OPaL HDPE Opalene R5504

OPaL HDPE Opalene R5504 (HDPE R5504) is a natural‑colored high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) grade manufactured by ONGC Petro additions Limited (OPaL) under the Opalene (Opalene HD) range. Produced using Mitsui CX slurry polymerization technology, R5504 is positioned specifically for raffia (tape) and monofilament extrusion, where converters need stable output on high‑speed lines and strong mechanical performance in the finished woven or netted product.

R5504 is not a film, pipe, or blow‑moulding grade. It is engineered for extruded tape and monofilament used in woven and technical products such as fishing nets, ropes, insect/mosquito nets, packing straps, woven sacks, and tarpaulin fabrics. The grade is valued for good mechanical properties, low water carry‑over, and excellent processability, helping producers maintain consistent tape draw and monofilament quality while targeting stiffness and strength in end use.

For buyers who need compliance language for regulated or sensitive applications, the manufacturer‑style documentation states that the grade shall meet IS 10146:1982 for safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and drinking water, that the grade and additives shall meet IS 10141:1982 (positive list of constituents), and that it complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (olefin polymers). As always, final suitability depends on the finished article design and the converter’s process/additive package.

Technical insights

R5504’s typical properties are commonly used by raffia and monofilament processors to estimate extrusion stability, tape/filament draw behaviour, stiffness, and durability:

• Melt Flow Index (190°C/2.16 kg): 0.40 g/10 min indicates a relatively low flow level suited to tape and monofilament extrusion, supporting melt strength and stable draw‑down on high‑speed lines.
• Density (23°C): 0.955 g/cm³ is a high HDPE density that typically correlates with higher stiffness and tensile performance, supporting woven‑sack and strap structure.
• Tensile strength at yield: 26 MPa reflects strong resistance to deformation, supporting load‑bearing products like straps, ropes, and woven sacks.
• Elongation at break: >500% indicates useful ductility, helping tapes/filaments tolerate stretching and conversion stresses without brittle failure.
• Charpy impact (ISO 179‑1): 12 kJ/m² and Notched Izod impact: >250 J/m support toughness for products exposed to repeated handling and abrasion.
• Flexural modulus: 850 MPa and Hardness: 64 Shore D align with the stiff, “hard” HDPE feel preferred in many woven and strap applications.
• ESCR (ASTM D1693B, F50, 10% Igepal): 150 hours provides a stress‑crack resistance reference point; it’s suitable for many woven/raffia uses, while clearly not positioned as a high‑ESCR pipe grade.
• Vicat softening point: 124°C indicates thermal resistance relevant to processing and service conditions.

Note: Values are typical values (not specification limits), and mechanical properties are reported on compression‑moulded type‑IV specimens. A commonly referenced processing temperature for this grade is 200–240°C, depending on line design and output.

Applications

Fishing nets and marine netting

R5504 is recommended for fishing nets and related netting products where converters need strong monofilaments with good toughness and abrasion resistance. The HDPE stiffness profile supports net structure, while mechanical strength helps maintain performance under load and repeated use.

Ropes and technical cords

For ropes and extruded‑tape cords, R5504 is selected when producers want consistent extrusion and a robust HDPE structure that can handle pulling forces and outdoor handling. The grade’s stiffness and tensile behaviour support dimensional stability in rope constructions.

Insect/mosquito nets and mesh products

In insect and mosquito nets, processors often look for stable monofilament quality and long‑life performance. R5504’s toughness and stiffness positioning supports mesh integrity, while HDPE’s typical chemical resistance can be beneficial in real‑world environments.

Packing straps and strapping tapes

R5504 is well‑suited for packing straps and strapping tapes where stiffness and tensile strength help straps hold tension and resist deformation. Its processing profile supports high‑speed tape extrusion and consistent draw for reliable strap performance.

Woven sacks and tarpaulin fabrics

For woven sacks (e.g., fertilizer sacks) and tarpaulin‑type woven fabrics, R5504 supports stable tape extrusion and good mechanical strength in the woven structure. The high‑density HDPE profile helps deliver the stiffness and “body” expected in woven packaging.

Comparable alternatives

• Other OPaL raffia/monofilament grades (e.g., R5410): These may be used for similar woven and tape applications, but direct equivalence should only be claimed after matching manufacturer TDS values (MFI, density, tensile, impact, ESCR, Vicat) and confirming any compliance declarations.
• Market HDPE raffia grades from other Indian producers: Comparable raffia and monofilament HDPE grades exist for woven sacks, straps, and nets. Selection should be based on the converter’s line capability, target denier/tape width, and the required stiffness‑toughness balance.
• Film or general‑purpose HDPE/LLDPE (material comparison): Film grades and many LLDPE grades are not designed for tape/monofilament draw behaviour. R5504 is positioned specifically for raffia and monofilament extrusion, which is why its property profile and processing guidance differ.

Practical buying note: for raffia/monofilament, the most important “fit” checks are typically MFI + density + tensile/impact, because they drive draw stability, stiffness, and end‑product strength.

Common search variants

Also searched as: HDPE R5504, Opalene R5504, OPAL HD R5504, HDPE raffia granules, HDPE monofilament resin, woven sack HDPE grade. Common variants: R 5504, R5504 MFI 0.40, Opal R5504, R5504 raffia grade.