The triple jet: A new method for measurement of extensional viscosity

Abstract

Apparatus for the measurement of extensional viscosity of polymer solutions is described. The range of extensional strain rates is 100–800 sec−1. Two converging liquid jets of high velocity impinge on a central low-velocity jet, causing the liquid in the central jet to be rapidly stretched. The force causing extension of this jet is measured from the change in reaction on the central capillary nozzle, whilst the initial and final velocities are obtained by jet thrust and photographic methods respectively. The Instron system provides accurately-controlled liquid flowrates and continuous recording of the various forces involved. Tests are reported on polyacrylamide solutions of concentration 0.10% and 0.07%, and on poly (ethylene oxide) solutions of concentration 0.10%. The extensional viscosity of the more concentrated polyacrylamide solution is over 30 poise at an extensional strain rate of 600 sec−1, exceeding the shear viscosity by a factor of 400 (the “Trouton” ratio). For the poly (ethylene oxide) solution, theTrouton ratio reaches 1400 at an extensional strain rate of only 200 sec−1. The results are shown to be consistent with orifice jet thrust data for similar solutions at higher strain rates. The axial stress rises rapidly with increasing extensional strain rate, but there is no evidence of an abrupt increase of stress in the range of strain rates between 102 and 104 sec−1. The triple jet method is of value in giving data for intermediate extensional strain rates and being dependent on fewer assumptions than the orifice jet thrust experiment.