The remarkable ability of polymeric additives to reduce the level of frictional drag significantly in turbulent flow, even under extremely low dilutions, is known as turbulent drag-reduction behavior. Several bio-polymers have been assessed as promising drag-reducing agents for the potential replacement of high molecular weight synthetic polymers to improve safety and ameliorate environmental concerns. This article reviews the recent advances regarding the impact of several bio-polymer additives on turbulent drag reduction in either pipe or rotating disk flow systems, and their potential applications in the petroleum, biomedical, and agricultural industries.
Keywords: bio-polymer; drag reduction; turbulent flow; water-soluble.