The flow behaviour of LDPE and its blends with linear LDPE (LLDPE) chemically modified with DCP was studied as a function of blend composition and shear rate at a constant temperature using a capillary rheometer. The effect of chemical modification on the viscous and elastic properties of LDPE and two blend systems LDPE/ LLDPE (80:20, 60:40) is reported. Chemical modification which is in essence a free radical process induces changes that increase melt viscosity and melt elasticity of LDPE and the two blend systems. Modification also enhances compatibility of the molten polymers. Incorporation of a small quantity of linear LDPE having a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution to the conventional LDPE having a long chain branched structure and broader molecular weight distribution lessens the shear thinning behaviour of the modified blends of the two component polymers. Melt elasticity at a constant shear stress and temperature was also investigated using die swell measurements and relating them to recoverable shear strain, normal stress and shear modulus. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.