VISCOSITY OF POLYSTYRENE NEAR GLASS TRANSITION

A quantitative explanation is given for the apparent viscosity increase with increasing capillary shear rate for polystyrene at temperatures approaching the glass transition, Tg. Possible shifts in Tg as a function of the parameters shear rate, frequency, and pressure are interrelated to viscosity changes. Experimentally, the Instron capillary rheometer and the Weissenberg rheogoniometer provided a means for uncoupling the variables for individual consideration. Calculated and experimental data for the apparent viscosity as a function of the given parameters are presented and discussed. The explanation of the apparent viscosity increase in capillary flow can be quantitatively explained through the pressure dependence of Tg. Brief mention is made of the pressure effects on the Bagley and Rabinowitsch corrections normally made in capillary measurements. Copyright © 1969 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.