Effect of Processing Temperature on Crystallization, Phase Morphology and Mechanical Property of a Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Ethylene-Octene Copolymer Blend

Temperature is one of the key parameters to determine the structures and properties of polymers during processing, but the effect of processing temperature on similar-structured polymer blends has rarely been reported. In this work, a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) blend with similar-structured components was chosen as a model system to study the effect of processing temperature (including compounding temperature and molding temperature) on its crystallization, phase morphology, and tensile behavior. It was found that the blends presented evenly distributed rubbery domains at lower processing temperatures, whereas a special, EOC-rich phase domain consisting of a less stable crystalline phase and a rubbery phase was observed at higher processing temperatures. The phase morphology was mainly determined by the final processing temperature, which had a major effect on the yield stress of the material. This work not only reports novel results on processing-structure-performance relations of similar-structured blends but can also guide the design and production of LLDPE-based products with tailored properties.

Automated summary

Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the structures and properties of polymers during processing, but the influence of processing temperature on similar-structured polymer blends has been rarely investigated. This study explores the impact of processing temperature on crystallization, phase morphology, and tensile behavior of a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) blend with similar-structured components. The results reveal that the final processing temperature significantly influences the phase morphology and yield stress of the material, indicating the potential for tailored properties in LLDPE-based products.