Correlation function formula for the intrinsic viscosity of dilute polymer solutions

Abstract

The correlation function formalism for the intrinsic viscosity of polymers is studied. A controversy concerning the correct force to use in the momentum flux is resolved. It is shown that when the diffusion equation is used in the full configuration space of polymer segments the forces entering the momentum flux are purely mechanical and there is no entropic contribution. A comparison is made with Kirkwood’s theory of viscoelastic behavior. The correlation function expression we advocate is shown to yield the correct high frequency limiting behavior for the case of elastic dumbbells.