Dielectric Study of Homogeneity in Some Binary Liquids in Their Supercooled State

Abstract

In this work, we report a dielectric study of some binary mixtures in their supercooled region over a frequency range of 106 to 10−3 Hz. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements have been made above 100K. The samples studied here are DL-lactic acid (88% in aqueous solution), binary mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and acetic acid, of propylene glycol and cyclohexanol, and of 4-methyl-3-heptanol and tritolyl phosphate. The frequency dispersion of the relaxation spectra and the temperature dependence of the relaxation process have been critically examined for heterogeneity. The mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and acetic acid reveal a 1:1 complex formation. Some evidence of heterogeneity was found only in mixtures of 4-methyl-3-heptanol and tritolyl phosphate. For comparison, we have also studied liquid mixtures of isopropylbenzene with small quantities of acetone or fluorobenzene. These mixtures showed no signs of heterogeneity, although the relaxation spectra are broader than the spectrum of pure isopropylbenzene.