Linear Viscoelastic Characterization Research Articles

Linear viscoelastic, viscoplastic, and damage characterization of recycled asphalt binders and mixtures containing recycling agents with long-term aging

Linear viscoelastic, viscoplastic, and damage characterization of recycled asphalt binders and mixtures containing recycling agents with long-term aging

Elongational rheology of 2, 3 and 4 polymer stars connected by linear backbone chains

We consider the elongational rheology of model polystyrene topologies with 2, 3 and 4 stars, which are connected by one (2-star or “Pom-Pom”), two (3-star) and three (4-star) linear backbone chains. The number of arms of each star varies from qa = 3 to 24, the molecular weight of the arms from Mw,a = 25 kg/mol to 300 kg/mol, and the backbone chains from Mw,b = 100 kg/mol to 382 kg/mol. If the length of the arm is shorter than the length of the backbone, i.e. Mw,a < Mw,b, and despite the vastly different topologies considered, the elongational stress growth coefficient can be modeled by the Hierarchical Multi-mode Molecular Stress Function (HMMSF) model, based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization and a single nonlinear parameter, the dilution modulus. If the length of the arms of the stars is similar or longer than the length of the backbone chain (Mw,a ≥ Mw,b) connecting two stars, the impact of the backbone chain on the rheology vanishes and the elongational stress growth coefficient is dominated by the star topology showing similar features of the elongational stress growth coefficient as those of linear polymers.Graphical

Performance and cost evaluations of 100% recycled hot asphalt mixtures for pothole patching applications in flexible pavements

Fixing the potholes using bituminous patching mixtures is a critical and costly pavement maintenance activity. The patching mixture's quality significantly affects patch durability and performance; always using the best material available is advisable. This study investigated the feasibility of using 100% hot recycled asphalt pavements (RAP) as a possible patching material by comparing the performance results with cold patching mixtures (CPM) as well as Superpave hot mix asphalt (SHMA) mixtures. Four different RAP mixtures, two fine-graded and two coarse-graded, from two distinct sources, are obtained. RAP mixtures were handled in a laboratory environment to obtain the hot recycled patching materials. Three different rejuvenators were incorporated into hot-recycled pavement material (HRPM) at manufacturer-recommended dosages to determine the best rejuvenator type. Performances of the mixtures are evaluated in terms of linear viscoelastic characterization, permanent deformation, and low-temperature thermal cracking potentials using dynamic modulus, flow number, and indirect tensile strength tests, respectively. The results show that RAP mixtures with any RAP source, gradation, and rejuvenator type outperformed CPM in performance tests and behaved similarly to SHMA mixtures.

Modeling elongational viscosity and brittle fracture of 10 polystyrene Pom-Poms by the hierarchical molecular stress function model

A Pom-Pom polymer with qa side chains of molecular weight Mw,a at both ends of a backbone chain of molecular weight Mw,b is the simplest branched polymer topology. Ten nearly monodisperse polystyrene Pom-Pom systems synthesized via an optimized anionic polymerization and a grafting-onto method with Mw,b of 100 to 400 kg/mol, Mw,a of 9 to 50 kg/mol, and qa between 9 and 22 are considered. We analyze the elongational rheology of the Pom-Poms by use of the hierarchical multi-mode molecular stress function (HMMSF) model, which has been shown to predict the elongational viscosity of linear and long-chain branched (LCB) polymer melts based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization and a single material parameter, the so-called dilution modulus GD. For the Pom-Poms considered here, we show that GD can be identified with the plateau modulus {G}_{N}^{0}={G}_{D}, and the modeling of the elongational viscosity of the Pom-Poms does therefore not require any fitting parameter but is fully determined by the linear-viscoelastic characterization of the melts. Due to the high strain hardening of the Pom-Poms, brittle fracture is observed at higher strains and strain rates, which is well described by the entropic fracture criterion.Graphical abstract

Elongational viscosity of poly(propylene carbonate) melts: tube-based modelling and primitive chain network simulations

In fast elongational flows, linear polymer melts exhibit a monotonic decrease of the viscosity with increasing strain rate, even beyond the contraction rate of the polymer defined by the Rouse time. We consider two possible explanations of this phenomenon: (a) the reduction of monomeric friction and (b) the reduction of the tube diameter with increasing deformation leading to an Enhanced Relaxation of Stretch (ERS) on smaller length scales. (Masubuchi et al. (2022) reported Primitive Chain Network (PCN) simulations using an empirical friction reduction model depending on segmental orientation and could reproduce the elongational viscosity data of three poly(propylene carbonate) melts and a polystyrene melt. Here, we show that the mesoscopic tube-based ESR model (Wagner and Narimissa 2021) provides quantitative agreement with the same data set based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization and the Rouse time. From the ERS model, a parameter-free universal relation of monomeric friction reduction as a function of segmental stretch can be derived. PCN simulations using this friction reduction relation are shown to reproduce quantitatively the experimental data even without any fitting parameter. The comparison with results of the earlier PCN simulation results with friction depending on segmental orientation demonstrates that the two friction relations examined work equally well which implies that the physical mechanisms of friction reduction are still open for discussion.

Rheological properties of asphalt binder modified with waste polyethylene: An interlaboratory research from the RILEM TC WMR

Significant volumes of waste materials such as plastics is generated every year worldwide with a potentially harmful impact on the environment. At the same time, the demand for asphalt modifiers has seen an increase over the year with consequent higher costs for these types of additives. Therefore, combining large amounts of available waste plastics with asphalt binder as an extender or modifier would potentially improve the paving material properties while limiting the disposed waste. While several rheological studies have been performed in the past, they were restricted to single research efforts hindering a consistent comparison among the valuable results of these investigations. For this reason, the Task Group 1 of the RILEM Technical Committee 279-WMR established a research activity with 11 international institutions to conduct interlaboratory research to evaluate the possibility of using waste polyethylene (PE) as an additive in asphalt binder. The study addressed the combined impact of PE materials and experimental conditions on the rheological properties of asphalt binder. For this purpose, conventional tests (penetration value, softening point temperature, and Fraass breaking point temperature) and the linear viscoelastic characterization using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) were adopted. An unaged pen grade 70/100 neat binder was selected as the reference binder; PE-pellets and PE-shreds, produced from the recycled waste polyethylene materials, were used as the polymer additives. A single content (5%) of PE-pellets and PE-shreds was used to blend the PE material with the reference binder (95%) and prepare the two PE modified binders. Results indicate that the use of plastic modifiers leads to an overall higher complex shear modulus and softening point temperature while decreasing the penetration value. Higher dispersion in the results, especially in phase angles, was observed for blended binders at high temperatures. The PE modified binders exhibited poor reproducibility among laboratories and a low level of repeatability. Such a scatter in the data could result from an uneven dispersion of plastic material at high temperatures. In contrast, plastic shapes and batches appeared to have a limited impact. Three different rheological behaviors, neat binder, modified binder, and complex modified binder, were visually identified among the interlaboratory results and based on a simple statistical analysis of variance. Further analysis of the data suggested that the Glover Rowe (G-R) parameter can be used as a sensitive tool to classify the rheological behaviors of PE modified binders. Further experimental evaluation on specific testing conditions, such as measurement gaps of DSR at high temperatures, is recommended to advance the understanding of their influence on the rheological behavior of PE modified binders.

Analysis of elongational flow of star polymers

Star polymers with three arms are the simplest example of branched polymers. Elongational rheology data of three well-characterized monodisperse polystyrene melts, a symmetric star, an asymmetric star, and a linear polymer with the same span molecular weight of 180 kg/mol reported by Huang et al. (Macromolecules 49:6694−6699, 2016) are analyzed by the enhanced relaxation of stretch (ERS) model (Wagner and Narimissa, J Rheol 65:1413–1421, 2021). All three melts show the same elongational stress growth coefficient and the same steady-state elongational viscosity in fast extensional flows when the stretch-related Weissenberg number {Wi}_R=dot{varepsilon}{tau}_R>1. Excellent agreement between experimental data of elongational stress growth coefficient and model predictions is obtained, based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization of the polymer systems. Stress relaxation following steady elongational flow depends on the presence of the branch point and the length of the arm, and a new process regarding relaxation of the orientation of the stars is identified.

Modelling elongational viscosity overshoot and brittle fracture of low-density polyethylene melts

The Hierarchical Multi-mode Molecular Stress Function (HMMSF) model predicts the elongational and multiaxial extensional viscosities of polydisperse linear polymer melts based exclusively on their linear viscoelastic characterization and a single nonlinear material parameter, the so-called dilution modulus {G}_{D}. For long-chain branched (LCB) polymer melts such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the HMMSF model describes quantitatively the elongational stress growth coefficient up to the maximum of the elongational viscosity but fails to predict the existence of the maximum and the following steady-state viscosity. By taking into account branch point withdrawal in elongational flow of LCB melts, we extend the HMMSF model and show that the maximum of the elongational viscosity can be characterized by a single additional parameter, the characteristic stretch {overline{lambda }}_{m}, while the steady-state tensile stress and the elongational viscosity depend only on the dilution modulus {G}_{D} as in the case of linear polydisperse melts. Comparison of predictions of the Extended Hierarchical Multi-mode Molecular Stress Function (EHMMSF) model to experimental data of 5 LDPE melts with widely different molecular weights, polydispersities and densities, and a model polystyrene pom-pom polymer shows good agreement within experimental accuracy in constant elongational-rate flow as well as stress relaxation after steady and reversed elongational flow. For the LCB melts considered, we report differences in the specific Hencky strain at the maximum of the tensile stress as quantified by the characteristic stretch {overline{lambda }}_{m}, and we discuss correlations between polydispersity, dilution modulus {G}_{D}, and strain hardening potential of the LDPE melts. We also extend the fracture criterion for brittle fracture of monodisperse polymer melts to the case of polydisperse polymers and find reasonable agreement with experimental evidence.

Study of the permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures in the field: A multiscale approach

Rutting in asphalt concrete layers is a longitudinal depression in wheel paths caused by traffic load repetitions. Different tests and analysis have been proposed to investigate the phenomenon, although few studies of resistance to rutting can be found regarding a multiscale approach from binder to field in literature. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the behavior of the different scales against the phenomenon of permanent deformation for different binders, mixtures and in-service pavements, verifying the performance relationship between them and how the properties can be correlated. For this, eight monitored asphalt pavements were chosen during road rehabilitation. They consisted of conventional, SBS modified and rubber binders, evaluated in the laboratory for linear viscoelastic characterization and permanent deformation tests. Track rutting was also observed in the field during the first year for comparison with laboratory results. The experimental segments monitored in this research showed that mixtures with SBS and rubber-modified binders returned lower Rutting/N ratios. It was possible to conclude that binders modified using SBS polymer and rubber have greater stiffness and lower phase angles at high temperatures. Asphalt mixtures showed greater stiffness and lower phase angles at high temperatures for mixtures consisting of binders modified by SBS polymer. Flow Number (FN) results were also higher for these mixtures, suggesting better performance in the field. In the mixture scale, the |E*|/sinφ (54 °C; 1 Hz) show the best correlated-with-field rutting in this research, to binder scale, the Jnr parameter was the one that best represented the behavior observed in the field.

A triaxial linear viscoelastic characterization framework for asphalt concrete based on the 2S2P1D model

Asphalt concrete materials are known to exhibit pressure dependence in response to mechanical loading. However, for conventional dense-graded asphalt mixtures, only weak pressure sensitivity was noted in the relaxation spectrum, time-temperature shift factors, and low-temperature moduli. Given these facts, a triaxial linear viscoelastic characterization framework was developed, which consisted of a convenient experimental protocol for the confined dynamic modulus test and a modeling approach based on the 2S2P1D model. In this framework, the same relaxation spectrum and time-temperature equivalence were applied across all different confining conditions, while the pressure dependence was fully assigned to the equilibrium modulus. The resultant prediction errors in dynamic modulus were in general below or comparable to typical test variability. Numerical implementation of the modeling method in the time domain was accomplished via Prony discretization of the continuous relaxation spectrum, and was demonstrated via application to triaxial relaxation and creep data. The model's satisfactory performance suggested that the confining condition had an insignificant impact on the molecular processes occurring in the asphalt phase during relaxation, owing to the low aggregate mobility and thus minimal asphalt flow as restrained by the dense structure. Limitations of the proposed modeling scheme as well as methods available from the literature were revealed lastly upon asphalt concrete materials with unconventional gap and open gradations.

Modeling elongational viscosity and brittle fracture of polystyrene solutions

Elongational viscosity data of well-characterized solutions of 3–50% weight fraction of monodisperse polystyrene PS-820k (molar mass of 820,000 g/mol) dissolved in oligomeric styrene OS8.8 (molar mass of 8800 g/mol) as reported by André et al. (Macromolecules 54:2797–2810, 2021) are analyzed by the Extended Interchain Pressure (EIP) model including the effects of finite chain extensibility. Excellent agreement between experimental data and model predictions is obtained, based exclusively on the linear-viscoelastic characterization of the polymer solutions. The data were obtained by a filament stretching rheometer, and at high strain rates and lower polymer concentrations, the stretched filaments fail by rupture before reaching the steady-state elongational viscosity. Filament rupture is predicted by a criterion for brittle fracture of entangled polymer liquids, which assumes that fracture is caused by scission of primary C-C bonds of polymer chains when the strain energy reaches the bond-dissociation energy of the covalent bond (Wagner et al., J. Rheology 65:311–324, 2021).

Michael Silverstein

Previous articleNext article No AccessObituaryMichael Silverstein (1945–2020)Greg Urban and Benjamin LeeGreg UrbanDepartment of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania. Email: [email protected] Search for more articles by this author and Benjamin LeeDepartments of Anthropology and Philosophy, New School for Social Research Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Journal of Anthropological Research Volume 77, Number 2Summer 2021 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/713648 Views: 210Total views on this site Citations: 1Citations are reported from Crossref HistorySubmitted December 23, 2020Accepted December 24, 2020Published online April 15, 2021 © 2021 by The University of New Mexico. All rights reserved.PDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Fabian Urban, Bo Armbruster, Peter Middendorf Development and validation of a method for linear-viscoelastic characterization of the dynamic complex modulus of short-fiber reinforced plastics using flexural resonances, Polymer Testing 94 (Feb 2021): 107055.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2021.107055

Compaction methods of cold recycled asphalt mixtures and their effects on pavement analysis

There is still no consensus on the most appropriate compaction method for the assessment of cold recycled asphalt mixtures (CRAMs). A limited number of studies sought to identify the effects of different compaction methods on the CRAMs mechanical properties. Effects of CRAMs compaction method (Proctor, Marshall, Gyratory and Vibratory) were evaluated in terms of physical properties, mechanical tests (linear viscoelastic characterization) of compacted mixtures, and three-dimensional pavement analysis (3D-MOVE). Air void content analysis indicated that the Marshall compaction method presented the highest coefficient of variation and the Gyratory the lowest. Proctor and Gyratory specimens showed similar linear viscoelastic properties, and the Vibratory presented a distinct behaviour. 3D-MOVE simulations, for various temperatures and pavement configurations, showed that differences due to compaction methods were not considered significant for the analysed scenario of this study.

Multi-scale study of bio-binder mixtures as surface layer: Laboratory evaluation and field application and monitoring

The potential use of bio-binders as full or partial substitutes of petroleum-based binders have gained interest from the paving researches in recent years. Although there are many studies about rheological characterization of alternative binders, there is still lack of knowledge about mixtures and field performance of this type of materials. In this sense, this paper presents an evaluation of bio-binder produced from vegetal biomass, by-product of the treatment of pine wood resin, as the total substitute of the asphalt binder for surface pavement layer, comparing its performance with a neat asphalt binder, used as reference, at three study levels: binder evaluation, mixture evaluation and field performance monitoring. Linear viscoelastic characterization, permanent deformation and fatigue responses were studied for the binders. The mixtures designed with both binders were tested in terms of stiffness, moisture sensitivity and permanent deformation. The performance in the field test sections was monitored during three years by structural evaluation (FWD) and roughness test (IRI). Results showed that the bio-binder studied presented acceptable behavior, with similar responses of that exhibited by the petroleum-based asphalt binder. The bio-binder studied could be used as binder in mixtures for surface layers of road pavements, however, the durability of that type of mixtures and the environmental impact of the production process need to be further studied in order to complement the feasibility of this alternative as a sustainable solution.

Elongational viscosity scaling of polymer melts with different chemical constituents

Morelly et al. (Macromolecules 52:915-922, 2019) reported transient and steady-state elongational viscosity data of monodisperse linear polymer melts obtained by filament-stretching rheometry with locally controlled strain and strain rate and found different power law scaling of the elongational viscosities of polystyrene, poly(tert-butylstyrene) and poly(methyl-methacrylate). Very good agreement is achieved between data and predictions of the extended interchain pressure (EIP) model (Narimissa et al. J. Rheol. 64, 95-110 (2020)), based solely on linear viscoelastic characterization and the Rouse time τR of the melts. The analysis reveals that both the normalized elongational viscosity and the normalized elongational stress are dependent on the number of entanglements (Z) and the ratio of entanglement molar mass Mem to critical molar mass Mcm of the melts in the linear viscoelastic regime through {eta}_E^0/left({G}_N{tau}_Rright)propto {left({M}_{mathrm{em}}/{M}_{mathrm{cm}}right)}^{2.4}{Z}^{1.4} and {sigma}_E^0/{G}_Npropto {left({M}_{mathrm{em}}/{M}_{mathrm{cm}}right)}^{2.4}{Z}^{1.4} Wi , while in the limit of fast elongational flow with high Weissenberg number Wi={tau}_Rdot{varepsilon} , both viscosity and stress become independent of Z and Mem/Mcm, and approach a scaling which depends only on Wi, i.e. ηE/(GNτR) ∝ Wi−1/2 and σE/GN ∝ Wi1/2. When expressed by an effective power law, the broad transition from the linear viscoelastic to the high Wi regime leads to chemistry-dependent scaling at intermediate Wi depending on the number of entanglements and the ratio between entanglement molar mass and critical molar mass.

General fractional models for linear viscoelastic characterization of asphalt cements

Rheological models based on fractional order derivatives have been applied to characterize the linear viscoelasticity of asphalt cements for a long time. Such models provide continuous spectra which are fundamentally related to the molecular characteristics and facilitate analytical investigations as compared to discrete representations. With the increasing complexity in asphalt composition to satisfy various purposes, however, the inadequacy of existing fractional models has been noted. This paper proposed a generalized fractional Maxwell-dashpot (GFMD) model as a general framework for describing the modulus behaviors of asphalt cements. The generalized fractional Voigt (GFV) model was considered the counterpart for the compliances. The material functions given by each model are primarily the superposition of its constituent fractional Maxwell-dashpot or fractional Voigt (FV) elements. Geometric features of these elements were investigated such that a proper initial guess of model parameters can be obtained graphically with relative ease. For computational efficiency, the continuous spectra were discretized to provide the Prony representations of the material functions. To demonstrate the model capability, the dynamic mechanical data of a neat asphalt showing the typical behavior and a heavily polymer-modified asphalt exhibiting strong cross-linking were utilized. For the typical behavior, the GFMD and GFV models containing two fractional elements yielded excellent descriptions. A third fractional unit was necessitated in both models to account for the cross-linking mechanism for the modified asphalt. A relaxation/retardation mode density of two points equidistantly per decade produced material functions with negligible waviness and almost the same accuracy as compared to the use of the continuous spectra.

Applicability of time-temperature superposition for laboratory-aged neat and SBS-modified bitumens

The applicability of the time–temperature superposition principle (TTSP) can breakdown in the case of highly oxidized bitumens and polymer-modified bitumens (PMBs). This study investigates such problem in Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified bitumens subjected to high oxidative laboratory-aging levels. The effects of aging were investigated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), fluorescence microscopy (FM), and linear viscoelastic rheological characterization. As expected, the GPC and FM showed, respectively, an increase in the heavy fractions of bitumen and the degradation of the polymer morphology. Both the phenomena affected the rheological response provided in the form of black diagrams and isochrones of the loss tangent. Neat bitumens demonstrated thermorheologically simple behavior with some very slight symptoms of TTSP breakdown only at very high levels of aging. On the other hand, the applicability of TTSP to PMBs depends on the polymer content and the aging level. Low-medium and medium–high polymer contents PMBs produce minor concerns for TTSP irrespective of the aging level. However, high polymer contents may induce a TTSP breakdown mainly in unaged PMBs with the degradation of the polymer backbone due to oxidative aging progressively restoring a thermorheological simple configuration.

Linear viscoelastic characterization of electrically conductive adhesives used as interconnect in photovoltaic modules

AbstractElectrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) are incorporated into recent designs of photovoltaic (PV) modules and replace the traditional metallic solders as interconnects. This transition depicts a significant material change, and a proper understanding of the interconnects' mechanical response has not yet been established. However, such an understanding is necessary to (a) identify the driving forces for module degradation and failure, (b) allow for module design optimization, and (c) enable accurate lifetime predictions. This study summarizes the framework for the mechanical materials characterization and modeling of ECAs for PV applications. Only high‐fidelity material models are able to capture the rate and temperature dependency of the ECA interconnect and allow for accurate modeling of the materials response. A linear viscoelastic representation is found to describe the mechanical response of the ECAs sufficiently well. The effects of curing conditions and environmental exposure are investigated, and material models for a variety of ECAs are reported and prepared for the use in numerical simulations. A finite element simulation of a generic submodel of a shingled cell module is used to highlight the need for high‐fidelity material models and demonstrates the error made in the predicted stress states by using less sophisticated models.

A framework for linear viscoelastic characterization of asphalt mixtures

The master curve of a viscoelastic variable is of significance due to its capability of characterizing the linear viscoelastic (LVE) property in an extended time or frequency range. However, the master curves constructed using the traditional approach fail to strictly comply with the LVE theory, leading to inaccurate predictions in the extended range. In order to address this issue, a framework was developed for the LVE characterization of asphalt mixtures. The generalized logistic sigmoidal model was adopted as the master curve model of storage modulus. A numerical model of loss modulus was established in relation to the continuous relaxation spectrum, whose mathematical model was derived in light of its relationship with the storage modulus. The model parameters determined using the storage modulus and loss modulus test data were employed to construct the master curves of storage modulus, loss modulus, dynamic modulus and phase angle. Then the relaxation modulus master curve was generated by establishing a numerical model. Afterwards, the continuous retardation spectrum was solved numerically based on its relationship with the continuous relaxation spectrum. The master curves of storage compliance, loss compliance and creep compliance were obtained using the corresponding numerical models that were established with respect to the continuous retardation spectrum. The interrelationship among the viscoelastic variables was then employed to obtain the dynamic compliance and phase angle master curves. It was demonstrated that the developed framework ensured the master curves of all viscoelastic variables complied with the LVE theory.

Elongational rheology of polystyrene melts and solutions: Concentration dependence of the interchain tube pressure effect

The elongational viscosity data of Bach et al. [Macromolecules 36, 5174–5179 (2003)] and Huang et al. [ACS Macro Lett. 2, 741–744 (2013); Macromolecules 48, 4158–4163 (2015); Macromolecules 46, 5026–5035 (2013)] on monodisperse polystyrene melts and concentrated polystyrene solutions in oligomeric styrene represent a unique benchmark for improving the tube model of Doi and Edwards with respect to its predictive capabilities of nonlinear viscoelasticity and especially chain stretch. By relaxing one of the basic assumptions of the original tube model of Doi and Edwards [J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. 2 Mol. Chem. Phys. 74, 1802–1817 (1978); J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. 2 Mol. Chem. Phys. 74, 1818–1832 (1978)], i.e., the assumption of a constant tube diameter, and assuming that chain stretch is inversely proportional to a deformation-dependent tube diameter, the extended interchain pressure (EIP) theory [Wagner and Rolon-Garrido, AIP Conf. Proc. 1152, 16–31 (2009); Wagner and Rolon-Garrido, Korea Aust. Rheol. J. 21, 203–211 (2009)] allowed a parameter-free modeling of the elongational viscosity of monodisperse polystyrene melts. Here, we demonstrate that when the dependence of the interchain pressure effect on polymer concentration and molar mass of the oligomeric solvent is considered, the EIP model agrees with experimental evidence that at low Weissenberg numbers W i R = e ˙ τ R < 1 melts and solutions show extension thinning behaviors, while at W i R ≅ 1 solutions switch to extensional thickening or show a more or less constant steady-state elongational viscosity and melts continue with extension thinning behavior with a scaling of η E ∝ W i R − 0.5. We explain quantitatively the effects of molar mass of solvent and of polymer concentration on the elongational viscosity in the investigated concentration range from 10% to 100% (melt), based solely on the linear-viscoelastic characterization. For polystyrene dissolved in oligomeric styrene with molar mass larger than a quarter of the entanglement molar mass of the melt, M o s ≥ M e m / 4 = 3.3 kg / mol, we predict a universal relation for the steady-state elongational stress at W i R ≫ 1, which is independent of polymer concentration and molar mass of the solvent, while the stretch potential of polystyrene dissolved in oligomeric styrene with M o s < 3.3 kg / mol increases with decreasing molar mass of solvent and decreasing polymer concentration in agreement with available experimental evidence.The elongational viscosity data of Bach et al. [Macromolecules 36, 5174–5179 (2003)] and Huang et al. [ACS Macro Lett. 2, 741–744 (2013); Macromolecules 48, 4158–4163 (2015); Macromolecules 46, 5026–5035 (2013)] on monodisperse polystyrene melts and concentrated polystyrene solutions in oligomeric styrene represent a unique benchmark for improving the tube model of Doi and Edwards with respect to its predictive capabilities of nonlinear viscoelasticity and especially chain stretch. By relaxing one of the basic assumptions of the original tube model of Doi and Edwards [J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. 2 Mol. Chem. Phys. 74, 1802–1817 (1978); J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. 2 Mol. Chem. Phys. 74, 1818–1832 (1978)], i.e., the assumption of a constant tube diameter, and assuming that chain stretch is inversely proportional to a deformation-dependent tube diameter, the extended interchain pressure (EIP) theory [Wagner and Rolon-Garrido, AIP Conf. Proc. 1152, 16–31 (2009); Wagner and Rolon-Garrido, Korea Aust. Rheol...