Relaxation effects in the liquid-glass transition range

Abstract

The relaxation effects and the kinetics of the liquid-glass transition are controlled by the molecular mobility with a characteristic time [MATH]. In order to calculate [MATH], we present a molecular theory based on microscopic concepts of i) quasi-point defects and ii) atomic correlated motions in disordered matter. This model is compared to other theories presented in the literature. The same physical parameters are used to describe the dynamic mechanical behavior and the thermal properties. Some applications are presented, and the spatial microfluctuations of cohesion and enthalpy are shown to be a key point in the dynamic response of disordered matter.