Dynamic coil – extended chain phase transition in the longitudinal field

The uncoiling of chains of high molecular weight polystyrene in dilute solutions under the influence of a longitudinal hydrodynamic field has been investigated. The experimental results were interpreted in the framework of a non‐linear dumbbell model for a macromolecule with varying friction coefficient. It is shown that a stationary virtually completely uncoiled state of the macromolecules is developed in the longitudinal field requiring a continuous supply of mechanical energy, which may be referred to the class of spatial dissipative structures.