n the absence of chemical reagents, how can polypropylene be distinguished from polyethylene?
Please explain. Identification can be done by carrying out a Burning Test. Polypropylene melts and ignites with difficulty, even when the fiber is held over a flame. And when withdrawn from the flame, it burns slowly. Its odor is like a faint version of burning asphalt. Polyethylene on the other hand, melts and burns rapidly when held over a flame. It continues to burn swiftly even when the fiber is withdrawn from the flame. It has the odor of burning paraffin.
