Effect of EPDM on the mechanical properties of blends of high and low density polyethylene

Abstract

We studied the effect of adding ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) to blends of high (HDPE) and low (LDPE) density polyethylene. The extrusion torque of the blend without EPDM shows a deviation from the linear addition rule, but blends with rubber follow the addition rule. Two composition regions that are compatible with the torque behavior are present in the Young's modulus and extension at break curves. The EPDM content improves the extension at break of LDPE rich blends. This improvement extends to higher compositions of HDPE as the EPDM content is increased.