Investigating Han Plots of Polyethylene Blends at Different Temperatures

A number of rheological experiments were performed to investigate the melt behavior of blends of low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene at temperatures 130 to 280 oC. In order to obtain more information about the compatibility of the systems, from a micro-rheological point of view, the storage modulus (G ) was plotted against loss modulus (G ) (Han plot) for the polyethylene blends. Results revealed that log G΄ is linearly proportional to log G˝ which is independent of temperature and composition for the systems. According to literature when the microstructure of a blend does not alter with temperature, Han plots at various temperatures should merge into a common line. This also supports that the blend systems are truly miscible in a molecular level

Keywords:

Polymer blends , rheological behavior , loss and storage modulus