**2.1. Materials and samples preparation**

## *2.1.1. Materials*

The HMMPE, Chevron Phillips Marlex® HXM TR571, with a melt flow index (MFI) of 2.5g/10 min (ASTM D1238, 190 ºC/21.6 kg) was kindly supplied by Phillips Petroleum International Inc., USA. The TLCP, a copolymer containing 30% p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 35% hydroquinone and 35% sebacic acid (HBA/HQ/SA), used here was synthesized and kindly supplied by B. P. Chemicals Ltd, UK. The as-received TLCP is a light brown powder that has been characterized previously [20]. The Organoclay, Closite 20A modified by dimethyl dihydrogenated tallow ammonium ions, was kindly supplied by Southern Clay Products.
