Shear-Induced Phase Separation in Polymer Solutions

Abstract

We examine spinodal decomposition induced in sheared semidilute polymer solutions which were stable in quiescent states. We find a transverse elastic force acting on polymers. It causes a diffusive flux of polymers from lower to higher concentration regions in mechanical equilibrium. This mechanism can also explain formation of a slipping layer in capillary flows. The scattering amplidue is also calculated in weak shear.