Rheology-modified, gel-free thermoplastic elastomer compositions
comprising a melt blend of an ethylene/.alpha.-olefin polymer and a high
melting polymer such as polypropylene or a propylene/.alpha.-olefin
copolymer wherein the rheology modification is induced by a combination
of a peroxide and a free radical coagent in a peroxide:coagent ratio of
1:4 to 1:20 and a maximum peroxide concentration of 0.075 wt %. The
resulting compositions have an elastomeric phase, a non-elastomeric phase
and certain physical properties that exceed those of a like composition
that is rheology-modified by peroxide alone or peroxide and coagent in a
1:2 to 2:1 ratio. The compositions are used to make a variety of articles
of manufacture, such as tubing and weatherstripping, via calendaring,
extrusion, and molding techniques such as blow molding.