Field-Induced Phase Fractionation in Multiphase Polymer Flow Systems: A Review

Abstract

Abstract The paper reviews the kinetics and morphology of the various phase-segregation processes that may be encountered in multiphase polymer flow systems. A primary aim of this review has been to investigate how certain processing variables influence the polymer structure and the degree of phase segregation in various geometries of interest. A pronounced distinction is made between the terms “diffusion” and “field-induced segregation.” The former is conventionally regarded as the mass transfer resulting from Brownian motion and, in any case, is a randomizing process. The latter, on the other hand, implies “flow” of matter subject to a “driving potential.” As opposed to diffusion in the classical sense, field-driven transport may be affected against the concentration gradient. It is seen that the application of an appropriate lateral field generates transversal migration of suspended material or additive and, in certain cases, the segment domains in the “matrix” polymer. In particular, the potential of ...