Polycarbonate-linear low density polyethylene blends: Thermal and dynamic-mechanical properties

Blends of polycarbonate (PC) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) of different compositions, in the form of slabs obtained by melt extrusion, have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). DSC measurements show that the melting, crystallization and glass transition temperatures of the two polymeric components in the blends are slightly affected by the composition. On the contrary, large differences are observed in the melting behaviour of layers cut at various depths, parallel to the slab surfaces of samples. This supports the occurrence of different crystal morphologies and distribution of the two components within the samples. The study of the crystallization kinetics from the melt blends shows that the crystallization processes of LLDPE are affected by the presence of PC. The dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that modulus, transitions and relaxational behaviour of the polymer components are scarcely affected by the composition. Some variations of the damping factor have been interpreted as due to the phase heterogeneity of the system, arising from the processing conditions and rheological behaviour of the blends. © 1990 Chapman and Hall Ltd.