Property transitions in high‐density polyethylene/maleated poly(ethylene–octene)/calcium carbonate ternary composites

Ternary composites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/maleated poly(ethylene–octene) (POE-g)/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were prepared by the melt extrusion process. Crystallization behavior investigation and mechanical properties study showed that there existed a transition in both crystallization temperature (Tc) and impact strength of ternary composites. These transitions were attributed to the development of morphology, with variation of concentration of POE-g in ternary composites. The strength of interfacial adhesion also influenced the property transitions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3361–3366, 2006