Miscibility and Properties of Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Low Density Polyethylene Blends

Abstract

Miscibility and mechanical properties of blends of linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE) and conventional low density polyethylene(LDPE) were studied by differencial scanning calorimetry(DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analysis and static mechanical property measurements. Three endothermic peaks are evident in the DSC traces of the blends, suggesting the formation of a new partly cocrystallized phase. The dynamic mechanical relaxation behaviour of the LLDPE/LDPE blends was found to be close to both components in the vicinities of γ and β regions whereas the blends are dominated by the LLDPE component at the high temperature α regions. The improvement in mechanical properties of the blends has been attributed to the partial cocrystallization between the components in the crystalline phase and the miscibility in the amorphous phase.