Photo-oxidation of blends of low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene

Abstract

Films of blends of low density polyethylene with linear low density polyethylene and of the pure polymers were photo-oxidised for different times. From mechanical measurements the rate of photo-oxidation seems greater for the linear low density polyethylene and its rich blends. On the contrary, infra-red results show an almost complete independence of composition. This apparent difference is explained by the occurrence of long chain branching which greatly alters the structure and mechanical properties of the linear low density polyethylene.