“Volume‐Preserving” Conformational Rheological Models for Multi‐Component Miscible Polymer Blends Using the GENERIC Formalism

Abstract

AbstractA family of conformational rheological models for multi‐component miscible polymer blends is developed using a modified form of the Poisson bracket formulation. Two conformation tensors called c1 and c2 are introduced to show the orientation of the first and the second components of a blend, respectively. The mobility tensor and the energy function for each blend component are expressed in terms of these conformation tensors. The interaction effects are also included by energy expressions. The predictions of this family of “volume‐preserving” models are illustrated for a Hookean‐type energy function and several expressions of the modified mobility tensors. The results are illustrated for material functions in transient (start‐up and relaxation) and steady shear flows. The predictions are compared with experimental data taken from the literature for a miscible polymer blend. Study of the model sensitivity to its parameter shows that model predictions can cover a wide range of rheological behavior generally observed for multi‐component miscible polymer blends in steady and transient shear flows.Experimental data and model predictions for steady shear viscosity for HDPE/LDPE blends.imageExperimental data and model predictions for steady shear viscosity for HDPE/LDPE blends.