Improvement in processability of metallocene polyethylene by ultrasound and binary processing aid

The effect of ultrasonic vibration and binary processing aid in improving the processability of metallocene linear low‐density polyethylene (mLLDPE) was investigated. During extrusion, ultrasonic vibration clearly reduced the die pressure and apparent viscosity of mLLDPE but had only a slight effect on its melt fracture. The effect of diatomite/PEG binary processing aid (BPA) was excellent in reducing the viscosity and eliminating the sharkskin fracture of mLLDPE. The effect of ultrasonic vibration and binary processing aid in improving the processability of mLLDPE was synergetic. With a combination of ultrasonic vibration and a small amount of processing aid, the flowability of mLLDPE was further improved, and the critical shear rate for the onset of sharkskin fracture was increased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1927–1935, 2007