Shear-Resistant Drag Reduction Polymers. Part 1. Molecular Investigations of Polymer Drag Reduction and the Development of Laboratory Screening Methods
Abstract
Polyacrylic acid (PAA) is a water-soluble polymer that is well suited for studying molecular influences on polymer drag reduction behavior since its polymer chain conformation and size in water are extremely sensitive to solution conditions. Effects of PAA molecular weight and solution factors such as pH and water quality were investigated. Solution pH is the most important factor governing conformation of polyelectrolytes such as PAA; a higher pH (leading to size expansion) gives a polymer drag reduction. As is known, molecular weight is an intrinsic factor in polymer drag reduction. Another critical factor for PAA drag reduction is water quality, since mineral ions present in water can induce collapse of the polymer molecules and subsequently, the drag reduction becomes null. However, in mineral-free water (obtained by either demineralization or chemical treatment), PAA drag reduction is remarkable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223353
Entities
People
- Ling-siu Choi
- Oh-kil Kim
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory