On the performance of Polypropylene: between synthesis and end-use properties

Numerous publications have appeared which focus on the opic `structure and end-use properties relationship in PP¿. However, none of these research groups has ever tried a holistic approach. A holistic approach based on the ¿chain of knowledge¿ aims to determine and understand the end-use properties of parts, based on well-defined polymers. Primarily, the present thesis has followed that idea and studied systematically the influence of the molecular structure on the resultant mechanical properties of injection-moulded polypropylene (PP) parts for the first time. The results found offer exciting and essential new insight into the polymeric structure-properties relationship and provide a more fundamental understanding of isotactic PP.