Continuum modelling of polyelectrolytes in solution
| ISSN: |
1435-1528
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|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Polyelectrolyte ; thermodynamics ; electric polarization ; shear flow
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| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Physics
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| Notes: |
Abstract A phenomenological model for solutions of polyelectrolytes accounting for electromechanical interactions is proposed within the framework of continuum thermodynamics. The modelling involves the conformation of macromolecules in the form of a tensorial “internal variable” and the electric polarization of the solution. The paper aims to demonstrate the possible competition between flow and electricity effects on rigorous phenomenological grounds. Three kinds of dissipative mechanisms are accounted for: viscosity of the solution, electric relaxation and the relaxation of the conformation of macromolecules. Anisotropic effects induced by the applied electric field and flow-induced polarization through changes in conformation are exhibited. These effects are small. By way of application, the problem of the orientation and conformation taken by macromolecules of polyelectrolytes under the combined influence of a simple shear flow and a longitudinal or orthogonal electric bias field is treated in detail and illustrated graphically. Some optical properties are mentioned.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |