Minimal model for beta relaxation in viscous liquids

TL;DR

This paper introduces a minimal double-well potential model with a single order parameter to explain beta relaxation in viscous liquids and glasses, successfully accounting for hysteresis phenomena observed in dielectric measurements.

Contribution

The paper proposes a simple, structure-dependent model for beta relaxation that explains hysteresis effects in dielectric properties during glass transition.

Findings

Model accounts for hysteresis in dielectric beta loss peak frequency and magnitude.

Successfully tested on tripropylene glycol data.

Provides a unified framework for relaxation in viscous liquids and glasses.

Abstract

Contrasts between beta relaxation in equilibrium viscous liquids and glasses are rationalized in terms of a double-well potential model with structure-dependent asymmetry, assuming structure is described by a single order parameter. The model is tested for tripropylene glycol where it accounts for the hysteresis of the dielectric beta loss peak frequency and magnitude during cooling and reheating through the glass transition.