant to strong acids and bases as well as gentle oxidants and reducing agents.

One third of all toys are manufactured from HDPE which has high tensile strength. Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) foam used in gymnastics mats generally uses HDPE and provides a firm and strong closed-cell material. This material does well rebounding to its original shape, providing bounce, cushion and/or shock absorption.

MDPE has good shock absorption and is more resistant to notching and stress cracking than HDPE. MDPE is often used for gas pipes, bags and packaging film.

LDPE is more likely to deform under tensile stress. It is commonly used for both rigid containers and plastic films.

With all the pros and cons to each kind of plastic, it is important to think carefully about how and where these materials should and will be used.

PVC can be rigid (RPVC) or flexible. RPVC is usually used for piping, doors, windows, bank cards and non-food packaging, but it can be brittle. With the addition of phthalates (chemicals used to soften plastics), RPVC becomes softer and more flexible and can replace rubber in many instances which is where it becomes useful in flooring.PVC flooring is inexpensive and versatile. Chlorinated PVC is resistant to fire, oils and many chemicals. It can also withstand extreme environmental conditions.In the flooring industry, PVC is popular due to its ability to prevent dirt buildup and fend off breeding of microbes in areas that need to be kept sterile. Its waterproof properties make it a popular material for outdoor patio tiles and sports courts.Note: There is some concern over phthalates' health effects on humans as some studies have shown certain phthalate exposures to coincide with changes in hormone levels and increased birth defects in rodents. Phthalates typically do not persist in outdoor environments due to biodegradation, photodegradation and anaerobic degradation.PP is free of bisphenol A (BPA), a common chemical in use for making plastics since the s that has been found to seep into food or beverages, causing concern over possible health effects on the brain and prostate glands.It is a lightweight, strong and flexible plastic that is resistant to high heat - up to 200 degrees Celsius. PP is also resistant to corrosion, chemicals and moisture.Polypropylene has a wide variety of uses, including packaging, thermal underwear, carpeting, laboratory equipment and automotive components. In the flooring industry, PP is often used for garage floor tiles, due to durability and load rating properties as well as chemical resistance.PE is the most common plastic and comes in several different densities. Medium and high density polyethylene (MDPE and HDPE) have a melting point range of between 120 and 180 degrees Celsius. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) melts between 105 and 115 degrees Celsius. LDPE, MDPE and HDPE are all resistant to strong acids and bases as well as gentle oxidants and reducing agents.One third of all toys are manufactured from HDPE which has high tensile strength. Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) foam used in gymnastics mats generally uses HDPE and provides a firm and strong closed-cell material. This material does well rebounding to its original shape, providing bounce, cushion and/or shock absorption.MDPE has good shock absorption and is more resistant to notching and stress cracking than HDPE. MDPE is often used for gas pipes, bags and packaging film.LDPE is more likely to deform under tensile stress. It is commonly used for both rigid containers and plastic films.With all the pros and cons to each kind of plastic, it is important to think carefully about how and where these materials should and will be used.

A Guide to Polypropylene Floor Mats

Technological advances have led to vast improvements in materials in recent years.  Not only are more durable materials available in large quantities, they are also more affordable.   One of the recent developments in synthetic materials is polypropylene also known.

For more information, please visit Pp Floor.

Polypropylene is a thermostatic polymer.  It is used in production of items that require both flexibility and toughness.   Products made out of polypropylene are bonded thermally. When drawn into fibers, the synthetic material is used in the production of commercial-grade floor mats. Constructing floor mats with polypropylene has many benefits. To learn more, please visit our article on comparing polypropylene mats to carpet mats.

Because of the high-grade quality of the material, polypropylene mats are more resistant to fatigue than most fibers.  They resist most chemicals, and they are considered to be one of the more rugged materials available.  They are excellent weatherproof floor mats because they resist wear from mildew, perspiration, rot, and weather. Polypropylene floor mats are easy to clean by either vacuuming or washing them.  Because the colors are added during the creation of the fibers, the colors won't fade.

How Do Polypropylene Mats Compare with Others?

The vast array of materials in the market today can make selecting suitable floor mats an overwhelming experience.  Do polypropylene mats match your business and home needs?  How do other material compare?

Polyester Mats

  • Pros:    Polyester mats are popular and affordable alternatives to polypropylene mats.  These floor mats are available in a variety of colors and textures.  They are non-allergenic.  They shed moisture and resist mildew.  These days, polyester floor mats are made out of recycled plastic soda bottles.  It can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Cons:   Floor mats made out of polyester are susceptible to pilling.  They shed.  Oil-based stains are difficult to remove.   They are not as durable as other materials, and would require replacement often.

Rubber Floor Mats

  • Pros:    Rubber mats are durable.  They are made of non-porous material.  They can last for a lot time.  They are also don't conduct electricity.  These floor mats provide cushion and are non-slippery.  They are perfect for industrial and manufacturing workstations.
  • Cons:   While there is very little working against rubber floor mats, they can be bit heavy and thick.  They are not necessarily aesthetically appropriate for all occasions.   These floor mats are mostly designed for work and gym areas.

Vinyl Matting Products

  • Pros:    Vinyl is a popular material to use for floor mats.  It is inexpensive.  It is easy to clean.  Regular soap and water can remove stains easily, restoring the floor mat to its original luster.  Only the most acerbic of chemicals can damage vinyl.  For its price, vinyl makes good floor mats.
  • Cons:   Despite vinyl's overall appeal, it does not make a good weatherproof mat.  It cannot be exposed to sunlight for very long because it has a tendency to fade.  The evidence of wear and tear of vinyl floor mats is visible after a few years, meaning replacements are often necessary.  It is better for indoor use.
  • More: Visit our Rubber vs. Vinyl Floor Mats article to learn more about the difference between rubber and vinyl safety matting.

Wool Carpet

  • Pros:    Undeniably, wool is aesthetically the best material.  Its gorgeous colors and luxurious textures make it an easy choice.  Wool is an insulator and can help retain heat in rooms.  The material also absorbs sound.  A wool carpet not only prevents slippage, its artistic value makes these prized items.
  • Cons:   While wool carpet offer advantages synthetic floor mats do not, they can be more trouble than they are worth.  Because they hold moisture, carpet is prone to shrinking, mold, and mildew.  It has static.  Unlike floor mats, carpet can have bald spots due to wear.  It is also necessary for carpet to be moth-proofed.  Due to its high maintenance nature, carpet is not ideal for regular, all-weather use.

Polypropylene: The Ultimate Weatherproof Matting Material

After comparing each material, polypropylene proves to be best material for weatherproof mats.  It can be used for indoor and outdoor.  Polypropylene floor mats require the most minimal maintenance in comparison to others.   Because of the multipurpose quality of this fiber and its affordability, it is one of the better choices for floor mat material.

Call Eagle Mat today to learn more about commercial-grade safety matting for your place of business. Customer service agents are available at 1-877-333-.

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