Enthalpy Relaxation as a Function of Aging Temperature for Poly-Cyanobiphenyl Hexylacrylate Analyzed by Activation-Energy-Spectrum Model

ABSTRACT

Excess enthalpy was measured during thermal aging for poly(6-(4′-cyanobiphenyl-4-yloxy) hexylacrylate) at various temperatures. The relaxation behavior was analyzed on the basis of the activation-energy spectrum (AES) model. The relaxation time was evaluated and its dependence on the aging temperature was explained using an Arrhenius-type equation. The apparent activation enthalpy was 220 kJ/mol, lower than those values reported for other polymers. The AES obtained showed a maximum value. The measurement was also carried out with different molecular weights, and the systematic variations could be observed for the AES.

Keywords:

• activation-energy spectrum
• cyanobiphenyl group
• DSC
• enthalpy relaxation
• glass transition
• liquid-crystalline polymer

Notes

M _w: The weight-average molecular weight.

M _n: The number-average molecular weight.

DP: Degree of polymerization was calculated by dividing M _w by molecular weight of the monomer.

T _g1: Determination was described in the text.