Shear-induced metastable states of end-grafted polystyrene

Authors:
  • EYEric J. Yearley
    Eric J. Yearley
  • MJMichael S. Jablin
    Michael S. Jablin
  • RGRobert D. Gilbertson
    Robert D. Gilbertson
  • ALAdrienne S. Lavine
    Adrienne S. Lavine
  • JMJaroslaw Majewski
    Jaroslaw Majewski
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The in situ molecular scale response of end-grafted polystyrene to shear against a deuterated polystyrene melt was investigated with neutron reflectometry. The derived grafted polystyrene density profiles showed that the grafted polystyrene was retained on the quartz wafer during the measurements. The profiles suggested that the end-grafted polystyrene response to shear results in a series of metastable states, rather than equilibrium states assumed in the current theory. Except for some possible extension and/or contraction of the grafted polystyrene with shear, there was no obvious correlation between the grafted polymer structure and the shear thinning behavior observed in these samples.
Funding Information
  • U.S. Department of Energy

This publication has 42 references indexed in Scilit: