Crystalline structure and phase structure of mLLDPE/LDPE blends

The crystalline structure and phase structure of metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) blends were investigated, using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. The samples displayed cocrystallization phenomenon for LDPE of 80 wt% in the blends, indicating good compatibility between the two components under this circumstance; as LDPE content decreased, phase separation arose whereas partial cocrystallization still existed in the blends. Over the whole range of weight fractions, the intrinsic crystal structure of mLLDPE does not change with the addition of LDPE, while enhanced orthorhombic crystalline phase were observed as LDPE content increased. The changes in the thickness of interface layer σ_b, dispersed phase size a_c and integral invariant Q further indicate the existence of partial compatibility between the two phases. Irrespective of the phase inversion, the morphology of the dispersed phase is deduced to be in a transitional state from rod-like shape to flakes within the whole proportional range investigated.