Viscoelastic Properties of Dilute Polymer Solutions

Abstract

The viscoelastic properties of dilute solutions of chain polymers have been measured at frequencies in the range from 200 cps to 60 kc. The data are compared with theoretical curves calculated from the steady‐flow viscosities of the solution and solvent, the molecular weight and concentration of the polymer, and the absolute temperature; this calculation made use of equations obtained from a recently developed theory. The equations contain no adjustable constants. The theory is shown to be at least a good first approximation to the viscoelastic properties of the solutions studied. The agreement of the data and the theory implies that, up to 60 kc at least, the viscoelastic properties of dilute solutions of polystyrene and polyisobutylene are the result of the thermal motions of the segments of the polymer molecules. These segmental motions coordinate with one another to produce changes in the configurations of the molecules. The configurational changes have associated with them a series of relaxation times. These relaxation times are shown to depend upon molecular weight of the polymer, concentration, type of solvent, and viscosity of solvent.