Nine PP systems were synthesized to investigate the coupling effect of elastic modulus and yield strength on its scratch behavior. Adopting an integrated approach of scratch test and finite element simulation, the tangential force, the residual scratch depth and the groove shoulder area are identified as the evaluation criteria of the scratch resistance of PP. With those identified criteria, the coupling effect of elastic modulus and yield strength on PP scratch is revealed that the PP with large yield strength and small elastic modulus owns a remarkable scratch resistance. The implication of the present work on designing the PP with good scratch resistant is also discussed. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers