Improvement of the properties of polyethylene with chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)

Blends of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) have been tested across the whole concentration range. Polyethylene is used to modify the properties of CPE in the elastomer industry, but modification of the properties of polyethylene with CPE is still not usual. Conventional mechanical tests and dynamic mechanical tests were carried out. The blends were found to be multiphase systems of excellent technological compatibility. Between 10 and 15% by weight CPE increased the modulus of polyethylene. X-ray scattering studies showed that the blends contained structural units not present either in the polyethylene or in the CPE. The blends were melt processable and may have industrial applications, too.