Single Molecule Studies of Molecular Motions Near the Glass Transition

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

This project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, deals with the spatial heterogeneities in materials near their glass transition. The fluorescence of single probe molecules embedded in the system of interest will be used for the direct characterization of the heterogeneous environments. Three main issues will be addressed in this work: 1) How does heterogeneity manifest itself on different length scales? 2) How is the heterogeneity related to the fragility of the glass former? 3) Are the dynamics in neighboring heterogeneous regions correlated? Polystyrene and glycerol will be the principal glass-formers in which probe molecules of different sizes are embedded. The students who participate in this research will gain valuable experience in a contemporary area of physical chemistry that will prepare them for further study or employment in the academic, government or industrial sectors of the economy.