Polymer Viscoelasticity

This lecture covers the viscoelastic behavior of polymeric materials, focusing on the molecular weight dependence of the steady flow viscosity and stress relaxation modulus. It discusses mechanical models like Maxwell and Kelvin/Voigt, the responses of materials to stress, and the molecular dynamics of polymer chains. The presentation delves into the Rouse and Zimm models, the reptation theory, and the Boltzmann superposition principle. It also explores the Williams-Landel-Ferry equation for melt viscosity, rheology concepts, and the impact of entanglement on the viscoelastic properties of polymers.