Crystallization behavior of high‐density polyethylene/linear low‐density polyethylene blend

Abstract

Abstract Binary blend of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), prepared by melt mixing in an extruder, in the entire range of blending ratio, is studied for crystallization behavior by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction measurements. Cocrystallization was evident in the entire range of blend composition, from the single‐peak character in both DSC crystallization exotherms and meltingendotherms and the X‐ray diffraction peaks. A detailed analysis of DSC crystallization exotherms revealed a systematic effect of the addition of LLDPE on nucleation rate and the subsequently developed crystalline morphology, which could be distinguished in the three regions of blending ratio, viz, the “HDPE‐rich blend,” “LLDPE‐rich blend,” and the “middle range from 30–70% LLDPE content.” Variations in crystallinity, crystallite size, and d spacing are discussed in terms of differences in molecular structure of the components.