Physical state of radiation-polymerized polyethylene blends

The physical state of the blends of radiation-polymerized polyethylene with high-density polyethylene was studied. Only one peak was observed in DSC heating curves of the blends quenched from the melt regardless of the each polymer content. In addition, transparency of the high-density polyethylene was improved by melt blending with radiation-polymerized polyethylene. This is a characteristic of high-density polyethylene and radiation-polymerized polyethylene blends different from high-density and low-density polyethylene blends. A new peak and/or a new shoulder, however, appeared in DSC heating curves of the blends with heat treatment at 1100, 1200, and 1250C. These results suggest that the physical state of the blends quenched from the melt is one where the crystallization of the radiation-polymerized polyethylene is highly hindered by the presence of high-density polyethylene. The radiation-polymerized polyethylene may remain mainly in a physical state similar to the melt. The haze value of the blends increased with heat treatment. The increase in the haze is caused by change in physical states, such as growth of spherulites and formation of microcrystals and microvoids, by the heat treatment. (U.S.)