HYDROGEN-BONDING MEDIATED SHEAR STABLE CLUSTERS AS DRAG REDUCERS

We show that hydrogen bonding mediated interpolymer complexes can be p owerful drag reducers. The drag reduction levels in such associating p olymer systems go up dramatically by a factor of 2-6, when compared wi th their non-associating polymeric precursors. Their shear stability i s shown to be significantly enhanced too. Preliminary studies have bee n done on these complexes to elucidate their structure and also unders tand the mechanism of their action. The site specific hydrogen bonding is detected by FT IR and NMR studies and the sizes of the molecular c lusters are established by light scattering studies. Shear viscosity s tudies throw some additional light on the shear stability. A prelimina ry mechanistic explanation has been offered for the observed enhanceme nt in shear stability. The present studies are likely to lead to the d evelopment of a new class of shear stable polymers with potential appl ications as drag reducers, additives in lubricating oils, etc.