Marlex 9659: specs and equivalent grades
Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) HDPE homopolymer for blown film with moisture barrier and stiffness: food packaging, overwrap and deli wrap. Published data, grades from other producers to ask about, and how to request a quote from one gaylord.
Request a QuoteThe short answer
Marlex 9659 is Chevron Phillips Chemical's high density polyethylene homopolymer for blown film that needs moisture vapor barrier, a paper-like texture, drawdown and stiffness, such as food packaging, overwraps, deli wrap and coextrusions. Published melt index is 1 g/10 min, measured at 190°C / 374°F, 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238, and density is 0.962 g/cm³ (ASTM D1505). Grades from another producer to ask about include SCLAIR 19C, SCLAIR 19A and SURPASS HPs167-AB (all NOVA Chemicals). They are not identical, so compare the data sheets and run a trial before switching.
Also written as: Marlex 9659 Polyethylene, Marlex 9659 PE. Quote the full code from your drawing or bag label; color and additive suffixes change the grade.
Buying Marlex 9659: one gaylord to a railcar · supplier COA on every prime lot · ships from 22+ partner warehouse locations · a polymer chemist checks the grade code before we quote · we aim to quote within one to three business days
Have a part number or drawing callout?
Paste it as written. A polymer chemist will tell you which grade it calls for, suggest equivalents and quote it by email.
Marlex 9659 specs from the data sheet
Typical values from Chevron Phillips Chemical's published data sheet. Typical values are not specifications; the lot COA shows what you actually receive. Values only compare at the same test method and condition.
| Property | Value | Test method or note |
|---|---|---|
| Producer (brand owner) | Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) | Data sheet, revision August 2021 |
| Polymer | High density polyethylene, ethylene homopolymer | |
| Process | Blown film | |
| Melt flow | 1 g/10 min | 190°C / 374°F, 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238 |
| Density | 0.962 g/cm³ (ASTM D1505) | |
| Film test conditions | 1 mil blown film, 2.5:1 BUR, 8 in die, 250 lb/h | Data sheet note |
| Coefficient of friction | 0.23 | ASTM D1894 |
| Dart impact | < 50 g/mil | ASTM D1709 |
| Elmendorf tear, MD / TD | 10 / 400 g/mil | ASTM D1922 |
| Tensile strength at break, MD / TD | 48 MPa (7,000 psi) / 34 MPa (5,000 psi) | ASTM D882 |
| 1% secant modulus, MD / TD | 1,030 MPa (150,000 psi) / 1,550 MPa (225,000 psi) | ASTM D882 |
| WVTR at 2 mil | 2.9 g/m²/day (0.19 g/100 in²/day) | ASTM F1249 |
| OTR at 2 mil | 1,273 cm³/m²/day (82 cm³/100 in²/day) | ASTM D3985 |
| Additives | None stated | |
| Food contact | The data sheet itself makes no regulatory statement. CPChem's July 2025 food contact Product Regulatory Overview states it meets 21 CFR 177.1520 including (c)2.2 and (b), for all food types at use conditions B through H, and lists a Health Canada Letter of No Objection. Ask CPChem for the current letter. | |
| Blown film test line (CPChem) | 3 in, 30:1 smooth bore extruder; 8 in die; 250 lb/h (10 lb/h/in of die circumference); 2.5:1 BUR; 80 mil die pin; 1 mil film | CPChem Marlex 9659 TDS (revision August 2021), footnote 1. Test conditions, not a recommendation |
| Melt temperature | Not published on the data sheet | CPChem Marlex 9659 TDS |
| Drying | Not published on the data sheet | CPChem Marlex 9659 TDS |
| Packaging forms | Not published on the data sheet | CPChem Marlex 9659 TDS and product page |
Source data sheets are listed at the bottom of this page. Confirm against the current sheet for your exact grade code and color.
The producer's sheet gives no drying step; PE and PP do not normally need drying, but material moved from a cold warehouse into a warm plant can pick up surface condensation, so let it reach room temperature in the closed box before opening.
Grades to ask about instead of Marlex 9659
These grades from other producers have similar published specs. None is a drop-in replacement: additive packages, flow at molding shear rates, color and approvals differ. If your part, drawing or customer approval names Marlex 9659, any change needs your approval and usually a trial.
| Grade | Producer | Melt flow | Density | Key property | How it compares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCLAIR 19C | NOVA Chemicals | 0.95 g/10 min (190°C / 374°F, 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238) | 0.958 g/cm³ (ASTM D792) | MVTR 2.64 g/m²/day (ASTM F1249, 38°C, 100% RH); dart 44 g (ASTM D1709/A), on 1.5 mil film | Close match. Homopolymer HDPE film resin for barrier films, coextrusion, dry food packaging and blending; contains a polymer process aid, no slip or antiblock. Similar MI, slightly lower density. NOVA states FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (c) 2.2 without temperature or food-type restrictions. Quote this alternative › |
| SCLAIR 19A | NOVA Chemicals | 0.72 g/10 min (190°C / 374°F, 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238) | 0.962 g/cm³ (ASTM D792) | MVTR 3.41 g/m²/day (ASTM F1249, 38°C, 100% RH); 1% secant modulus MD / TD 830 / 1,330 MPa (ASTM D882), on 1.5 mil film | Partial match. Homopolymer HDPE film resin for coextrusion and blending, low gel. Same density, lower MI and higher haze on the sheet (78%). NOVA states FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (c) 2.2, conditions of use A through H. Quote this alternative › |
| SURPASS HPs167-AB | NOVA Chemicals | 1.2 g/10 min (190°C / 374°F, 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238) | 0.967 g/cm³ (ASTM D792) | MVTR 1.1 g/m²/day (ASTM F1249, 38°C, 100% RH); 1% secant modulus MD / TD 900 / 1,100 MPa (ASTM D882), on 1.5 mil film | Partial match. Homopolymer HDPE film resin positioned for superior barrier and very high stiffness (moisture barrier films, coextrusion, dry food packaging). Higher density and better published barrier than 9659. NOVA states FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (c) 2.2, conditions of use A through H. Quote this alternative › |
| ExxonMobil HD 6307FL | ExxonMobil | 0.73 g/10 min (190°C / 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238) | 0.963 g/cm³ (ASTM D1505) | 1% secant modulus MD / TD 1,160 / 1,510 MPa (ExxonMobil method); Elmendorf tear MD / TD 7 / 510 g (ASTM D1922), 1 mil blown film | Flow lower (0.73 vs 1 MI); density about the same. Stiffness and MD tear similar to 9659. ExxonMobil positions it to add stiffness and barrier in coextrusion or PE blends; it publishes no WVTR value. Additives: no slip, antiblock or processing aid. Approvals: ExxonMobil asks buyers to contact it for food-contact compliance; not for medical use. Sheet 05/31/2024; North America listed. Quote this alternative › |
| ELITE 5960G1 | Dow | 0.85 g/10 min (190°C / 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238) | 0.962 g/cm³ (Dow product page; ASTM D792 per TDS) | 2% secant modulus MD / TD 850 / 929 MPa (ASTM D882); dart 130 g (ASTM D1709A), 50 µm film | Flow lower (0.85 vs 1 MI); same density. Additives: contains antiblock (Dow product page), unlike 9659. Dow positions it for moisture barrier in dry food packaging and stand-up pouches but publishes no WVTR number. Approvals: Dow states FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (c)2.2 and EU 10/2011. Dow calls it an enhanced polyethylene resin. Quote this alternative › |
From each producer's published data. Brand owners and grade names change; confirm on the current data sheet.
Typical uses for Marlex 9659
From CPChem's data sheet and product page:
- Food packaging
- Coextrusion applications
- Overwraps
- Deli wrap
- Moisture barrier films
What to check before you switch
- Barrier numbers are not directly comparable: CPChem reports WVTR on 2 mil film, while NOVA reports MVTR on its 1.5 mil test film at 38°C and 100% RH. Test barrier on your own film structure and gauge.
- All three alternatives on this page are NOVA Chemicals grades. Other producers also make HDPE film resins; ask us if you need a second producer besides NOVA.
- SCLAIR 19C contains a polymer process aid, while 9659's sheet lists no additives; check die buildup and melt fracture when you switch.
- Dart and tear on HDPE film depend heavily on blow-up ratio and die gap, and each producer used different line settings.
- Compare melt flow, density and impact only at the same test condition and method (ASTM vs. ISO results differ).
- Ask for the producer's food-contact or regulatory letter for the exact grade if the part needs one.
- Run a trial lot and check shrinkage, cycle time and appearance before you switch production.
Buying Marlex 9659: price, lead time and lot size
- Lot size. From one gaylord to a railcar. See gaylord, LTL and truckload for typical weights per box.
- Where it ships from. 22+ partner warehouse locations. Material already in a partner warehouse usually moves sooner than a grade that has to come from the producer; your quote says which applies.
- Price. We do not publish prices because they move with feedstock, freight and order size. What moves your price most: lot size, color, ship-to region, and whether you need Marlex 9659 itself or can accept a matched alternative. See how resin is priced and the monthly market update.
- Paperwork. Supplier COA on every prime lot (what a COA shows). Ask for the producer’s regulatory letter or UL file if your part needs them.
- Trying an alternative? Start with one gaylord as a trial lot, molded and checked before you commit a full release.
- If Marlex 9659 itself is not available. Some branded grades are sold only through the producer’s own channels or go on allocation. If we cannot source it, we tell you, then quote a matched alternative with a side-by-side comparison.
Send the grade code, your annual volume and ship-to location. A polymer chemist checks it before we quote; we have been in the resin business for 30+ years. For several grades at once, use the resin RFQ template.
Trade names belong to their owners. ResinBridge is not affiliated with these producers; grade names are used only to identify the material. Data reflects published sheets as of October 2026.
Sources
- CPChem Marlex 9659 product page
- CPChem Marlex 9659 technical data sheet (PDF)
- CPChem Marlex 9659 food contact Product Regulatory Overview (PDF)
- NOVA Chemicals SCLAIR 19C data sheet (PDF)
- NOVA Chemicals SCLAIR 19A data sheet (PDF)
- NOVA Chemicals SURPASS HPs167-AB data sheet (PDF)
- ExxonMobil published data sheet (PDF)
- Dow product page
- Dow: elite 5960g1 tds (PDF)
Common questions
What is Marlex 9659?
Marlex 9659 is Chevron Phillips Chemical's high density polyethylene homopolymer for blown film that needs moisture vapor barrier, a paper-like texture, drawdown and stiffness, such as food packaging, overwraps, deli wrap and coextrusions.
What is the melt flow of Marlex 9659?
1 g/10 min (melt index), measured at 190°C / 374°F, 2.16 kg, ASTM D1238, per the published data sheet.
What is equivalent to Marlex 9659?
Grades from another producer to ask about include SCLAIR 19C, SCLAIR 19A and SURPASS HPs167-AB (all NOVA Chemicals). None is identical; compare data sheets and run a trial, and get approval if your part names Marlex 9659.
Is Marlex 9659 food-contact compliant?
The data sheet itself makes no regulatory statement. CPChem's July 2025 food contact Product Regulatory Overview states it meets 21 CFR 177.1520 including (c)2.2 and (b), for all food types at use conditions B through H, and lists a Health Canada Letter of No Objection. Ask CPChem for the current letter.
Can ResinBridge quote Marlex 9659?
Yes. Send the grade name and volume. A polymer chemist checks it and we quote the grade where we can source it, or a matched alternative, and say which one. Orders start at one gaylord; U.S. and Canada only.
If your grade is not listed, tell us what you run. We source commodity, engineering and specialty resins.
Need Marlex 9659 or an equivalent?
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a matched alternative 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
Quote Marlex 9659 or a matched alternative
A polymer chemist checks the data sheet and tells you exactly what you would get before you order.
Request a QuoteNot sure which grade fits your part?
Send the grade you run now, or describe the part.