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Free Volume Distribution in Polymer Liquid and Glass Evaluated by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2011

R. J. Roe
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221
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Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulation has been performed with dense systems of alkane-like chain molecules. Distribution of occupied and unoccupied space in the system was then evaluated by the technique of Voronoi tessellation of space and by enumeration of the cavities formed when hard spheres of diameter D were assumed placed on atomic centers. The distribution of cavity volumes is extremely broad and often exhibits a bimodal or trimodal character. These cavities change shape and size with time even at temperatures much below Tg.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1991

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