Molecular weight distribution dependent kernels in generalized mixing rules

Abstract

In this article a model is proposed for the kernel in the generalized mixing rule recently formulated by Anderssen and Mead [Anderssen, R. S. and D. W. Mead, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 76, 299–306 (1998)]. In order to derive such a model, it is necessary to take into account the rheological significance of the kernel in terms of the relaxation behavior of the individual polymers involved. This naturally leads to examining how additional physical effects, which depend on the molecular weight distribution, can be included in the mixing rule. The advantage of this approach is that, without changing the generality of the Anderssen and Mead (1998) rule, the choice of the kernel can be used to enhance the physical and rheological significance of their mixing rule.