Thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analysis of LLDPE/EMA blends

The thermal stability of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) blends was studied using thermogravimetry. The blend ratio as well as the presence of compatibilizer has significant effect on thermal stability of the blends. The compatibilization of the blends using LLDPE-g-MA has increased the degradation temperature. Phase morphology was found to be one of the most decisive factors that affected the thermal stability of both uncompatibilized and compatibilized blends. Dynamic mechanical behavior of the blend was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis. The storage modulus of the blends decreased with increase in EMA content. When compatibilized with LLDPE-g-MA the storage modulus of the blend increases. LLDPE-g-MA is an effective compatibilizer as it increases the thermal stability and modulus of the blend.