Exploring viscoelastic characteristics of polymer-water solutions by viscometric analysis

Abstract

Addition of small concentrations of certain high molecular weight polymers to flowing fluids can drastically reduce the turbulent friction. The mechanism is caused by the interaction of the elongated polymer molecule chains and the solvent molecules. The elongated structure of polymer acts as an eddy stress absorber and in turns ensures overall drag reduction between fluid layers. This can also be stated as the development of viscoelastic nature in the subject fluid. The present study compares the effects of the addition of two polymers namely polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) in water, a Newtonian fluid. An experimental study using a viscometer is analyzed to showcase the viscoelastic nature developed by water on addition of polymers over a range of ppm concentrations. The results are in agreement with data reported in literature that viscoelastic nature is triggered on addition of these polymers.