Abstract: The compatibility of zinc-neutralized sulfonated EPDM(Zn-SEPDM) and its effect on crystallizing behavior of high density polyethylene (HOPE) as well as the morphology of the blend were studied via WAXD, DSC, TEM, SEM, a capillary rheometer and mechanical property testsThe results show that the addition of Zn-SEPDM makes both the melting point and the crystallizing temperature of HOPE decreaseAs Zn-SEPDM content exceeded 20%, Zn-SEPDM in the blend became a continuous phase and an abrupt change in impact strength occurred therefromOwing to the incorporation of ionic groups into EPDM, the strong interactions between the chains make the impact strength of HDPE incredibly increased without sacrificing its tensile strength so much.

Key words: High density polyethylene, Zinc-neutralized sulfonate EPDM, Physical cross-linking