Table of Contents
The materials used in agricultural irrigation sprinklers are diverse, mainly divided into plastic and metal types. Among plastic sprinklers, PP and POM are the two main materials. Next, this article will talk about these two materials from three aspects: their characteristics, differences, and how to distinguish them.
Characteristics of PP Material
The full name of PP is polypropylene. It has the following characteristics:
Heat Resistance
Its melting point is 160–170°C, and its heat resistance is excellent. Sprinklers made from it are very suitable for use in high-temperature environments. Moreover, during the manufacturing process, if the temperature in the production workshop is high, it can also adapt well.
Chemical Corrosion Resistance
In irrigation systems, there are substances like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Also, the soil may contain acidic or alkaline substances. These environments place high demands on the corrosion resistance of sprinklers. For metal sprinklers, if they are not treated with anti-rust or anti-corrosion processes, they can be easily damaged. But PP sprinklers can adapt well to this kind of environment, and their corrosion resistance remains stable over long-term use.
UV Resistance
Sprinklers made of PP are very suitable for outdoor use because they have good UV resistance. They are not prone to aging or becoming brittle when exposed to sunlight for a long time, and they have a long service life.
Relatively Low Cost
The raw material for PP plastic is propylene, which is easily available on the market and relatively inexpensive. Also, PP plastic has a low density and light weight, which reduces transportation costs. Therefore, its overall cost is very low.
Characteristics of POM Material
The full name of POM is polyoxymethylene. It has the following characteristics:
High Strength
POM sprinklers have excellent strength and rigidity. Compared to PP sprinklers, they have better pressure and load-bearing capacity.
Low Coefficient of Friction
POM material has a very low coefficient of friction, so the inner walls of sprinklers made from it are very smooth. Water flows through them with less frictional resistance, and they also have excellent wear resistance.
Good Stability
POM material does not corrode easily in humid environments and also has good chemical corrosion resistance to some chemicals. Overall, its chemical stability is very good.
Easy to Process
POM can be manufactured into various shapes and sizes of sprinklers through processes such as injection molding and extrusion. It can meet the design and manufacturing requirements of different sprinkler components.
Relatively High Cost
The main raw material of POM is formaldehyde. Compared to PP material, its production cost is relatively higher, and the processes are more complex. Therefore, the overall cost of sprinklers made from POM is also relatively high.
Differences Between PP and POM
From the above, we already know the characteristics of PP and POM materials. Next, I’ll tell you the main differences between these two materials. For your convenience, I will present them in the form of a table.
| PP (Polypropylene) | POM (Polyoxymethylene) | |
| Density | 0.89-0.91g/cm³ | 1.41-1.43g/cm³ |
| Temperature Resistance | 160-170℃ | -40-90℃ |
| Strength | Good toughness, relatively low strength | High strength |
| Appearance | Semi-transparent, relatively rough surface | Smooth, glossy |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to acids and alkalis, not resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons | Resistant to organic solvents, not resistant to strong acids and alkalis |
| Processing Difficulty | Easy | Complex |
| Raw Material Cost | Relatively low | Relatively high |
How to Distinguish Between PP and POM
It’s still relatively difficult to tell apart irrigation sprinklers made of PP and those made of POM just by their appearance, but don’t worry—I can share four practical tips with you.
Tapping Method
This method is popular among experienced workers. You can tap the surface of the sprinkler with your finger and listen to the sound it makes. Generally speaking, sprinklers made of PP produce a duller sound, while those made of POM sound crisper when tapped.
Density Method
From the table above, we know that PP is lighter than water, while POM is heavier. Based on this principle, you can prepare a basin of water and put both types of sprinklers into it. The one that floats is made of PP, and the one that sinks is made of POM.
Bending Method
PP sprinklers have a certain level of toughness, while POM sprinklers are much more rigid. Based on this difference, you can try bending them. Without damaging the sprinkler, gently try to bend it with your hands—if it bends slightly, it’s PP; if it’s very hard and doesn’t bend, it’s POM.
Weighing Method
Since PP and POM have different densities, a sprinkler made of PP will be lighter than one made of POM if they are the same size. So, you can weigh the two sprinklers and compare their weight to determine the material.
Final Words
Alright, that’s all for the features and identification methods of PP and POM materials. I hope it’s helpful to you! If you also have some tips or experience in telling them apart, feel free to share them with us—we’ll update your methods in this post.
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Author: Michael
Editor: Michael
Content Reviewer: Michael
