SABIC® HDPE CC862
Comprehensive Technical Analysis for Injection Molding Applications
Executive Summary
This report provides a comprehensive technical analysis of SABIC® HDPE CC862, a high-performance High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) grade specifically engineered for injection molding, particularly for the Caps & Closures market. The material's primary value proposition is its ideal balance of key properties, including high rigidity, excellent impact strength, and low warpage. A standout feature is its ability to meet stringent organoleptic requirements, making it a preferred choice for applications like still water bottle caps where taste and odor purity are paramount. With a high Melt Flow Rate (MFR) of 8.0 g/10 min, this grade is optimized for high-speed, multi-cavity molding, leading to shorter cycle times and improved production efficiency. This document details the material's physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, explores its target applications and unique features, and provides a professional guide for processing and handling to ensure optimal performance.
Introduction and Product Overview
Material Description
SABIC® HDPE CC862 is a specialized High-Density Polyethylene thermoplastic resin from SABIC's portfolio. Unlike general-purpose HDPE resins designed for blow molding or extrusion, CC862 is meticulously formulated for injection molding processes. This precise engineering results in a material that offers an exceptional combination of rigidity, impact strength, and low warpage, which are crucial attributes for high-performance molded articles.
The material's core identity is defined by its ability to meet the most demanding **organoleptic properties** required by the food and beverage industry. Organoleptic properties refer to a material's influence on the taste and smell of its contents. For products as sensitive as still mineral water, the packaging material must be pure and free from any volatile compounds that could alter the product's original quality. SABIC® HDPE CC862 is designed to meet these exact needs, ensuring a neutral sensory profile that protects the end product’s integrity. It is also explicitly described as a "slip agent free grade". This is a critical distinction, as slip agents often used in molding grades can migrate into the packaged contents, negatively affecting their taste and odor.
Designated Applications and Market Fit
The performance characteristics of SABIC® HDPE CC862 are directly aligned with its specific, high-value applications. Its primary applications are:
- **Caps & Closures for Still Mineral Water:** This is the flagship application, leveraging the material's superior organoleptic properties and purity.
- **Caps & Closures for Other Beverages, Food, and Industrial Packaging:** The material's mechanical strength and processing efficiency make it suitable for a wider range of closures, including those for carbonated soft drinks, juices, and various industrial containers.
Detailed Material Properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.963 | g/cm³ | ASTM D1505 |
| Melt Flow Rate (MFR) | 8.0 | g/10 min | ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kg) |
| ESCR (100% Igepal®, F50) | 3.0 | hours | ASTM D1693B |
| Hardness, Shore D | 62 | - | ASTM D2240 |
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 26.0 | MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Tensile Strength at Break | 18.0 | MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | ≥800 | % | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Strength | 25.0 | MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Flexural Modulus | 1000 | MPa | ISO 178 |
| Notched Izod Impact Strength | 75 | J/m | ASTM D256 |
| Vicat Softening Point | 125 | °C | ASTM D1525 |
| Brittleness Temperature | <−75 | °C | ASTM D746 |
Processing and Manufacturing Guidelines
SABIC® HDPE CC862 is an injection molding grade with a wide processing window, but its high-flow nature allows for specific optimization to maximize efficiency. The material's high MFR enables **fast injection speeds**, which is recommended to fill multi-cavity or thin-walled molds efficiently. A **barrier screw** with an L/D ratio of 20:1 to 24:1 is highly recommended. The material handles regrind well, with a recommended maximum ratio of 25% for stable processing and consistent performance.
Key Temperatures
- **Melt Temperature:** 200°C to 280°C
- **Mold Temperature:** 50°C and 80°C
Handling and Storage
Proper storage is crucial; resins should be kept in a dry, dust-free environment below 50°C, and it is advisable to process the material within 6 months of delivery to prevent quality deterioration.
Comparative Analysis
SABIC's HDPE portfolio is strategically segmented to serve distinct applications and processing methods. A comparison with other SABIC grades illustrates CC862’s unique position. In the competitive landscape, grades like LyondellBasell's Alathon® M6080 have similar MFR (7.9 g/10 min) and density (0.960 g/cc) values, suggesting similar processing and mechanical performance characteristics. However, the core differentiator for SABIC® HDPE CC862 is its explicit focus on **organoleptic properties** and its formulation as a **"slip agent free"** grade, which gives it a distinct advantage in high-purity, taste-sensitive applications like still water caps.
Conclusion
SABIC® HDPE CC862 is a sophisticated, purpose-built material that perfectly meets the demanding requirements of the modern Caps & Closures industry. Its high flow rate makes it an excellent choice for manufacturers seeking to improve productivity and reduce cycle times. Furthermore, the carefully balanced mechanical properties of high rigidity and impact strength ensure the production of durable and reliable closures. The material's most significant advantage is its engineered purity. By being a slip-agent-free grade that meets stringent organoleptic standards, it stands as a premium solution for still water bottle caps and other food and beverage packaging where the integrity of the contents' taste and smell is paramount. For manufacturers looking to combine high-volume efficiency with uncompromising product purity and performance, SABIC® HDPE CC862 is a highly competitive and strategic choice.