Further investigations of solid n -paraffins (Repulsion potential and compressibility)

Abstract

Experiments are made on the compressibilities of solid n -paraffins. The lattice deformations due to pressure are measured with the aid of X-rays, the pressures ranging between 700 and 1500 atm. It is found that the linear compressibilities in a plane normal to the chain axes are of the order of 3 to 12 x 10 -12 cm. 2 /dyne. The compressibility in the direction of the chain is less than 3 x 10 -13 cm. 2 /dyne. Numerical estimates show that the repulsive forces between paraffin chains have their origin essentially in the hydrogen shells that surround the carbon chain. The forces are of the same order as those existing between helium atoms.