Molecular Weight Distribution of Linear Polymers from Stress Relaxation in Polymer Melts

Abstract

The method of Menefee and Peticolas for obtaining the molecular weight distribution of linear polymers from stress relaxation after steady‐state flow has been applied to data on melt samples: a linear polyethylene and polystyrene sample. The results offer considerable promise for a rapid estimation of the high molecular portion of the distribution curve. The method is based on a rather straightforward extension of the theory of Roase to bulk molten polymers. A discussion of the validity of this process is given in the light of recent developments.