Role of Stress-optical Rule in Rheo-optics

Abstract

We briefly introduce some applications of the rheo-optics based on birefringence measurements in order to discuss future challenges of the method. In these applications, the stress-optical rule, which is the proportionality of birefringence and stress, is modified to apply to complex systems having multiple stress origins. We show that the modified rule is very effective to clarify the microscopic origin of stress. The examples are semiflexible polymer solutions, reinforcement effect of silica particles filled rubber, and flow induced structure of wormlike micellar solutions.