CROSS-LINKED POLYOLEFINS AS MATRICES FOR 2-PHASE MATERIALS

This paper gives a review of the results of investigation of the effec t of crosslinking on the properties of LDPE/pp(a)) blends and LDPE fil led with particulate silica. Tensile and impact properties, crystalliz ation behaviour, crosslinked portion formation and crack growth rate h ave been investigated. Crosslinking results in an increased compatibil ity of originally incompatible LDPE/PP blends apparently due to an in situ formation of a compatibilizer, leading to improved deformability and better impact resistance. Changes in the morphology as revealed by crystallization behaviour, and the increased number of tie molecules in amorphous region due to crosslinking result in better impact resist ance of LDPE/silica mixtures, as well as to the improvement of other p roperties of two-phase materials, so as resistance to grack growth.