Properties of blends of ultra-high molecular weight polypropylene with various low molecular weight polypropylenes

To enhance the ease of processability of the ultra-high molecular weight polypropylene (UHMWPP), the various low molecular weight polypropylenes (LMWPPs) blended with the UHMWPP via a facile melt blending process. The effect of the LMWPPs component on the UHMWPP component on its rheological and mechanical properties was characterized using various measurement techniques. The processability of the UHMWPP was improved drastically with the introduction of LMWPP components as the melt index of the blend increased. As the LMWPP content increases, the mechanical properties of the blends tend to increase or decrease, depending on the type of LMWPP.