STUDIES ON LDPE LLDPE BLENDS

Selected grades of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were melt-mixed and the physical, mechanical and rheological properties evaluated. The blends were found to combine the good mechanical properties of LLDPE and processing properties of LDPE. The effect of crosslinking the blends with dicumyl peroxide (1 phr(a)) was also investigated. The level of crosslinking increased with increase in LLDPE content. While the mechanical properties of the crosslinked blends were more uniform, the physical properties controlled by the crystallinity of the polymer, such as density, hardness and volume loss on abrasion, decreased on crosslinking.