Introduction to Relaxations and Diffusion in Polymers

Kenneth A. Mauritz
School of Polymers and High Performance
University of Southern Mississippi

A short course survey of long/short range motions of polymer molecules mainly in relation to mechanical and thermal properties, as well as to diffusion processes I. Mechanical Relaxations - Viscoelasticity A. Creep, stress relaxation, Instron test, dynamic mechanical analysis, viscoelastic models, relaxation time B. Free volume and the glass transition C. Factors influencing Tg D. Time-temperature superposition, WLF equation E. Long and short range motions in polymers F. Physical aging of glassy polymers II. Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy A. Nature of dielectric relaxation -theory B. Temperature dependence of relaxations C. Distribution of relaxation time and Cole-Cole plots D. Applications of dielectric relaxation/electrical impedance spectroscopy III. Diffusion in Polymers A. General concepts B. Measurement of diffusion C. Rubbery vs. glassy state diffusion D. Diffusion of gases, organics, water, plasticizers E. Applications of diffusion processes

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For questions or further information about the various short courses offered
please e-mail: Dr. Ken Mauritz at Kenneth.Mauritz@usm.edu