SABIC’s Bimodal HDPE Family Meets the Increasing Challenges of the Film Industry

Production of high quality thin blown film is possible with a family of advanced bimodal high density polyethylenes (HDPE) from SABIC. There are currently two grades in the family, SABIC^® HDPE FI0644 and a higher density grade with higher flow, SABIC^® HDPE FI1157.

Both grades have high molecular weight and a broad molecular weight distribution. These characteristics translate into a good processability that will allow to minimize disruptions during film production, combined with good mechanical properties in the blown film. The low gel levels lead to consistent film production and a smooth film surface. Film makers can achieve acceptable gauge tolerances at very low thicknesses. As an added bonus, both grades can be processed at temperatures around 10% lower than a typically common HDPE grade.

Krzysztof Rozensal, PE Technical Marketing Engineer at SABIC, says: “The balanced properties of the grades are key to attaining a consistent, reliable and efficient film production process. In particular, SABIC^® HDPE FI1157 can be processed at a high speed while maintaining a solid bubble stability, maximizing film output and minimizing energy consumption.”

SABIC^® HDPE FI1157 can be typically used for the production of lamination films, release films, inliners, labels and artificial paper. Converters will be able to increase the efficiency and performance of their operations by using significantly less material while still producing film with adequate stiffness and strength. Furthermore, films have an impact resistance around 20% higher than films made from a typically common HDPE grade.

“This grade supports our customers in their efforts to improve their performance. The improved processability enables a more efficient production process and the improved mechanical properties enable the production of thinner films without compromising on a high product performance,” Rozensal says. It also comes with a Standard Food Declaration (as available on the Internet: www.sabic.com)

SABIC^® HDPE FI0644 is, thanks to its toughness and impact properties, typically designed for applications which require extra strength. Films have impact resistance at least 15% higher than those obtained with a typically common HDPE grade. Typical target applications are heavy duty bags, inliners, meat bags, grocery sacks and carrier bags.

Films made with both resins exhibit a strong combination of stiffness and tear resistance. SABIC^® HDPE FI1157 films, for example, have an Elmendorf tear resistance at least 30% higher than films made in a typically common HDPE grade. These properties make SABIC^® HDPE FI0644 and SABIC^® HDPE FI1157 the materials of choice to meet continuously growing market challenges.

“These developments add to SABIC’s already strong position in HDPE film, and demonstrate the company’s long term commitment to invest in future growth,” concludes Rozensal.