Three series of the processed linear low density polyethylene samples containing: 0-15 wt % corn starch, 0.5 wt % of a photoinitiator (PI), and 5 wt % corn starch + 0.5 wt % of a PI were prepared using an internal mixer at 170 degrees C for 5 min in a closed system. The melt flow index (MFI) and apparent viscosity (mu(a)) of each sample were measured. The presence of starch in the samples decreased the MFI and increased the apparent viscosity. Increase in the starch concentration has a direct relation to both the MFI and the mu(a) at various shear rates. A slight decrease in the MFI and the mu(a) was observed due to the presence of the PIs in the samples. This was enhanced by the presence of the starch in the samples. Carbonyl group formation showed an increase in the samples containing the PIs. This was also enhanced by the presence of the starch in the samples. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.