New HDPE Grade for Mono-Material Machine Direction Oriented Films

ExxonMobil announced it has developed a new high density polyethylene (HDPE) grade for machine direction orientation film (MDO) applications. Designed for recyclability (contingent upon availability of film collection programs), HD7165L can help converters create mono-material laminates to replace multi-material laminate structures, such as food packaging.

HD7165L can help enable converters to produce blown MDO-PE films with 60-70 percent HDPE for enhanced stiffness and high heat resistance when compared with films with a lower percentage of HDPE incorporated. Output rates in excess of 400 kg/hr are possible, while bubble stability is maintained.

MDO stretch ratios as high as 7:1, with very high stiffness (1% secant modulus as high as 200 ksi) can be achieved. HD7165L offers optical haze less than 10% and gloss higher than 60%. Where used as a print web of a PE-PE laminate,  HD7165L offers high heat resistance, stiffness, and printability.

In blown MDO-PE film applications, HD7165L offers uniform orientation, gauge stability, and low gels for easy processability. Compared to a market reference HDPE grade, HD7165L delivers better shear thinning behavior and extrudability, higher melt strength for bubble stability, and gauge uniformity.