In the realm of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), choosing the right grade for specific applications is crucial for achieving desired performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Two prominent HDPE grades—Marlex® HXM 50100 and HBM 5510—are frequently considered for large blow molding applications. Each grade has its own set of properties that make it suitable for different uses. Here, we compare these two HDPE materials in detail to help you make an informed decision.
1. Marlex® HXM 50100
Overview: Marlex® HXM 50100 is an extra-high molecular weight, ethylene-hexene copolymer specifically designed for large blow-molded and thermoformed parts. This HDPE grade is known for its good melt strength, rigidity, exceptional environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR), and excellent low-temperature impact strength, making it highly durable.
Key Properties:
Density: 0.948 g/cm³
High Load Melt Flow Index (HLMI, 190°C/21.6 kg): 10.0 g/10 min
Tensile Strength at Yield: 25 MPa
Elongation at Break: 700%
Flexural Modulus: 1,200 MPa
ESCR (Condition B, 100% Igepal, F50): >1,000 hours
Vicat Softening Temperature: 126°C
Heat Deflection Temperature (66 psi): 78°C
Tensile Impact Strength: 190 kJ/m²
Applications: Marlex® HXM 50100 is suitable for a variety of demanding applications that require high durability and resistance, including:
Shipping containers
Jerry cans
Fuel containers
Agricultural chemical tanks
Pallets
Automotive dunnage
Truck bed liners
Playground equipment
Advantages:
High ESCR: Marlex® HXM 50100 has exceptional environmental stress cracking resistance, making it ideal for applications exposed to harsh chemicals and weather conditions.
Impact Resistance: The excellent low-temperature impact strength ensures that parts made from this resin can withstand significant stress without cracking.
Durability: Suitable for heavy-duty applications where strength and longevity are critical.
Ideal Use Cases: Marlex® HXM 50100 is best used in industries where large, rigid, and impact-resistant parts are required, such as automotive, chemical storage, and outdoor equipment.
2. HBM 5510
Overview: HBM 5510 is an HDPE grade that is produced using 1-hexene as a co-monomer. It is designed specifically for large parts blow molding applications and offers high stiffness, good processability, excellent parison melt strength, and reasonable environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR). Manufactured under Basell license, this grade is highly effective in creating durable and rigid parts.
Key Properties:
Density: 0.955 g/cm³
High Load Melt Flow Index (190°C/21.6 kg): 10 g/10 min
Melt Flow Index (190°C/2.16 kg): 0.075 g/10 min
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity: 1,000 MPa
Flexural Modulus (1% Secant): 1,000 MPa
Tensile Stress at Yield: 27 MPa
Tensile Strain at Yield: 8%
ESCR (F50, 100% Igepal, Method B): 110 hours
Vicat Softening Temperature: 127°C
Tensile Impact Strength (Notched, Type 1, Method A, -30°C): 135 kJ/m²
Applications: HBM 5510 is widely used for manufacturing large blow-molded parts, including:
Standard and lightweight jerry cans
Open-top drums (up to 110 liters)
Large industrial containers
Advantages:
High Stiffness: Offers excellent rigidity, making it suitable for applications where shape retention is critical.
Good Processability: Its processing characteristics make it easy to handle in large-scale manufacturing setups.
Balanced Properties: It provides a good balance between stiffness and environmental resistance, making it ideal for large containers.
Ideal Use Cases: HBM 5510 is particularly well-suited for industrial applications such as packaging, where both stiffness and durability are required. It performs exceptionally well in the manufacturing of large parts that need to withstand heavy handling and use.
Conclusion
Both Marlex® HXM 50100 and HBM 5510 are excellent choices for large blow molding applications, but they cater to slightly different needs:
Marlex® HXM 50100 is more suitable for applications requiring higher impact resistance and exceptional ESCR, such as automotive parts, chemical storage containers, and outdoor equipment.
HBM 5510 is ideal for applications where stiffness and processability are more critical, such as manufacturing large industrial containers, jerry cans, and open-top drums.
Choosing the right HDPE grade depends on specific application requirements, such as environmental exposure, mechanical stress, and manufacturing processes. Understanding these properties allows manufacturers to optimize performance, reduce costs, and achieve better product quality.
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