Viscosity of polypropylene oxide solutions over the entire concentration range

An empirical equation is presented which describes polymer solution viscosity, η, over the entire concentration range from a knowledge of intrinsic viscosity, [η], Huggins constant, k′, and bulk flow viscosity of polymer, η 0 . The equation is: {article}{empty}{document}η ₛₚC[η] = exp \ k'[η ]C1 - bC \{document} where solution viscosity, η, is contained in η sp . No arbitrary parameters are invoked since b can be evaluated at bulk polymer (C = polymer density) where everything else is known. The equation accurately portrays the viscosity of polypropylene oxide (PPG 2025) from infinite dilution to bulk polymer in a very good solvent (benzene) and in a somewhat poorer (∼ θ) solvent (methylcyclohexane). The hydrodynamic consequences of the thermodynamic interactions between polymer and solvent are reflected in the constants. This equation should be applicable to other polymer/solvent systems, and thus be immediately useful to those working with concentrated polymer solutions.