Effect of LLDPE on Aging Resistance and Thermal, Mechanical, Morphological Properties of UHMWPE/LLDPE Blends

Blends of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and different contents (0, 10, 20 and 30 wt%) of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) with and without maleic anhydride-grafted LLDPE (LLDPE-g-MA) were prepared by melt blending and aging resistance, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The degree of crystallinity increases with the content of LLDPE in the blends. On the other hand, the addition of compatibilizer agent modifies the crystallinity and the crystallite size. Non-compatibilized blends have excellent impact resistance properties and the addition of LLDPE-g-MA aids processing but decrease the impact resistance of the blends. Thermal and mechanical properties were greatly affected by thermal and water aging. The thermal aging leads to an increase in the degree of crystallinity and consequent a decrease in impact resistance.