Influence of Ethylene-1-Alkene Copolymers Microstructure on Thermo-Rheological Behavior of Model Blends for Enhanced Recycling

Polyethylenes (PE) are the most commonly occurring ingredients for post-consumer recyclates (PCR). The structure–property relationships of different types model PE-based blends established using multiple thermo-rheological analyses. Although considered “simple”, complex behavior is experimentally demonstrated first time metallocene-catalyzed, linear, low-density polyethylenes (mLLDPE) with microstructures that encountered in PCR. During non-isothermal crystallization, microstructure mLLDPE predominantly influences interaction between and LDPE. Based on microstructure, molten LDPE phase acts either as a nucleating agent or crystallization rate promoting agent. Both rheological thermal analyses show higher activation energy required reptation movement polymer chains highly branched long chain branching (LCB) compared to linear short (SCB). quasi-melt response, measured by analysis under conditions, distinctly sensitive both SCB LCB present LLDPE/LDPE blends.