Rheology unites the seemingly unrelated fields of plasticity and non-Newtonian fluids by recognizing that both these types of materials are unable to support a shear stress in static equilibrium. In this sense, a plastic solid is a fluid. Granular rheology refers to the continuum mechanical description of granular materials. In this book, rheology--the study of the deformation and flow of matter--is treated primarily in the context of the stresses generated during the flow of complex materials such as polymers, colloids, foams, and gels. A rapidly growing and industrially important field, it plays a significant role in polymer processing, food processing, coating and printing, and many other manufacturing processes.

Everything flows, so rheology is a universal science. Even if we set aside claims of such width, there can be no doubt of its importance in polymers. It joins with chemistry in the polymerisation step but polymer engineering is supreme in all the succeeding steps. This is the area concerned with the fabrication of the polymer into articles or components, with their design to meet the needs in service, and with the long and short term performance of the article or component. This is a typical area of professional engineering activity, but one as yet without its proper complement of professional engineers. An understanding of polymer rheology is the key to effective design and material plus process selection, to efficient fabrication, and to satisfactory service, yet few engineers make adequate use of what is known and understood in polymer rheology. Its importance in the flow processes of fabrication is obvious. Less obvious, but equally important, are the rheological phenomena which determine the in-service performance. There is a gap between the polymer rheologist and the polymer engineer which is damaging to both parties and which contributes to a less than satisfactory use of polymers in our society. It is important that this gap be filled and this book makes an attempt to do so. It presents an outline of what is known in a concise and logical fashion. It does this starting from first principles and with the minimum use of complex mathematics.

An introduction to the rheology of polymers Designed for practicing scientists and engineers interested in polymer rheology science, education, consulting, or research and development, Introduction to Polymer Rheology is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the study of the deformation and flow of matter under applied stress. Often considered a complicated topic for beginners, the book makes grasping the fundamentals of polymer rheology easy by presenting information in an approachable way and limiting the use of complex mathematics. By doing so, this introductory overview provides readers with easy access to the key concepts underlying the flow behavior of polymer melts, solutions, and suspensions. Incorporating sample problems that are worked through and explained on the page, as well as numerous practice problems to gauge learning comprehension, the book prepares new students and practitioners for moving on to more advanced concepts. Comprising twelve chapters, the book covers stress, velocity and rate of deformation, the relationship between stress and rate of deformation (Newtonian fluid), generalized Newtonian fluids, normal stresses and elastic behavior, experimental methods, small and large strain, the molecular origins of rheological behavior, elementary polymer processing concepts, quality control in rheology, and the flow of modified polymers and those with supermolecular structure. The essential reference for accurately interpreting polymer rheology data, Introduction to Polymer Rheology provides readers with an elementary understanding of the key issues and modern approaches to resolving problems in the field.

Rheology of Polymer Blends and Nanocomposites: Theory, Modelling and Applications focuses on rheology in polymer nanocomposites. It provides readers with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of rheology, with an emphasis on recent advancements. Chapters explore potential future applications for nanocomposites and polymer blends, giving readers a thorough understanding of the specific features derived from rheology as a tool for the study of polymer blends and nanocomposites. This book is ideal for industrial and academic researchers in the field of polymer blends and nanocomposites, but is also a great resource for anyone who wants to learn about the applications of rheology. - Sets out the principles of rheology as it is applied to polymer blends and nanocomposites - Demonstrates how rheological techniques are best applied to different classes of nanocomposites - Assesses the opportunities and major challenges of rheological approaches to polymer blends and nanocomposites

The rheology of filled polymer systems is an ever expanding field in the polymer industry today. Using a concise, practical and simple format this comprehensive work explains the concepts behind filled polymer systems and the rheological techniques involved in studying their behaviour. Aware that the readers of the book may come from differing background, the first three chapters familiarize the reader with the basics about polymers, fillers and physicochemical interactions between them, rheology and rheometry. Covering such topics as preparation of filled polymer systems, steady shear viscous properties and extentional flow properties, this book covers the areas of importance from an introductory level through to more complex issues.

Rheology is the science that studies the behavior of the flow of matter in a liquid state or soft solids under the application of stress or deformation to obtain a response to an applied force. In polymers, rheology is an important tool to understand behavior under processing conditions and to design equipment. Another application for rheology in the polymer field is to understand structure-property relationships by means of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, stereochemistry, morphology, melt degradation, and performance under processing. This book covers the essential criteria for selecting the best test types for various applications and new developments, for accurately interpreting results, and for determining other areas where rheology and rheological phenomena may be useful in your work.

This book shows in detail how rheological properties are related to the molecular structure of polymers. As well, it explains how molecular models based on the tube concept can be used to predict the flow and viscoelastic properties of molten polymers. While data for specially-prepared polymers are vital for model development, the complexities of commercial polymers must be taken into account if these models are to be put to practical use. For this reason, the issues of polydispersity and long-chain branching are dealt with at length. The information provided will be useful in the determination of molecular structure and for predicting how structure affects flow behavior during melt processing

Integrating latest research results and characterization techniques, this book helps readers understand and apply fundamental principles in nonlinear polymer rheology. The author connects the basic theoretical framework with practical polymer processing, which aids practicing scientists and engineers to go beyond the existing knowledge and explore new applications. Although it is not written as a textbook, the content can be used in an upper undergraduate and first year graduate course on polymer rheology. • Describes the emerging phenomena and associated conceptual understanding in the field of nonlinear polymer rheology • Incorporates details on latest experimental discoveries and provides new methodology for research in polymer rheology • Integrates latest research results and new characterization techniques like particle tracking velocimetric method • Focuses on the issues concerning the conceptual and phenomenological foundations for polymer rheology • Has a companion website for readers to access with videos complementing the content within several chapters

This book explores the ways in which melt flow behaviour can be exploited by the plastics engineer and technician for increased efficiency of processing operation, control of end product properties and selection and development of polymers for specific purposes. (reissued with minor corrections 1994)