Linking the Viscous and Vacancy Behavior of Mixtures of High-Molecular-Weight Hydrocarbons

A zero-shear viscosity model has now been extended to mixtures of three-branch alkanes with and without cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl attachments. The model links the equilibrium theory of Simha–Somcynsky (SS) statistical thermodynamics of liquids and the Eyring significant structure (ESS) transport theory. The predicted quantity of the hole fraction as a measure of the free volume, computed from the SS equation of state, plays a primary role in the approach to combine both theories. Experimental PVTη data from 310 to 408 K and 0.1 to 344.5 MPa have been used. The proportionality constant of the activation energy and the transmission coefficient have been calculated for each species separately, and they are in the expected trend with the fraction of mixtures. Satisfactory agreement in the prediction of viscosity from the hole fraction has been obtained. The volumetric and viscous data of physical mixtures are predicted from and compared with their chemical correspondence.