Continuous Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions: The Effect of Polydispersity on the Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium

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Abstract
Owing to their very large number, the composition of polymers is usually described by continuous distribution functions. A version of thermodynamics–called continuous thermodynamics–is established which is based directly on a continuous distribution function instead of the mole fractions, weight fractions, etc. of individual components or pseudocomponents. This continuous thermodynamics is applicable to all complex multicomponent systems such as petroleum, coal-derived liquids, tars, and polymers. Continuous thermodynamics is used in this paper for treating the influence of polymer polydispersity on the liquid-liquid equilibrium of polymer solutions. From a practical point of view, the main advantages of continuous thermodynamics in comparison with the pseudocomponent method are fewer convergence problems and a drastic reduction of computer time.