LyondellBasell Lupolen® 6021 D
High-Density Polyethylene for Blow Molding Applications
Advanced HDPE resin engineered for small, rigid, thin-walled container production with exceptional mechanical properties and regulatory compliance.
Executive Summary
Overview
LyondellBasell Lupolen® 6021 D is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin specifically engineered for blow molding applications. This "easy flow" material is optimized for producing small, rigid, and thin-walled containers, representing a legacy of polymer innovation from the original BASF development, now advanced by LyondellBasell.
Key Characteristics
- Very high density: 0.960 g/cc
- Very low MFR: 0.265 g/10 min
- Superior impact resistance
- Excellent dimensional stability
Primary Applications
Drink Bottles
Industrial Fluids
Automotive Fluids
Small Containers
Key Material Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Comprehensive Material Properties
| Property | Metric Value | English Value | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Properties | |||
| Density | 0.960 g/cc | 0.0347 lb/in³ | High crystallinity |
| Melt Flow Rate | 0.265 g/10 min | 0.265 g/10 min | @ 190°C, 2.16 kg Load |
| Water Absorption | 0.010% | 0.010% | Hydrophobic nature |
| Moisture Absorption (Equilibrium) | 0.050% | 0.050% | Excellent stability |
| Mechanical Properties | |||
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 30.0 MPa | 4350 psi | High strength |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 50% | ≥ 50% | Good toughness |
| Tensile Modulus | 1.40 GPa | 203 ksi | Excellent rigidity |
| Tensile Impact Strength | 120 kJ/m² | 57.1 ft-lb/in² | Impact resistance |
| Tensile Creep Modulus, 1 hr | 510 MPa | 74000 psi | Short-term stability |
| Tensile Creep Modulus, 1000 hrs | 340 MPa | 49300 psi | Long-term stability |
| Thermal Properties | |||
| Melting Point | 135°C | 275°F | High crystallinity |
| Deflection Temperature (0.46 MPa) | 84.0°C | 183°F | Heat resistance |
| Deflection Temperature (1.8 MPa) | 46.0°C | 115°F | Under higher load |
| Vicat Softening Point | 80.0°C | 176°F | Softening temperature |
Processing and Fabrication Guidelines
Primary Processing Method
Lupolen® 6021 D is designated as a blow molding grade, with extrusion blow molding as the primary processing method. The process involves:
- Extruding a hollow tube of molten polymer (parison)
- Capturing the parison by a two-part mold
- Introducing compressed air to inflate to mold shape
Processing Parameters
Melt Temperature
200°C to 250°C (392°F to 482°F)
Mold Temperature
20°C to 95°C (68°F to 203°F)
Drying
Usually not required if stored correctly
Key Processing Advantage
The high melt strength (indicated by low MFR) allows for stable parison extrusion with minimal sagging, crucial for producing consistent wall thickness in thin-walled containers.
Applications and Performance
Target Applications
Small Containers
Rigid, thin-walled containers, pots, and canisters up to 5 liters capacity
Beverage Bottles
Bottles for beverages and handled containers up to 6 liters
Industrial Fluids
Containers for mineral oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and automotive fluids
Performance Correlation
| Application | Key Performance Attribute | Corresponding Material Property |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial fluid containers | Long-term dimensional stability | High Tensile Creep Modulus at 1000 hours |
| Thin-walled bottles | High stiffness with low material usage | High Density and High Tensile Modulus |
| Protective packaging | Resistance to physical damage | High Tensile Impact Strength |
| Humid environment containers | Shape and integrity maintenance | Very Low Water and Moisture Absorption |
Safety, Handling, and Storage
Safety Profile
Ambient Conditions
Solid, stable polymer with negligible health hazards due to high molecular weight and biological inertness.
Processing Hazards
- • Molten polymer can cause severe thermal burns
- • May release irritating fumes when heated
- • Dust particles can form explosive mixtures with air
- • Spilled pellets create slipping hazards
Handling Guidelines
Ventilation & PPE
Well-ventilated fabrication areas and appropriate PPE required
Fire Safety
Store away from direct flames and ignition sources
Moisture Management
Proper storage conditions to prevent moisture condensation
Environmental Protection
Operation Clean Sweep compliance for pellet loss prevention
Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Profile
Recyclability
#2
Plastic Recycling Code
Fully recyclable material with established recycling processes including collection, sorting, shredding, washing, melting, and repelletizing.
Up to 10 cycles: Can be recycled up to ten times with proper quality control, supporting circular economy principles.
Food Contact Compliance
European Union
- • 1935/2004/EC (Framework Regulation)
- • 2023/2006/EC (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- • 10/2011/EC (Plastic Materials and Articles)
United States FDA
Meets 21 CFR 177.1520 requirements for contact with all food types under conditions A through H.
Regulatory Compliance Summary
| Regulatory Body/Directive | Compliance Status | Note or Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| EU Regulation 10/2011/EC | ✓ Compliant | Monomers and additives on Union List. SMLs must be verified. |
| EU Regulation 1935/2004/EC | ✓ Compliant | Framework regulation for materials in food contact. |
| US FDA (21 CFR 177.1520) | ✓ Compliant | Base resin meets requirements for all food types, conditions A-H. |
| Medical Devices (FDA/EU/HC) | ⚠ Restricted | Use in specific medical devices requires prior approval. |
Conclusion
LyondellBasell Lupolen® 6021 D represents a high-performance solution for blow-molded container production. Its technical profile demonstrates a synergy of key attributes: high density providing exceptional rigidity, low Melt Flow Rate ensuring robust parison formation, and excellent long-term creep resistance for lasting dimensional stability.
Performance Excellence
Optimal balance of processability and end-use performance for demanding applications
Global Compliance
Meets major international food-contact and safety regulations worldwide
Sustainability
Fully recyclable material supporting circular economy principles
This material offers a compelling combination of performance, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility, making it a reliable choice for materials engineers and product designers. Users are responsible for conducting independent evaluation to confirm suitability for specific applications.