We discuss a model for the non-linear rheology of polydisperse linear, entangled polymers, the "Rolie-Double-Poly" model, which can be used to predict shear and extensional rheology on the basis of the molecular weight distribution. Further, we discuss how this can be coupled to models predicting flow-induced crystallisation. Here it is anticipated that stretched molecules will lower the energy barrier towards nucleation. However, in a polydisperse material, different molecules are stretched to different degrees, and the central question is which molecules from the distribution are found predominantly in a critical nucleus. We present an analytical solution to this problem, based on the Graham-Olmsted Monte-Carlo model for flow induced crystallisation, and also discuss modifications that can be made to that mmodel. The result is sufficiently simple to be included in complex flow calculations.

Polydisperse linear polymer rheology and flow-induced crystallisation

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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