MODIFIED POLYETHYLENE RESINS AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME

A method for increasing the melt strength and/or low shear viscosity of a polyethylene resin, the method comprising: a) providing a first polyethylene resin having a density ranging from 0.900 g/cm3 to 0.970 g/cm3, a melt index ranging from 0.01 g/10 min to 30 g/10 min, and at least 0.20 vinyl groups per 1,000 total carbons; b) providing a masterbatch composition comprising a free radical generator and a second polyethylene resin, wherein the free radical generator has a half-life at 220° C. of less than 200 seconds, and a decomposition energy higher than −250 kJ/mol, and wherein the second polyethylene resin has a density ranging from 0.900 g/cm3 to 0.970 g/cm3, melt index ranging from 0.01 g/10 min to 100 g/10 min; and c) reacting the first polyethylene resin with the masterbatch composition to form a modified polyethylene resin.