Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS) are both thermoplastic polymers, widely used in the packaging industry, household items, and much more. PP is known for its high flexural strength, resistance to chemicals, and higher melting point (160°C), making it suitable for containers that can withstand boiling water. It is also more resistant to fatigue, meaning it's used in items like living hinges. Polystyrene, on the other hand, is more rigid, offers clear or foam options (think clear food containers and Styrofoam), and has a lower melting point (around 100°C), which limits its use with hot contents. PS is cost-effective for producing rigid and brittle products but poses environmental challenges due to its poor biodegradability. PP, while also challenging to degrade, is slightly more environmentally friendly due to its recycling potential. Each material's choice depends on the application's specific requirements, including temperature resistance, flexibility, clarity, and environmental impact.

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is a type of polypropylene where all methyl groups are oriented on the same side of the polymer chain. This configuration grants iPP a semi-crystalline structure, resulting in unique physical properties. One of the key characteristics of iPP is its high crystallinity, which significantly contributes to its strength, stiffness, and resistance to impact at temperatures above its glass transition point. Additionally, iPP exhibits excellent chemical resistance, making it impervious to most common acids, bases, and solvents. Its melting point is around 160°C to 170°C, higher than that of atactic polypropylene, due to its orderly molecular structure. However, it has low transparency due to its semi-crystalline nature. In applications, iPP is favored for products requiring high strength, durability, and chemical resistance, such as automotive parts, textiles, reusable containers, and plastic components in various industries.

In India. ilmenite deposits can be found in states such as Kerala. Tamil Nadu. and Orissa. Specifically in Tamil Nadu. these deposits can be found in the Kanyakumari Manavalakurichi Tirunelveli area. Similarly.

Australia is a top producer of ilmenite with significant reserves located in Western Australia and Queensland.

The Murray Basin area in Victoria and New South Wales holds particularly important reserves. Moving on to South Africa. large deposits have been discovered along the east coast near Richards Bay and Durban.