Shear Genius: Advances in Rheology for Polymer Chemists

Rheological measurements are among the simplest and most informative ways to discover the dynamics of polymeric fluids and solids. Join Ronald Larson of University of Michigan as he discusses how linear and non-linear measurements offer critical first-pass assessments of polymer processability including behavior under conditions relevant to film blowing, extrusion, and injection molding. Attendees will gain insight into how rheology can serve as a cost-effective proxy for determining molecular structure and predicting performance during processing.

Then, discover an emerging class of vitrimers (covalently cross-linked polymer networks) exhibiting dynamic, associative bond exchange mechanisms. This unique exchange preserves network integrity under stress while enabling thermal reprocessing which offers a promising pathway toward chemically robust, yet recyclable materials. Ralm Ricarte of Florida A&M University–Florida State University will share recent advancements in the understanding of structure–rheology relationships in polystyrene-based vitrimer systems, highlighting a combined theoretical and experimental approach.

This ACS Webinar is moderated by Thaiesha Wright of UCLA and is co-produced by the ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering.

What You Will Learn:
- How to interpret small amplitude oscillatory shear data in relation to polymer microstructure
- Key distinctions among nonlinear rheological measurements, including shear vs. extensional flow
- The connection between rheological signatures and processing or product performance
- A historical and mechanistic overview of dynamic covalent cross-linking in polymer networks
- How rheology bridges macroscopic observations with microscopic phenomena in evolving polymer systems
- The effects of molecular architecture and temperature on the linear viscoelastic behavior of vitrimers