On the time-dependency of the flow-induced dynamic moduli of a liquid crystalline hydroxypropylcellulose solution

Some unusual rheological features of a liquid crystalline solution of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) in water have been investigated. Measurements have been performed by using a variety of different apparatuses with cone and plate geometries. Particular attention has been devoted to the experimental procedures, including the use of different sealing techniques, which are necessary to avoid solvent evaporation during the very long transients. Shear fracture effects, and their dependence on the type of sealing agents have also been studied. In steady shear, the HPC solution shows some rheological features which are common to other lyotropic systems, such as a three-region viscosity curve, and a double sign change in the first normal stress difference vs shear rate curve. The structural changes which take place after cessation of shear flow have been investigated by following the evolution of the dynamic moduli as a function of the time elapsed after the shear flow is stopped. It was found that the rate of the previously applied shear strongly affects both the kinetics and the asymptotic, long time values of the dynamic properties. Possible explanations for such behavior in terms of microstructure evolution are presented and discussed.