The short answer
LLDPE film grades typically run about 0.5–2 g/10 min melt index at 190°C / 2.16 kg and about 0.916–0.926 g/cm³ density. Pick the comonomer first: butene (C4) for economy film, hexene (C6) for tougher liners and sacks, octene (C8) for demanding stretch and lamination film. Two grades with the same MI and density but a different comonomer or catalyst can run alike on the line and test very differently.
This page covers LLDPE film grades. For rotomolding and injection LLDPE, see the LLDPE page.
Typical spec window
| Property | Typical range | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Comonomer | Butene (C4), hexene (C6) or octene (C8) | Stated by the producer |
| Catalyst | Conventional (Ziegler-Natta) or metallocene | Stated by the producer |
| Melt index | About 0.5–2 g/10 min for blown film; cast film grades often run higher | ASTM D1238 or ISO 1133, 190°C / 2.16 kg |
| Density | About 0.916–0.926 g/cm³ | ASTM D1505 or D792; ISO 1183 |
| Melting point | About 120–125°C / 248–257°F for conventional grades | DSC, ASTM D3418 or ISO 11357-3 |
| Dart impact | Lowest in butene grades, higher in hexene and octene, highest in most metallocene grades | ASTM D1709 |
| Elmendorf tear | Compare machine and cross direction at your gauge | ASTM D1922 |
| Haze | Grade- and gauge-specific | ASTM D1003 |
Typical ranges from published data sheets for grades in this window. Your grade’s own data sheet and the lot COA are what count.
What it’s used for
- Can liners and trash bags (butene and hexene)
- Heavy-duty sacks and industrial liners (hexene)
- Stretch film, mostly cast (hexene, octene or metallocene)
- Agricultural and construction film
- Lamination and sealant film
- Blends with LDPE in general packaging film
How to tell grades apart
- Comonomer. Longer side branches tie the crystals together better, so tear and puncture rise from butene to hexene to octene at the same MI and density. Butene costs least.
- Catalyst. Metallocene grades give the best dart, puncture, clarity and sealing, with somewhat lower tear and harder processing. Some producers also sell enhanced hexene grades that sit between standard hexene and metallocene.
- Melt index. Lower MI for tougher, thicker film and heavy sacks; nearer 2 for thinner gauge. Expect higher head pressure than LDPE at the same MI.
- Density. Higher density adds stiffness for sacks and liners that must stand up. Lower density helps stretch, cling and sealing.
- Additives. Slip and antiblock or none, a processing aid against melt fracture, and for stretch film whether a cling additive is in the resin.
What to put on your RFQ or PO
- Comonomer and catalyst. Butene, hexene or octene, conventional or metallocene. This line prevents most bad substitutions.
- Melt index with the condition. MI at 190°C / 374°F and 2.16 kg (ASTM D1238), nominal value and spec range.
- Density. By ASTM D1505, with a range.
- Additives. Slip, antiblock, antioxidant and processing aid (say if it must be fluorine-free); cling additive for stretch film; UV for agricultural film; antistat if needed.
- Color. Natural, or the concentrate you add and its carrier resin.
- Film targets. Dart impact (ASTM D1709) and Elmendorf tear (ASTM D1922) in both directions at your gauge.
- Food contact. The producer’s FDA letter for the exact grade; PE letters usually cite 21 CFR 177.1520.
- COA values to check. MI and density on every lot.
- Packaging. Gaylords, 25 kg (55 lb) bags, bulk truck or railcar. LLDPE pellets run about 31–36 lb/ft³.
- Quantity and release size. Total quantity, how much per release and how often.
A polymer chemist reviews every request and checks the grade against your process before we quote. Every prime lot from our suppliers ships with a COA, and orders start at one gaylord.
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- Same comonomer, MI and density from another producer. The closest swap. Test dart and tear on your line before you commit.
- Hexene in place of butene. Usually a safe upgrade at a higher cost.
- Butene in place of hexene. Only if the film has margin. Test first.
- Octene and hexene. Close, but not a drop-in for every job, especially stretch film with tight cling and tear targets.
- Metallocene LLDPE. For down-gauging and sealing. See metallocene PE and PP.
- HMW-HDPE. For a stiff, thin, high-strength bag. See HMW-HDPE.
Common processing problems
- Sharkskin at high output: melt fracture and sharkskin
- Splits and punctures: film tearing or puncture
- An unstable bubble: bubble instability
- Gels: gels in film
- Weak seals: heat seal failures
Common questions
What is the difference between butene, hexene and octene LLDPE?
The comonomer sets the length of the short side branches. At the same melt index and density, tear and puncture usually rise from butene to hexene to octene. Butene is the economy choice; hexene and octene go into tougher liners, sacks and stretch film.
Can I replace a hexene LLDPE with a butene grade?
You can if the film has margin, but test it first. At the same melt index and density, butene grades usually give lower dart and tear, so a liner or sack that passed with hexene may fail. Test dart and tear in both directions before you commit.
What melt index LLDPE is used for blown film?
Most blown film LLDPE runs about 0.5–2 g/10 min at 190°C / 2.16 kg. Lower MI suits heavy-duty sacks and tougher film, and values nearer 2 suit thinner gauge. Cast film grades often run higher.
Why does my LLDPE film show sharkskin?
LLDPE thins out less under shear than LDPE, so at high output the melt fractures at the die lip. The usual fixes are a wider die gap, a polymer processing aid, a hotter die lip or some LDPE in the blend.
Tell us the LLDPE grade you run now
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province