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Multi-Step Relaxation in Equilibrium Self-Assembling Solutions: A General Model of Relaxation in 'Complex' Fluids

Published

Author(s)

Evgeny B. Stukalin, Jack F. Douglas, Karl Freed

Abstract

We examine the rheological and dielectric properties of a solution of equilibrium self-assembling particles that form polydisperse chains whose average length depends on temperature and concentration (free association model). Relaxation of the self-assembling clusters proceeds by motions associated either with cluster rotations, diffusive internal chain dynamics, or with inter-chain entanglement interactions. This internal relaxation in these complex fluids is decribed using the following hierarchy of models to emphasize different physical effects: unentangled rod-like clusters, unentangled flexible polymers, and entangled chains. All the models yield a multi-step relaxation for low polymer scission rates ( persistent polymers ).
Citation
Journal of Chemical Physics
Volume
129

Keywords

complex fluids, dielectric relaxation, equilbrium polymerization, multi-step relaxation, non-Arrhenius relaxation, self-assembly, stress relaxation

Citation

Stukalin, E. , Douglas, J. and Freed, K. (2008), Multi-Step Relaxation in Equilibrium Self-Assembling Solutions: A General Model of Relaxation in 'Complex' Fluids, Journal of Chemical Physics, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=853579 (Accessed March 19, 2024)
Created September 4, 2008, Updated October 12, 2021