ExxonMobil™ LLDPE LL 6100.17
High-Flow Copolymer for Injection Molding
Technical Analysis
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
Polymer Type
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
Melt Flow Index
20 g/10 min (190°C/2.16 kg)
Density
0.925 g/cm³
Comonomer
Butene (C4)
Introduction and Material Classification
Polymer Identification
ExxonMobil™ LL 6100.17 is a thermoplastic polymer classified as a Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The material is specifically identified as a butene (C4) copolymer, produced by the copolymerization of ethylene with butene as the alpha-olefin comonomer.
Alternative nomenclature includes ExxonMobil™ C4LL 20025.17, which confirms its butene-based chemistry. The use of butene introduces short-chain branches along the main polyethylene backbone, disrupting crystallization and resulting in characteristic lower density, increased flexibility, and enhanced toughness.
Core Design Philosophy
Easy Processability: The fundamental design principle achieved through engineered narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD).
This uniformity leads to predictable rheological behavior during melt processing, reducing instabilities and allowing greater control over final part dimensions and properties.
Commercial Status & Applications
Availability
Fully commercialized in North American and Latin American markets
Key Applications
- Closures and dispensers
- Housewares
- Protective caps
- Food packaging (freezer applications)
Rheological and Fundamental Physical Properties
Melt Flow Index: The Defining Parameter
The most critical property defining the processing behavior of LL 6100.17 is its Melt Flow Index (MFI) of 20 g/10 min (190°C, 2.16 kg load, ASTM D1238). This extremely high value indicates:
- Very low melt viscosity and high fluidity
- Rapid injection at lower pressures
- Ability to fill complex geometries and thin-wall sections
- Shorter cycle times and reduced energy consumption
MFI Visualization
g/10 min
High flow characteristic
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer Type | LLDPE | N/A | Semi-crystalline thermoplastic |
| Comonomer | Butene (C4) | N/A | Short-chain branching for flexibility |
| Density | 0.925 g/cm³ | ASTM D1505 | Balance of stiffness and toughness |
| Melt Flow Index | 20 g/10 min | ASTM D1238 | Excellent processability |
| Physical Form | Pellets/Granules | N/A | Easy handling and feeding |
Mechanical and Thermal Performance
Tensile Properties
The exceptionally high elongation confirms excellent toughness and resistance to brittle failure, making it ideal for applications requiring flexibility such as snap-fit closures.
Thermal Properties
DSC method (ASTM D3418)
ASTM D1525
Complete Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value (SI) | Value (English) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength at Yield | 12-13 MPa | 1700 psi | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 350-360% | 350-360% | ASTM D638 |
| 1% Secant Flexural Modulus | 480 MPa | 70,000 psi | ASTM D790B |
| 2% Secant Flexural Modulus | 410-430 MPa | 62,000 psi | ASTM D790B |
| Vicat Softening Temperature | 87-92°C | 189-198°F | ASTM D1525 |
Durability and Environmental Resistance
Environmental Stress-Crack Resistance (ESCR) - Critical Analysis
ESCR measures the material's ability to resist brittle failure under simultaneous mechanical stress and chemical exposure. This is crucial for applications involving soaps, detergents, oils, and surfactants.
Conflicting Data Alert
Older datasheet: 330 hours
Recent datasheet: 110 hours
Recommendation
Use conservative 110-hour value for design
Validate with application-specific testing
Testing Protocol
- Standard: ASTM D1693, Condition B
- Chemical Agent: 10% Igepal solution
- Result: F50 (time at which 50% of specimens fail)
- Conservative Value: 110 hours
Processing and Fabrication: Injection Molding
Processing Advantages
High MFI enables rapid filling and shorter cooling
Reduced processing temperatures and pressures
Excellent flow into thin walls and intricate features
Material Handling
- Moisture Absorption: < 0.01% (no pre-drying required)
- Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Thermal Stability: Includes thermal stabilizer package
- Exclusivity: Injection molding only - not suitable for film processes
Recommended Processing Conditions
| Parameter | Recommended Value (SI) | Recommended Value (English) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melt Temperature | 200-220°C | 392-428°F | Balance of flow and stability |
| Mold Temperature | 20-40°C | 68-104°F | Cool for faster cycles |
| Injection Pressure | 6-10 MPa | 870-1450 psi | Low pressure due to high MFI |
| Back Pressure | 0.3-0.7 MPa | 50-100 psi | Minimal for consistency |
| Injection Speed | Moderate to High | Moderate to High | High speed for thin walls |
Health, Safety, and Handling Protocols
Primary Hazards
- Combustible Dust: May form explosive concentrations in air
- Static Accumulation: Dielectric material can generate static electricity
- Thermal Burns: Molten polymer contact causes severe burns
- Slip Hazard: Spilled pellets create slipping risk
Safety Ratings
Health
Flammability
Reactivity
Safety Precautions Summary
| Hazard Type | Key Precautions | Emergency Response |
|---|---|---|
| Combustible Dust | Implement dust control, routine housekeeping, ignition source control | Evacuate area, use appropriate extinguishing media |
| Static Accumulation | Ensure all equipment is grounded and bonded | Prevent sparks near dust or vapors |
| Thermal Burns | Wear thermal protective equipment near molten material | Cool with water immediately, seek medical attention |
| Slip Hazard | Maintain clean floors, clean spills immediately | Post warnings if spill occurs |
Regulatory Compliance and Food Contact Status
Critical Compliance Notice
Compositional compliance of raw resin does not guarantee compliance of the final manufactured article. Ultimate legal responsibility lies with the manufacturer of the final food-contact article.
End-users must conduct migration testing on final articles using appropriate food simulants under intended use conditions.
US FDA Compliance
Regulation: 21 CFR 177.1520 (Olefin polymers)
Paragraphs: (c)2.1, (c)2.2, (c)3.1a
Note: Different paragraphs have specific restrictions
EU Compliance
Regulation: Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011
GMP: Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006
Note: Contains additives subject to SML
End-User Responsibility
- Perform migration testing on final articles
- Use appropriate food simulants (aqueous, acidic, alcoholic, fatty)
- Test under intended use conditions (time and temperature)
- Ensure compliance with Overall Migration Limit (OML)
- Verify Specific Migration Limits (SMLs) for regulated substances
Concluding Analysis and Application Suitability
Performance Profile Synthesis
ExxonMobil™ LL 6100.17 is a highly specialized butene-based LLDPE designed for injection molding excellence. Its defining high MFI (20 g/10 min) enables exceptional processability through narrow molecular weight distribution.
The material achieves a deliberate balance of moderate stiffness (480 MPa flexural modulus) with excellent ductility (>350% elongation), particularly effective at low temperatures.
Optimal Use Cases
Closures & Dispensers
Precise molding of complex features with flexibility for snap-fit applications
Housewares
Durable containers and lids with excellent manufacturing efficiency
Freezer Packaging
Superior low-temperature toughness advantage over PP or HDPE
Strengths vs. Limitations Matrix
Strengths
- • Excellent processability with high MFI
- • Good toughness/flexibility balance
- • Superior low-temperature performance
- • Cost-effective butene-based formulation
- • Fast cycle times and energy efficiency
Limitations
- • Low melt strength (unsuitable for extrusion)
- • Moderate heat resistance (~90°C Vicat)
- • Moderate ESCR requires validation
- • Limited to injection molding applications
- • Not suitable for optical applications