Miscibility and rheological characteristics of biodegradable aliphatic polyester and linear low density polyethylene blends

Miscibility characteristics and rheological properties for blends of biodegradable aliphatic polyester (BDP) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were examined by both a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer and rheometers. Eventhough this blend system was found to be immiscible from the glass transition values, the shear viscosity of the blend lies between both of the constituent components following the additivity rule with respect to the blending ratio and is fitted with Carreau model. Loss moduli are observed to be higher than storage moduli below a frequency of 10 s(-1), and storage modulus and loss modulus increase with the increase in LLDPE contents. In addition, modified Cole-Cole plots for both blend compositions at a fixed temperature and temperature at a fixed composition show that they are immiscible. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.