🧩 PP+MD20 – 20% Mineral Filled Polypropylene
(Rigid and stable technical plastic, used in automotive parts requiring mechanical strength and dimensional stability)
🔹 What is PP+MD20
PP+MD20 is a polypropylene reinforced with 20% mineral material (usually calcium carbonate or dolomite), designed for parts with high requirements for rigidity, stability, and thermal durability.
It combines the advantages of classic PP with improved mechanical strength and reduced shrinkage, frequently used in the automotive industry for technical parts and supports.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – main matrix
- Mineral (20%) – CaCO₃ (calcium carbonate), dolomite, fine talc
- Additives – UV stabilizers, antioxidants, coupling agents
- Variants: PP+MD10, PP+MD20, PP+MD30, depending on mineral content
🚗 Where PP+MD20 is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body / Exterior | Covers, grilles, guards, trims | Rigid, thermally and dimensionally stable |
| Technical Interior | Panels, supports, consoles | Matte finish, durable, does not deform |
| Engine Compartment | Technical covers, sensor brackets | Withstands vibrations and temperature |
| Other Applications | Industrial casings, rigid parts | Good weldability with compatible PP |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 270 – 290 °C | Most common method |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 260 – 280 °C | Uniform and precise weld |
| Manual extrusion | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for technical repairs |
| Ultrasonic | — | Rarely used, industrial |
🔩 What to weld PP+MD20 with (Material compatibility)
The question “what to weld PP+MD20 with” is important because the mineral filler slightly modifies the melting behavior.
However, PP+MD20 maintains full compatibility with all types of PP and its derivatives.
✅ Compatible:
- PP+MD20 ↔ PP+MD20 – ideal combination, rigid joint
- PP+MD20 ↔ PP+MD / PP+TD – very good compatibility
- PP+MD20 ↔ PP-C / PP-H – compatible, but with different elasticity
- PP+MD20 ↔ PP-GF20 – partially compatible, different rigidity
❌ Incompatible:
- PE, ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – different structures, will not adhere
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use original PP-MD20 or PP-C welding rods at a temperature of 275–285 °C. Clean the surface and apply constant pressure for a uniform and smooth joint.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
| Manufacturer | Brand / Series | Country / Region |
| LyondellBasell | Hostacom® MD20 | Germany / Netherlands |
| Borealis | Daplen® MD20 | Austria |
| SABIC | PP Mineral Filled MD20 | Netherlands / Global |
| TotalEnergies | Lumicene® MD20 | France |
| Hyundai EP | Polytron® MD20 | South Korea |
| Ravago | Enyglos® MD20 | EU |
🧠 How to identify PP+MD20
- Engraved marking: >PP-MD20<
- Matte surface, rigid, fine mineral texture
- Yellow-blue flame, smells like paraffin
- Density slightly above 1 g/cm³ (does not fully float in water)
- Uniform melting at 275 °C
💡 ReplastMD Practical Test: If the part is rigid, has a moderately higher weight than plain PP, and shows the >PP-MD20< marking → confirmed PP+MD20.