Predicted effect of polydispersity on rodlike polymer behaviour in concentrated solutions (Q799170)

Rheological theories of concentrated solutions of rigid rods have recently been developed, but they are only applicable to the monodisperse polymers. In the present work the authors have extended the particular theories of \textit{M. Doi} [Ferroelectrics 30, 247-254 (1980) and J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Edu. 19, 229-243 (1981)] and of \textit{M. Doi} and \textit{S. F. Edwards} [J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. II, 74, 560-570 and 918-932 (1978)] and have derived the constitutive equation of polydisperse rodlike polymers in concentrated solutions. They have worked out in detail, various rheological predictions, and their theoretical results compare favourably with experimental work on rigid polymers. This is a well-written paper that would be of considerable interest to those researching in polymers.