Multiple shear-banding transitions in a supramolecular polymer solution

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Sep 8;97(10):108301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.108301. Epub 2006 Sep 7.

Abstract

We report on the nonlinear rheology of a reversible supramolecular polymer based on hydrogen bonding. The coupling between the flow-induced chain alignment and breakage and recombination of bonds between monomers leads to a very unusual flow behavior. Measured velocity profiles indicate three different shear-banding regimes upon increasing shear rate, each with different characteristics. While the first of these regimes has features of a mechanical instability, the second shear-banding regime is related to a shear-induced phase separation and the appearance of birefringent textures. The shear-induced phase itself becomes unstable at very high shear rates, giving rise to a third banding regime.

MeSH terms

  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Macromolecular Substances*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Rheology
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Temperature
  • Toluene / chemistry

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polymers
  • Toluene