Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol.35, No.10, 1633-1642, 1997
Solid-State Relaxations in Linear Low-Density (1-Octene Comonomer), Low-Density, and High-Density Polyethylene Blends
Extensive thermal and relaxational behavior in the blends of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) (1-octene comonomer) with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) have been investigated to elucidate miscibility and molecular relaxations in the crystalline and amorphous phases by using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). In the LLDPE/LDPE blends, two distinct endotherms during melting and crystallization by DSC were observed supporting the belief that LLDPE and LDPE exclude one another during crystallization. However, the dynamic mechanical beta and gamma relaxations of the blends indicate that the two constituents are miscible in the amorphous phase, while LLDPE dominates alpha relaxation. In the LLDPE/HDPE system, there was a single composition-dependent peak during melting and crystallization, and the heat of fusion varied linearly with composition supporting the incorporation of HDPE into the LLDPE crystals. The dynamic mechanical alpha, beta, and gamma relaxations of the blends display an intermediate behavior that indicates miscibility in both the crystalline and amorphous phases. In the LDPE/HDPE blend, the melting or crystallization peaks of LDPE were strongly influenced by HDPE. The behavior of the a relaxation was dominated by HDPE, while those of beta and gamma relaxations were intermediate of the constituents, which were similar to those of the LLDPE/HDPE blends.