During extrusion of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) the product leaving the die is subjected to a variety of surface defects "melt-fracture". The present paper proposes the use of rubber coatings for the die land area to stabilise such flows. Defect-free extrusion is demonstrated for flow rates about 10 times higher as compared to the case of dies from a Teflon tube. The improvements were verified for tubular as well as for annular dies. No accumulation of polyethylene crumbs at the external die surface ("die drool") was detected because of the very low adhesiveness between the LLDPE and the rubberised surface. The results may have an important impact on the improvement of the processing of those thermoplastic materials, which have a narrow molecular weight distribution. The use of rubber coatings moreover allows to reduce the processing temperature. This is especially valuable in extrusion of raw elastomers, which are sensitive to heating. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.