Shear-induced phase transitions in ternary polymer blends

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Jan 20;96(2):028302. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.028302. Epub 2006 Jan 17.

Abstract

We present a study of flow-induced phase transitions in microemulsion phases of ternary polymer blends. The results match qualitatively with the recent experimental observations on such systems but differ from the behavior expected and observed in the analogous system of surfactants. We rationalize this contrast from a molecular viewpoint suggesting that the interplay between polymer chain conformations and their flow deformations can lead to novel flow effects upon the phase, structural, and rheological behavior of multicomponent polymer systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Phase Transition
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Rheology
  • Shear Strength
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Polymers