Introduction and Objective

Abstract

Viscosimetry is one of the basic analytical methods for examining the structure and the properties of polymer fluids. Many different polymers from varying production processes are utilized in solution in diverse applications. Furthermore, it is possible, by varying the molar mass of one and the same polymer system, to tailor specifically the properties of the polymer to the area of use. Polymers are chain- or thread-shaped molecules that take on a coil-like structure in dilute solutions. Even though the molecule continuously changes its form under the influence of statistic thermodynamic movement, it fills out a constant spherical space in solution over a time average. In principle, a molecule can also take the shape of compact aggregated spherical particles (glycogen, globular proteins), or in the case of ionic polymers take on a linear rod-like structure, since through the same charges on the chain repelling forces are taking effect (Fig. 1.1).