The Hertzian Spectrum of Rubber and Its Micellar Constitution

Abstract

Abstract The spectra which were studied lie within the region of hertzian frequencies, and can be represented either by dispersion curves showing the dielectric constant of the substance as a function of the frequency (or wave length λ), or by absorption curves showing the loss angle as a function of this frequency. These two types of curves represent the same phenomenon, i.e., orientation of the dipolar molecules in the alternating electric field, in accordance with the theory of Debye. The spectra and their interpretation depend chiefly on whether the molecules are crystalloid with relatively small and similar dimensions, or are colloidal, with large and unequal dimensions. In the first case, the spectra gives evidence chiefly on the form of the molecules and their structural features. Dilution in a nonpolar solvent shows for certain dipolar compounds, e.g., alcohol, considerable deformations, which differ according to the solvent. In the case of colloids, e.g., rubber, which has a permanent moment, the spectra and the meaning of these spectra are far different. In this case the spectra indicate that the absorption and dispersion values in the hertzian region are closely related to the micellar constitution, i.e., to the different types of micelles, to their size, and to the proportion of each type.