The β dielectric relaxation in some methacrylate polymers

Abstract

AbstractDielectric results at frequencies between 6 × 10−4 and 105 Hz are given for the β relaxation region of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA), poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), and poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PisoBMA). Apparent activation energies and relaxation strengths are calculated, as well as the relaxation time distribution and the form factor of the Fuoss‐Kirkwood equation. It is found that in PMMA, PEMA, and PBMA, the activation energy of the β relaxation is the same, the maxima occurring at the same frequency for the same temperatures, in accordance with the dynamic mechanical results of Heijboer, the dielectric results of Mikhailov, and at variance with data of Tetsutani et al. It is also found that the form factor follows the same temperature dependence. Data on the β relaxation of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), not previously reported, are also presented, and the displacement toward high temperatures of the β relaxation of PisoBMA and PHEMA is justified.