Effect of Molecular Weight of Natural Rubber on the Compatibility and Crystallization Behavior of LLDPE/NR Blends

The compatibility and crystallization behavior of LLDPE blended with the three different molecular weights of NR were studied. The obtained single derivative decomposition peak from TGA measurements for LLDPE blended with the lowest molecular- weight natural rubber ((M) over bar (w) = 8.30 x 10(5) g/mol) clarified the improved compatibility between LLDPE and NR. The reduction of the crystallinity and the change of alpha-relaxation temperature of LLDPE in the blend were significant. It is interesting that the mechanical properties including the elongation at break and the impact strength of LLDPE were found to be enhanced by adding this low molecular- weight NR without using a compatibilizer.