Structure, Thermodynamics, Mechanical Properties and Glassy Dynamics in Anisotropic Polymeric Materials

Abstract

A dynamical theory has been developed for the onset or crossover temperature (Tc) to highly non-Arrenhius activated relaxation regime in deeply supercooled polymer liquids. Alignment and/or deformation modify thermodynamic and structural properties thereby inducing anisotropic segmental dynamics. Either suppression or elevation of ( Tc) is predicted depending on the nature of anisotropy. Results have been obtained for liquid crystalline polymers, thin films, rubber networks and grafted polymer brushes. The underlying mechanism for ( Tc) shifts is this theory is anisotropy of the degree of coil interpenetration.