In this work rheological properties of high density polyethylene toughened with two different grades of metallocene elastomers based on poly(ethylene-co-octene) were studied. These elastomers were commercial polymers differing in molecular weight, and Dow Rheology Index (DRI). Blends were processed in a Wortex single screw extruder (L/D=32), at 230 °C and 50 rpm, using mass fractions of EOC in the range from 5% to 80%. The rheological properties were evaluated in steady and dynamic experiments at 190 °C and shear rates in the range from 90 s-1 to 1500 s-1 with frequencies from 10-1 s-1 to 10-2 s-1. The blends exhibited pseudoplasticity and complex rheological behavior. The complex rheological behavior was intensified with increasing molecular weight and long chain branching proportion (DRI) in the EOC elastomers.
HDPE; metallocene elastomers; blends; rheological properties
