A Rheological Model for the Interface of Immiscible Polymer Melt in Blending Process

We used an area density tensor as an interface variable of immiscible polymer blend. A phenomenological model for the evolution of such area density tensor in flow fields was established based on the concept of non-equilibrium thermodynamics of complex polymeric fluids, without the limitations of passive mixing. Phase deformation, break up, relaxation, coalescence effect, as well as non-affine deformation of the dispersed phase with matrix are all considered in the model. The model predictions show that interfacial slip greatly affects the morphology evolution. The influences of other factors, such as volume fraction, shear rate, interfacial tension, and viscosity ratio, on interfacial area development are also discussed.