On the Theory of Relaxation in the Glass Transition Region

Abstract

Abstract To begin with, relaxation equations will be generally examined within the framework of the thermo-dynamics of irreversible processes. The relaxation in the glass transition region specifically proves to be a non-linear process which resembles an accelerated or retarded autocatalytic reaction. Therefore it is physically not very useful to split the relaxation in the glass transition region into a sum of linear re-laxation mechanisms. The linear response theory and the concept of normal modes lose their validity.