Small and large scale segmental motion in polymers: Estimating cooperativity length by ordinary relaxation experiments

We derive a suitable expression for estimating the size of the cooperatively rearranging regions (CRRs) in supercooled polymer melts by fitting data worked out by ordinary relaxation experiments carried out in isothermal conditions. As an example, the average CRR size in poly(n-butyl methacrylate) in proximity to the glass transition temperature is derived from a stress relaxation experiment performed by means of an atomic force microscopy setup. Good agreement is found with results in the literature derived from measurements of temperature fluctuations (the so-called Donth method). The temperature dependence of the CRR size is explored for poly(butadiene); in this case the segmental relaxation function is derived through a novel method for the analysis of the efficiency with which free induction decay echoes are refocused in 1H NMR experiments. It is found that the CRR size increases upon cooling. The results derived from the analysis of the NMR data are found to be in satisfactory agreement with those worked out from broadband dielectric spectroscopy data in the literatur

Structure of matter: an introductory course with problems and solutions

This textbook, now in its third edition, provides a formative introduction to the structure of matter that will serve as a sound basis for students proceeding to more complex courses, thus bridging the gap between elementary physics and topics pertaining to research activities. The focus is deliberately limited to key concepts of atoms, molecules and solids, examining the basic structural aspects without paying detailed attention to the related properties. For many topics the aim has been to start from the beginning and to guide the reader to the threshold of advanced research. This edition includes four new chapters dealing with relevant phases of solid matter (magnetic, electric and superconductive) and the related phase transitions. The book is based on a mixture of theory and solved problems that are integrated into the formal presentation of the arguments. Readers will find it invaluable in enabling them to acquire basic knowledge in the wide and wonderful field of condensed matter and to understand how phenomenological properties originate from the microscopic, quantum features of nature

Structure of Matter: An Introductory Course with Problems and Solutions

This is the second edition of this textbook, the original of which was published in 2007. Initial undergraduate studies in physics are usually in an organized format devoted to elementary aspects, which is then followed by advanced programmes in specialized fields. A difficult task is to provide a formative introduction in the early period, suitable as a base for courses more complex, thus bridging the wide gap between elementary physics and topics pertaining to research activities. This textbook remains an endeavour toward that goal, and is based on a mixture of simplified institutional theory and solved problems. In this way, the hope is to provide physical insight, basic knowledge and motivation, without impeding advanced learning. The choice has been to limit the focus to key concepts and to those aspects most typical of atoms, molecules and compounds, by looking at the basic, structural components, without paying detailed attention to the properties possessed by them. Problems are intertwined with formal presentations of the arguments presented, designed as an intrinsic part of the pathway by which the student should move in order to grasp the key concepts. The purpose of the blend of intuition–theory exercises in this text is to favour the acquisition of basic knowledge in the wide and wonderful field of condensed matter, with an emphasis on how phenomenological properties originate from the microscopic, quantum features of nature. The text has been completely revised. The subject index has been considerably extended and some figures amended in order to help the reader to better perceive the physical issues. However, the general purpose of this text remains the same as in the first edition

Structure of Matter: An Introductory Course with Problems and Solutions

This is the second edition of this textbook, the original of which was published in 2007. Initial undergraduate studies in physics are usually in an organized format devoted to elementary aspects, which is then followed by advanced programmes in specialized fields. A difficult task is to provide a formative introduction in the early period, suitable as a base for courses more complex, thus bridging the wide gap between elementary physics and topics pertaining to research activities. This textbook remains an endeavour toward that goal, and is based on a mixture of simplified institutional theory and solved problems. In this way, the hope is to provide physical insight, basic knowledge and motivation, without impeding advanced learning. The choice has been to limit the focus to key concepts and to those aspects most typical of atoms, molecules and compounds, by looking at the basic, structural components, without paying detailed attention to the properties possessed by them. Problems are intertwined with formal presentations of the arguments presented, designed as an intrinsic part of the pathway by which the student should move in order to grasp the key concepts. The text has been completely revised. The subject index has been considerably extended and some figures amended in order to help the reader to better perceive the physical issues. However, the general purpose of this text remains the same as in the first edition