Linear viscoelastic models: Part II. Recovery of the molecular weight distribution using viscosity data

The constitutive models for the viscoelasticity of polymers are presented for determining molecular weight distributions (MWDs) from viscosity measurements. The inversion of this model derived from control theory and melt calibration procedure connects the relaxation modulus, viscosity, and other flow properties of a polymer. The linear principle enables simultaneous and accurate modelling of the relaxation modulus and of viscosity flow curves over a wide range. Starting from viscosity measurements, the new model is used to determine the MWD, linear viscoelastic relaxation moduli, and the relaxation spectra of polyethylene of different grades. In addition, two benchmark analyses of bimodal polystyrene are reported, and the capability of the model is proven by the two-box test of Malkin. The error of the modelled viscosity is smaller than that for previously reported models. One of the main features of this work is that no relaxation time or spectrum procedures were used to generate and model linear viscoelasticity.