Studies of mechanical properties and melting behaviour of foamed and crosslinked LDPE/PP blends

Foamed crosslinked specimens of LDPE/PP blends produced by RIM process were examined. A crosslinking system containing 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert.-butylperoxy)hexane as an initiator and hydroquinone as a coagent was used. Azodicarbonamide was applied as a foaming agent. The crosslinking degree was evaluated by insoluble portion of the blends. An improvement of the mechanical properties due to crosslinking mainly in the LDPE phase as well as crosslinking between polyethylene and polypropylene on their interface was observed. Melting behaviour of the blends studied by DSC shows that both the initiator and the coagent cause opposite effects on temperatures and enthalpies of melting.