| Abstract: | The dynamic mechanical properties of branched polyethylenes in the molten state were determined in the frequency range 10?3–10 radians/sec. The materials tested have remarkably similar rheological properties even though they vary greatly in molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. The similarity in properties is attributed to the influence of long chain branching on the relaxation spectra. A mechanistic argument is proposed to relate the observed behavior to molecular entanglement coupling. The concept of entanglement coupling involving long-chain branching leads to the expectation that the quasi-Newtonian and non-Newtonian viscosities of branched polymers may be either greater or less than those of linear polymers of the same species, which have comparable molecular weights. This is borne out by experiment. |
