Dynamics and rheology of ring-linear blend semidilute solutions in extensional flow. Part I: Modeling and molecular simulations

We use Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations and single molecule experiments to investigate the influence of topological constraints hydrodynamic interactions on rheology solutions ring-linear polymer blends at overlap concentration. find agreement between simulation experiment in which rings solution exhibit large conformational fluctuations. A subpopulation shows extension overshoots startup flow, other populations display tumbling tank-treading steady state. Ring fluctuations increase with blend fraction linear polymers are peaked a ring Weissenberg number Wi R ≈ 1.5. On contrary, pure show peak critical coil-stretch = 0.5. BD that flow due flow-induced intermolecular hooks, whereas state dominated by (HIs). This is supported bidisperse blends, similar trends matched contour length. Compared simulations, quantitatively larger fluctuations, could arise because performed higher molecular weight stronger constraints. To this end, we have advanced understanding effects HIs semidilute solutions.