Comparison Between Volume and Enthalpy Relaxations in Non-crystalline Solids Based on the Fictive Relaxation Rate

The volume and enthalpy relaxation rate of inorganic glasses and organic polymeric materials subjected to temperature jump T has been analyzed. It is shown that the relaxation behavior in isothermal conditions can be compared on the basis of the fictive relaxation rate defined as R_f=(dT_f/dlogt)_i. No significant difference between volume and enthalpy relaxation rate has been found for all materials examined. A simple equation relating the R_f and parameters of Tool-Naraynaswamy-Moynihan (TNM) phenomenological model has been derived. This equation predicts increasing R_f with the magnitude of temperature jump. It seems that correct determination of TNM parameters might be problematic for slowly relaxing polymers as the effect of these parameters becomes comparable with experimental uncertainty.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Application of solvent extraction and synchronous spectrofluorimetry to the determination of the formation constant for a 1:1 complex of carbazole withβ-cyclodextrin in water-dimethyl sulfoxide medium

Extraction of carbazole in heptane was performed at 25±1°C with an aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) medium containing -cyclodextrin (CD) at consecutive concentrations in the range of 0–10 mM. The fluorescence intensity of carbazole remaining in the heptane phase was measured by synchronous scanning fluorimetry. The apparent formation constant (K _f) for a 1:1 carbazole: CD inclusion complex in water-DMSO medium was determined by using a linear plot of the distribution ratio calculated from the fluorescence intensities vs. the -CD concentration. The values thus obtained ranged from 477 M^–1 in a 10% v/v DMSO medium to 12.1 M^–1 in a 60% v/v medium. Good linear relationships were observed between logK _f and the DMSO concentration ([DMSO]), and also between logK _f and the logarithm of the distribution coefficient (K _d) for carbazole. The formation constant in 100% water was estimated to be approximately 1.0×10³ M^–1 on the basis of the logK _f vs. [DMSO] and the logK _f vs. logK _d correlations.     

On the dielectric glass relaxation process of polymers: Ball-like labels in polystyrene

Ball-like molecules with strong dipoles (labels) were mixed with technical polystyrene (PS168N) in low concentrations (<0.5% wt) and measured dielectrically in the frequency range 10^–2–10⁷ Hz, and the temperature range 100°–135°C (glass relaxation region). The measurements showed that these ball-like molecules relax cooperatively with the polymeric segments with relaxation times lying at the high-frequency tail of the glass process. The activation energy of the main label process is found to be very similar to that of the glass process of the polystyrene segments and also has the same temperature dependence. This finding implies the existence of an additional mode of relaxation in the dielectric spectrum of the glass process of polystyrene (compared to polyisoprene). Considering the different behavior of the ball-like molecules in polystyrene and polyisoprene and the temperature dependence of the half-width of dielectric loss peak in different polymers, we suggest that the polymers could be classified into three classes according to the available dielectric relaxation modes in the glass process. In addition, the label molecules showed a high-frequency local relaxation process. The relaxation strength ratio of the local process (X _local) to the total relaxation strength of the label was found to be dependent on the volume of the label. This phenomenon could supply a new method for the determination of the mean size of the holes (voids) representing the free volume of the host matrix.     

Thermodynamic Properties and Kinetics of the Physical Ageing of Amorphous Glucose, Fructose, and Their Mixture

The physical ageing characteristics of glucose, fructose, and their mixtures were studied using standard differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The inflection, onset, midpoint,half-height, and endpoint glass transition temperature (T _g), fictive temperature (T _f), and relaxation enthalpy (H) were measured as a function of ageing time. The relationship between H and T _f was evaluated. The time dependence of H was fit using the Cowie and Ferguson model. The ageing rate was expressed in terms of the average relaxation time (<>) and the entropy production (P). It was found that the fructose component decreased the rate of ageing of the mixtures.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Correlation between dipolar TSDC and AC dielectric spectroscopy at the PVDF glass transition

The α_a-mode (associated to the dynamic glass transition) in PVDF-α has been studied by Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Currents (TSDC) and Dielectric Spectroscopy (DS) techniques. The distribution of relaxation parameters, reorientation energies, characteristic temperature, and preexponential factors of the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher relaxation times have been precisely determined by using the Simulated Annealing Direct Signal Analysis applied to a partially discharged TSDC α_a peak. This distribution has been used to predict the variation of the dielectric loss, ε″(ω, T), in the temperature and frequency range where the DS measurements were made on the same material. The simulated ε′(T, ω) for various ω, are compared to the experimental values. The width of the peak is always too low, due to the restricted distribution used for the generation of the curves. A relaxation map including the TSDC results is used to determine the relaxation time variation. In the limited frequency range where the AC DS experiments are performed (10² ≤ f ≤ 10⁵ Hz) a master curve is drawn and the exponents of the frequency dependence are found at low and high frequency; also, a fitting to the Havriliak–Negami distribution is successfully performed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35 : 2483–2493, 1997     

Photon correlation spectroscopy of syndiotactic poly (n-butyl methacrylate) near the glass transition

Slow relaxing longitudinal density fluctuations in bulk syndiotactic poly (n-butyl methacrylate) [PBMA] were studied by photon correlation spectroscopy as a function of temperature from 70 to 90°C. The shape of the light-scattering relaxation function broadened as the temperature approached the glass transition (T_g = 55°C). The average relaxation time shifted with temperature, consistent with previous studies of PBMA. The relaxation functions were analyzed in terms of a distribution of relaxation rates. The calculated distribution was clearly bimodal and the shape altered with temperature. The higher frequency peak in the distribution corresponds well with previous mechanical and dielectric relaxation studies of the intramolecular relaxation of the acrylate ester side chain. The resolution of the distribution into two modes is due to a well-defined side-chain motion with relaxation strength comparable to the primary glass-rubber relaxation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

On the relaxation/transformation of NiO-dissolved TiO2 condensates with fluorite-type derived structures

Nd-YAG-laser pulse irradiation of clamped Ni/Ti plates in oxygen was employed to synthesize fluorite-type (f) derived TiO₂ condensates dissolved up to 5 at% Ni²⁺ of the cations. The nanocondensates less than 20 nm in size are nearly cubo-octahedral in shape and tended to transform martensitically to monoclinic (m) baddeleyite-type following the crystallographic relationship (100)_f//(110)_m; [001]_f//[001]_m. The condensates twice larger in size, with considerable matrix constraint, are nearly spherical in shape and consist of mosaic m-twin variants following complicated crystallographic relationships with each other and with the relic f-phase: (010)_f//()_m; [001]_f//[001]_m. The charge and volume compensating oxygen vacancies due to NiO dissolution in the dense TiO₂ condensates could facilitate the relaxation and amorphization process.     

Boundary conditions in the theory of the relaxation field

The perturbationf _ji ^' generated by an external field in the distribution function is derived by integration of the Onsager-Fuoss equation of continuity. The solution isf _ji ^' (r)=C(I+Ah₁+Bh₂) whereCI is a particular integral andh ₁ andh ₂ are solutions of the homogeneous equation. The physical significance of the boundary conditions which evaluate the constantsA andB is discussed. It is then shown that the conditionf _ji ^' () 0 requiresB=0 and that the condition lim(f _ji ^' /n²) 0 at zero concentration is satisfied if and only ifA=–1.     

Dielectric and Magnetic Relaxations Exhibited in a 2D Parallel Interpenetrating Frustrated Star Net

Constructing multiple functional geometric frustration magnets is a hot topic in solid state chemistry and material science. Herein, a two-dimensional (2D) parallel interpenetrating “star” net complex [HDMPDA][Fe₆(μ₃-O)₂(μ-O₂CH)₁₅] ( 1 ) was obtained successfully with HDMPDA (DMPDA=N, N’-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine) as charge balancer. The dipole reorientation of the rotator [HDMPDA]⁺ in the complex brings a structure transition which leads dielectric relaxation close to room temperature. Despite strong antiferromagnetic coupling existing between ions in the net, long-range order temperature T_N of the complex is suppressed to 4.2 K by geometric frustration. Interestingly, below T_N, a canted antiferromagnetic state, accompanied with slow magnetic relaxation, is detected due to the lack of enough magnetic coupling between 2D layers. Thus, 1 is a particular multifunctional magnetic frustration material containing two different types of relaxations.     

Dielectric relaxation of ball-like labels in polyisoprene

Ball-like molecules with strong dipoles (labels) were mixed with synthetic polyisoprene (IR305) in low concentrations (<1%) and measured dielectrically in the frequency range 10^–2–10⁷ Hz and the temperature range –70–0°C (glass relaxation region). Calorimetric measurements showed that this type of label has a plasticizing effect on the polymeric matrix. The dielectric measurements showed that these ball-like molecules relax through cooperative rotations with the polymeric segments and at the same relaxation frequency. In addition, the label molecules showed a high-frequency local relaxation process. The relaxation strength ratio of the local process (X _local) to the total relaxation strength of the label was found to be dependent on the volume as well as on the shape of the label. A comparison between the relaxation behaviors of the ball-and rod-like molecules, having the same volume, showed that the length of the label is also an important parameter for the determination of the local contribution as well as of the cooperative relaxation mechanism of the label. The label relaxation process is discussed in relation to the molecular packing of the host polymer.     

Simulation of the Glass Transition

Enthalpic relaxation has been used to model the development of the glass transition in polymers, using kinetic parameters determined separately. For this purpose the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watt stretched exponential function, relating the extent of relaxation, Φ(t), to time t and an average relaxation time, τ_a, i.e.

Ion-dipole interactions of macrocyclic ethers using13C dipole-dipole relaxation time measurements. Part XI: The complexation of 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxa-2,6-dioxocyclooctadecane with Ca2+ in CD3OH

The association constants,K _a, of Ca²⁺ complexes with the nonequivalent binding site macrocycle,1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxa-2,6-dioxocyclooctadecane, were determined in CD₃OH solution using¹³C dipole-dipole relaxation time,T ₁ ^DD , studies. The measurements ofT ₁ ^DD of the macrocyclic backbone for different stoichiometries (n:m) of complex formation were conducted under extreme narrowing experimental NMR conditions. The general equilibria given with 1/K _a[L ₀] ^n+m–1 = (1-nP) ⁿ (1-mP) ^m /P was used for identical cation and macrocyclic ether-ester concentrations in CD₃OH and the association constants found were comparatively small depending on the cyclic ether-ester segments. The logK _a values varied from 1.09 to 0.231 for 1 :1 and from 2.43 to 3.61 for 1 : 2 and from 2.29 to 4.24 for 2 : 1 ligand to cation complex stoichiometries.Presented at the Sixth International Seminar on Inclusion Compounds, Istanbul, Turkey, 27–31 August, 1995.     

Molecular motion and interactions in aqueous carbohydrate solutions. III. A combined nuclear magnetic and dielectric-relaxation strategy

A strategy is developed for the complementary use of dielectric and nuclear magnetic relaxation methods to elucidate the molecular dynamics in aqueous solutions of small hydrophilic molecules, and hence determine extents of hydration. The nuclear magnetic relaxation data, as well as characterizing the motional properties of various carbohydrate solutes, is used here to test alternative models for the resolution of the dielectric spectra into their component relaxation processes. This approach results in a much more confident analysis of solvent relaxation properties than has in the past been usual, to yield information relating to the extents of hydration of small sugars and the possible orientation-specific nature of this hydration. It is demonstrated that the dielectric relaxation of the sugar molecules themselves is unequivocally not due to the reorientation of the whole molecule and most likely is dominated by the rotation of hydrate side chain groups (hydroxyls and hydroxymethyl). In proton magnetic relaxation studies of glucose in D₂O it is observed that one particular proton (H-1 in the -form only) is extremely susceptible to inter-molecular proton-proton interactions while the remaining protons are very effectively shielded. This observation is shown to be fully consistent with the conformational and hydration properties of glucose.     

Calorimetric and Dielectric Investigations of Glass Transition in Intermediate Glass-forming Liquid

The calorimetric glass transition and dielectric dynamics of -relaxation in propylene glycol (PG) and its five oligomers (polypropylene glycol, PPG) have been investigated by the modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and the broadband dielectric spectroscopy. From the temperature dependence of heat capacity of PPGs, it is clarified that the glass transition temperature (T_g) and the glass transition region are affected by the heating rate. The kinetic changes of PG and PPGs near T_g strongly depend on the underlying heating rate. With increasing the molecular mass of PPGs, the fragility derived from the relaxation time against temperature also increases. The PG monomer is stronger than its oligomers, PPGs, because of the larger number density of the —OH end group which tends to construct the intermolecular network structure. Adam-Gibbs (AG) theory could still hold for MDSC results due to the fact that the dielectric relaxation time can be related to the configurational entropy.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Structural analysis of water adsorbed in silica gel

The melting point, T _f of water in a pore decreases as the surface area to pore volume ratio of the pore decreases. Analysis of water absorbed in the pores of silica gels using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) shows that the thickness of the bound, non-freezing water layer adjacent to the pore surface increases as its temperature increases, but that it is independent of the surface silanol concentration, [Si_sOH]. In contrast, the thickness decreases as the cylindrical pore radius r _H decreases. Thus, the increase in the bound water thickness from 0.45 nm for gels with r _H =1.2 nm to 1.2 nm for gels with r _H =7.5 nm is due to the increase from –53°C to –7°C of the temperature (e.g., the melting point T _f ) at which the bound water thickness was measured, and not due to the increase in t _H or the decrease in [Si_sOH]. The T _f of bulk water measured in a DSC was –0.3°C. The boiling point T _v of bulk water measured in a DSC was 81.3°C. T _v increased to 94°C in 7.5 nm pores and to 109°C K in 1.2 nm pores.     

Computer simulation study of bulk atactic polystyrene in the vicinity of the glass transition

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of bulk atactic polystyrene have been performed in a temperature range from 100 K to 650 K at atmospheric pressure. Local translational mobility has been investigated by measuring the mean square translational displacements of monomers. The long-time asymptotic slope of these dependencies is 0.54 at T>T_g, showing Rouse behavior. Cross-over from motion in the cage to Rouse like dynamics has been studied at T>T_g with a characteristic crossover time follows a power law behavior as a function of T, as predicted by mode-coupling theory (MCT). Local orientational mobility has been studied via the orientational autocorrelation functions, ACFs, (Legendre polynomials of the first and second, order) of both the main-chain and side-group bonds. The relaxation times of the orientational α-relaxation follow the same power law (γ∼2.9) as the characteristic translational diffusion time. Below T>T_g both types of dynamics are described by the same activated law. The ACFs time-distribution functions reveal the existence of activated local rearrangements already above T>T_g.     

Studies on the equilibria in Ag(I) - 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane and Ag(I) - 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane systems in water

Summary Protonation constants of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (T ACT) and 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (TMT ACT) (=0.1) were determined bypH-metry. The values are logK ₁=10.922, logK ₂=10.511, logK ₃=2.646, logK ₄=1.620 forT ACT, and logK ₁=9.387, logK ₂=9.050, logK ₃=2.491, logK ₄=1.380 forTMTACT. Absorption maxima of the complexes AgTA CT(NO₃)₂ and AgTMTACT(NO₃)₂ were found to be ₁=280 nm, ₂=350 nm, and ₁=290 nm, ₂=400 nm, respectively. The disproportionation constants of Ag(I) ions in the presence of the amines were determined by potentiometry: forTA CT logK _d =12.778, and forTMT ACT logK _d =11.778. The mechanisms of the electrode processes taking place in solutions of the complexes under investigation were examined by means of chronovoltamperometric and coulometric measurements. The formal potential,E _f ⁰ , of the system: AgTMT ACT ²⁺+e AgTMT ACT ⁺ is +0.450 V vs. NHE.

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Untersuchungen zu den Gleichgewichten Ag(I) -1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradekan und Ag(I) -1,4,8,11-Tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradekan in Wasser

Zusammenfassung Die Protonierungskonstanten von 1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradekan (TACT) und 1,4,8,11-Tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradekan (TMT ACT) wurdenpH-metrisch bei =0.1 bestimmt. Folgende Werte wurden ermittelt: logK ₁=10.922, logK ₂=10.511, logK ₃=2.646, logK ₄=1.620 fürTACT und logK ₁=9.387, logK ₂=9.050, logK ₃=2.491, logK ₄=1.380 fürTMT ACT. Die Absorptionsmaxima der Komplexe AgTACT(NO₃)₂ und AgTMTACT(NO₃)₂ waren ₁=280 nm, ₂=350 nm, bzw. ₁=290 nm, ₂=400 nm. Die Disproportionierungskonstanten der Ag(I)-Ionen in Gegenwart der Amine wurden potentiometrisch bestimmt: logK _d =12.778 fürTACT und logK _d =11.778 fürTMTACT. Der Mechanismus des Elektrodenprozesses in den Komplexlösungen wurde mittels Chronovoltamperometrie und Coulometrie überprüft. Das formale PotentialE _f ⁰ des Systems AgTMT ACT ²⁺+eAgTMT ACT ⁺ ist +0.450 V gegenüber NHE.

     

Structural Relaxation in Amorphous Solids Studied by Thermal Analysis Methods

Structural relaxation for simple and more complex thermal histories is described by a phenomenological model based on a non-exponential relaxation function, the reduced-time concept and the nonlinear structural contribution to the relaxation time. The history, development of experimental techniques and data analysis is described. It is shown that the volume and enthalpy relaxation response can conveniently be compared on the basis of a fictive relaxation rate, R _f. A simple equation relating R _f and the parameters of the phenomenological model is given. The calculated data for moderate departures from equilibrium are in good agreement with our experiments and data previously reported in the literature. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electroreflection Spectra of Polycrystalline Gallium in Acidic Solutions

Electroreflection spectra of solid gallium in aqueous acidic solutions have a term associated with the electromodulation of the minimum distance abetween water molecules and the ionic core of the metal, which especially heavily affects the spectra at higher frequencies f _mof modulation of potential E. The quantity da/dE –0.1 × 10^–8cm/V is determined. Spectra obtained at low f _mhave bands corresponding to charge transfer in the surface complexes formed during water chemisorption.