Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.657397
Title: Reorientation dynamics in condensed phases
Author: Markwick, Phineus R. L.
Awarding Body: University of Edinburgh
Current Institution: University of Edinburgh
Date of Award: 2000
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Abstract:
Using Raman lineshape analysis and dielectric relaxation techniques, the reorientation dynamics of single molecules in partially disordered phases is studied. Reorientation correlation functions for a prototypical isotropic liquid CS2 are presented over a broad temperature range. Calculated values of the integrated correlation time, rms intermolecular torque and collision frequency suggest the onset of substancial local structuring in the liquid phase on cooling to below 220K. An ab initio DFT computer simulation shows that the intermolecular torque arises from a strong dipole moment interaction created by the bending mode vibration of CS2 and by a weaker dipole moment interaction which oscillates on a much faster time-scale due to the anti-symmetric stretch vibrational mode. A solvation dynamics study of CS2 in cyclohexane provides the first observation of the free-volume effect occurring at the isotropic-plastic crystal phase transition. Reorientation correlation functions are presented for various members of the nCB [4-n-Alkyl-4'-Cyanobiphenyl] homologous series in the isotropic phase. Two distinct relaxation processes are observed; A very fast intra-molecular relaxation mechanism assigned to the flexibility of the anisotropic molecules, and a slow exponentially-decaying rotational-translational relaxation process with a complex temperature dependence. The results of dielectric relaxation studies under high pressure of two liquid crystals (6PCH [4-trans-4-n-Hexyl-Cyclohexyl-Benzonitrile] and 8CB) are presented. The extraction of reorientational activation parameters in the isotropic, nematic and smectic A phase allows the formulation of a reorientational model. Steric effects determine the predominant relaxation process. Increasing the molecular alignment, reduces the steric interaction and facilitates molecular reorientation about the short-molecular axes, though molecular flexibility and dipole-dipole interactions also play a role. The order parameter in the nematic phase is seen to be strongly dependent on the rigidity of the constituent molecules.
Supervisor: Not available Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.657397  DOI: Not available
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