The kinetic theory of dilute solutions of flexible polymers: Hydrodynamic interaction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of a unified basis for the treatment of non-linear microscopic phenomena in molecular theories of dilute polymer solutions and reviews the recent advances in the treatment of hydrodynamic interaction. In particular, the successive refinements which ultimately lead to the prediction of universal viscometric functions in theta solvents is highlighted. Shear rate dependent viscometric functions, and a nonzero positive second normal stress difference are predicted by the self-consistent averaging approximation, a marked improvement over the predictions of the Zimm model. Both the reduced viscosity and the reduced first normal stress difference initially decrease with increasing shear rate. A recently introduced approximation which enables the evaluation of universal viscometric functions in shear flow is discussed. The chapter also discusses a significant difference that a refined treatment of hydrodynamic interaction makes to the prediction of translational diffusivity in dilute polymer solutions.