The Hydrodynamic Scaling Model for the Dynamics of Non-Dilute Polymer Solutions: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive review of the Hydrodynamic Scaling Model for the dynamics of polymers in dilute and nondilute solutions. The Hydrodynamic Scaling Model differs from some other treatments of non-dilute polymer solutions in that it takes polymer dynamics up to high concentrations to be dominated by solvent-mediated hydrodynamic interactions, with chain crossing constraints presumed to create at most secondary corrections. Many other models take the contrary stand, namely that chain crossing constraints dominate the dynamics of nondilute polymer solutions, while hydrodynamic interactions only create secondary corrections. This article begins with a historical review. We then consider single-chain behavior, in particular the Kirkwood-Riseman model; contradictions between the Kirkwood-Riseman and more familiar Rouse-Zimm models are emphasized. An extended Kirkwood-Riseman model that gives interchain hydrodynamic interactions is developed and applied to generate pseudovirial series for the self-diffusion coefficient and the low-shear viscosity. To extrapolate to large concentrations, rationales based on self-similarity and on the Altenberger-Dahler Positive-Function Renormalization Group are developed and applied to the pseudovirial series for \(D_{s}\) and \(\eta\). Based on the renormalization group method, a two-parameter temporal scaling ansatz is invoked as a path to determining the frequency dependences of the storage and loss moduli. A short description is given for each of the individual papers that developed the Hydrodynamic Scaling Model. Phenomenological evidence supporting aspects of the model is noted. Finally, directions for future development of the Hydrodynamic Scaling Model are presented.