🧩 PP+GF20 – 20% Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
(Rigid and durable technical plastic, used in structural parts and automotive supports)
🔹 What is PP+GF20
PP+GF20 is a polypropylene reinforced with 20% glass fiber, developed to offer enhanced mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and better thermal resistance than plain PP.
It is used in automotive parts where rigidity is required along with low weight.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – base matrix
- GF (Glass Fiber 20%) – moderate mechanical reinforcement
- Additives – UV stabilizers, lubricants, coupling agents
- Can be colored or combined with talc for additional rigidity
🚗 Where PP+GF20 is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body Structures | Headlight brackets, radiator supports, technical casings | Rigid, dimensionally stable |
| Technical Interior | Panels, covers, fastening parts | Lightweight but heavy-duty |
| Engine Compartment | Sensor brackets, covers, clips | Withstands heat and vibrations |
| Other Applications | Industrial casings, technical parts | Increased mechanical resistance |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 270 – 290 °C | Requires PP-GF20 rod; slow melting |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | Stable and clean weld |
| Manual extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for cracks and corners |
| Ultrasonic | — | Possible only in small and precise applications |
🔩 What to weld PP+GF20 with (Material compatibility)
If you are wondering what to weld PP+GF20 with, the answer is: only with similar material (PP+GF20 or PP+GF30).
Glass fibers modify thermal behavior and shrinkage, so welding with plain PP is not recommended (except for minor cases).
✅ Compatible:
- PP+GF20 ↔ PP+GF20 – ideal combination, rigid joint
- PP+GF20 ↔ PP+GF30 – partially compatible, good mechanical adhesion
- PP+GF20 ↔ PP-H / PP-C – low compatibility (partial bonding)
- PP+GF20 ↔ PP-TD20 – possible, but with risk of different shrinkage
❌ Incompatible:
- PE, ABS, ASA, PC, PA – different melting, no adhesion
- PA6-GF – reacts differently, peels off after cooling
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use original PP-GF20 welding rods and maintain a temperature between 275–285 °C.
Clean the exposed fiber layer before welding to achieve a smooth and solid joint.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
| Manufacturer | Brand / Series | Country / Region |
| BASF | Terlupen® GF20 | Germany |
| LyondellBasell | Hostacom® GF20 | Germany / Netherlands |
| Borealis | Daplen® GF20 | Austria |
| SABIC | Stamax® GF20 | Netherlands |
| Hyundai EP | Polytron® GF20 | South Korea |
| Ravago | Enyglos® GF20 | EU |
🧠 How to identify PP+GF20
- Engraved marking: >PP-GF20<
- Matte surface, fibrous appearance when cut
- Yellow-blue flame, smells like paraffin
- Does not fully float in water (density slightly > 1 g/cm³)
- Melts at 270–280 °C, slower melting than plain PP
💡 ReplastMD Practical Test: If the part is rigid, melts slowly, and white fibers are visible at the cut → it is PP-GF20.