IOCL HDPE Propel 003DF49

IOCL HDPE Propel 003DF49 is a high molecular weight high density bimodal HDPE grade developed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited for blown film extrusion. Produced using LyondellBasell Hostalen Slurry Process technology, this grade is designed for film converters who need a reliable HDPE film resin with strong mechanical performance, good sealing behavior, and better optical appearance in processed films.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited is one of India’s leading petrochemical producers supplying HDPE and polypropylene grades across film, pipe, blow moulding, injection moulding, and industrial packaging applications. Within the IOCL Propel HDPE film portfolio, 003DF49 is positioned as an HM film grade for shopping bags, carrier bags, liners, and wrapping applications. Its bimodal molecular design supports a useful balance of processability, stiffness, toughness, and film appearance, making it relevant for packaging converters who want both production efficiency and commercially attractive film output.

Technical Specifications and Deep Technical Insights

IOCL HDPE Propel 003DF49 has a melt flow index of 0.35 g/10 min at 190°C/5 kg and a density of 0.951 g/cm³, placing it in the high density blown film category for HM film applications. This combination supports stable film extrusion while helping converters achieve films with good stiffness, handling strength, and packaging utility.

The grade offers hardness of 62 Shore D, tensile strength at yield of 32 MPa, elongation at break of 1000%, flexural modulus of 1000 MPa, and notched Izod impact strength of 300 J/m at 23°C. It also delivers dart impact strength of 120 g, gloss of 14% at 60°, and a Vicat softening point of 126°C. These values show that 003DF49 is designed not only for smooth blown film processing, but also for producing films with good puncture resistance, useful stiffness, and improved visual appeal.

A major technical strength of 003DF49 is its combination of good processability, excellent optical properties, and good mechanical and sealing properties. For packaging manufacturers, this means the resin supports efficient film production while also helping create bags and liners that look better, seal reliably, and perform well during handling, transport, and end use.

The recommended processing temperature range is 180 to 220°C. The material is supplied in 25 kg raffia bags and should be protected from prolonged sunlight exposure and poor storage conditions to maintain resin quality before processing.

Applications

Shopping Bags

IOCL HDPE Propel 003DF49 is well suited for shopping bag manufacturing where converters need a film grade with a good mix of stiffness, sealability, and visual appeal. Its optical properties and mechanical strength make it useful for retail packaging bags that must look presentable while still offering dependable performance in use.

Carrier Bags

For carrier bag applications, 003DF49 supports production of durable HDPE bags with reliable sealing and handling strength. Its balance of tensile performance, impact resistance, and processability makes it a practical choice for converters serving general retail and commercial bag requirements.

Liners

In liner applications, this grade offers the film strength and sealing behavior needed for dependable packaging performance. Its mechanical profile and blown film suitability make it relevant for liners that must withstand handling stress while maintaining containment and consistency.

Wrapping Applications

IOCL 003DF49 is also recommended for wrapping film applications where converters need a practical balance of processability, optical quality, and functional durability. It is suitable for packaging uses where film appearance, seal integrity, and day-to-day handling performance all matter.

Comparable Alternatives

Within the Indian HDPE film market, IOCL 003DF49 competes with grades such as IOCL 002DF50, HMEL F0146D, HMEL F0050D, and GAIL 18H55. Based on the available data, 003DF49 stands out with MFI 0.35 and density 0.951, positioned specifically for shopping bags, carrier bags, liners, and wrapping applications. Its strongest differentiators are its excellent optical properties, good sealing behavior, and a balanced mechanical profile that supports both packaging performance and film appearance.

Compared with IOCL 002DF50, which is more strongly positioned around superior dart impact and counter bag applications, 003DF49 is the more suitable choice where the converter prioritizes shopping bags, carrier bags, and better film optics. Compared with HMEL F0146D and GAIL 18H55, 003DF49 offers a strong value proposition for converters who want IOCL-backed Hostalen technology and a film grade clearly aligned to visually better retail and packaging film applications. The rationale behind this grade assignment is straightforward: it is selected where film manufacturers need a balanced HM film resin with good optics, sealing reliability, and practical bag performance rather than a more heavy-duty or purely commodity film orientation.