Mechanical properties of uncrosslinked and crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene/wax blends

The mechanical properties of uncrosslinked and crosslinked linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/wax blends were investigated, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, and melt flow indexing. A decrease in the degree of crystallinity, as determined from the DSC melting enthalpies, was observed with an increase in the dicumyl peroxide (DCP) concentration. The Young's modulus increased with increased wax portions, and there was a higher increase for crosslinked blends. The yield stress generally decreased with increased peroxide content. Crosslinking caused an increase in elongation at yield, but increased wax content caused a decrease in elongation at yield. The stress at break generally increased with increasing peroxide content, but it decreased with increased wax content. The elongation at break decreased with an increase in the DCP concentration, Melt flow rate measurements indicated a mutual miscibility in LLDPE/wax blends. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.