Understanding the elastic properties of polymer melts is necessary for ensuring successful polymer processing and thus producing high-quality plastic parts. This unique book is the first to focus on this important topic. Starting with the molecular origin of elastic behavior and an explanation of the physical quantities involved, experimental methods and the dependence of elastic behavior on experimental parameters are then presented. Elastic properties of filled and unfilled systems are compared directly, and polymer blends are also considered. Elastic effects in various applications are included, such as in extrudate swell, internal stresses, and shrink films, to illustrate the importance of this field in the plastics processing industry.

Constitutive Equations for Polymer Melts and Solutions presents a description of important constitutive equations for stress and birefringence in polymer melts, as well as in dilute and concentrated solutions of flexible and rigid polymers, and in liquid crystalline materials. The book serves as an introduction and guide to constitutive equations, and to molecular and phenomenological theories of polymer motion and flow. The chapters in the text discuss topics on the flow phenomena commonly associated with viscoelasticity; fundamental elementary models for understanding the rheology of melts, solutions of flexible polymers, and advanced constitutive equations; melts and concentrated solutions of flexible polymer; and the rheological properties of real liquid crystal polymers. Chemical engineers and physicists will find the text very useful.

Rheology: Theory and Applications, Volume 5 focuses on overtly fluid behavior of polymers, including the theory of large deformations, thermoelastic effects, elastic phenomena observed during the extrusion of polymeric melts, and theories of the structure of liquids and glasses. The selection first elaborates on the application of large deformation theory to the thermomechanical behavior of rubberlike polymers and unstable flow of molten polymers. Discussions focus on the mechanism proposed for unstable flow, ripple and associated effects, direct observation of waviness phenomena, empirical behavior of porous, unfilled, and filled rubberlike polymers, and problems connected with the interpretation of mechanical response parameters. The text then examines elasticity effects in polymer extrusion and strength and extensibility of elastomers. The publication takes a look at free volume and polymer rheology and studies of the deformation of crystalline polymers. Topics include the contribution of the two orientation processes to the birefringence, deformation of superstructure, rate of orientation of crystalline regions, free volume and physical state, glass transition and free volume, and reappraisal of time-temperature superposition. The manuscript also elaborates on the deformation and dissipative processes in high polymeric solids and the thermodynamics of deformation. The selection is a vital source of data for researchers interested in the theories and applications of rheology.

An introduction to the rheology of polymers Designed for practicing scientists and engineers interested in polymer rheology science, education, consulting, or research and development, Introduction to Polymer Rheology is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the study of the deformation and flow of matter under applied stress. Often considered a complicated topic for beginners, the book makes grasping the fundamentals of polymer rheology easy by presenting information in an approachable way and limiting the use of complex mathematics. By doing so, this introductory overview provides readers with easy access to the key concepts underlying the flow behavior of polymer melts, solutions, and suspensions. Incorporating sample problems that are worked through and explained on the page, as well as numerous practice problems to gauge learning comprehension, the book prepares new students and practitioners for moving on to more advanced concepts. Comprising twelve chapters, the book covers stress, velocity and rate of deformation, the relationship between stress and rate of deformation (Newtonian fluid), generalized Newtonian fluids, normal stresses and elastic behavior, experimental methods, small and large strain, the molecular origins of rheological behavior, elementary polymer processing concepts, quality control in rheology, and the flow of modified polymers and those with supermolecular structure. The essential reference for accurately interpreting polymer rheology data, Introduction to Polymer Rheology provides readers with an elementary understanding of the key issues and modern approaches to resolving problems in the field.