Which type of plastic is commonly found in automotive bumpers?

The type of plastic commonly found in automotive bumpers is typically polypropylene. This material is favored for its combination of low weight, good impact resistance, and decent chemical resistance, making it ideal for automotive applications where durability is essential. Polypropylene is also relatively cost-effective and can be molded into various shapes, thus allowing manufacturers to design bumpers that can absorb impacts and withstand wear and tear.

Polypropylene's properties make it suitable for bumpers that need to maintain structural integrity while also providing some level of flexibility to absorb shock. Additionally, it can be colored and finished to meet aesthetic requirements in vehicle design.

In contrast, while polyethylene and polyurethane have their own applications in the automotive industry, their characteristics do not align as closely with the specific requirements for bumpers. Acrylic, known for its clarity and rigidity, is less suited for this purpose due to its brittleness and lower impact resistance compared to polypropylene.