Second order elasticity at hypersonic frequencies of reactive polyurethanes as seen by generalized Cauchy relations.

in Journal of Physics : Condensed Matter (2009), 21

The non-equilibrium process of polymerization of reactive polymers can be accompanied by transition phenomena like gelation or the chemical glass transition. The sensitivity of the mechanical properties ... [more ▼]

The non-equilibrium process of polymerization of reactive polymers can be accompanied by transition phenomena like gelation or the chemical glass transition. The sensitivity of the mechanical properties at hypersonic frequencies—including the generalized Cauchy relation—to these transition phenomena is studied for three different polyurethanes using Brillouin spectroscopy. As for epoxies, the generalized Cauchy relation surprisingly holds true for the non-equilibrium polymerization process and for the temperature dependence of polyurethanes. Neither the sol–gel transition nor the chemical and thermal glass transitions are visible in the representation of the generalized Cauchy relation. Taking into account the new results and combining them with general considerations about the elastic properties of the isotropic state, an improved physical foundation of the generalized Cauchy relation is proposed. [less ▲]

Acoustic Profilometry Of Interphases In An Epoxy Due To Segregation and Diffusion Using Brillouin Microscopy.

in New Journal of Physics (2008), 10(2), 023-031

Reactive network forming polymer systems like epoxies are of huge technological interest because of their adhesive properties based on specific interactions with a large variety of materials. These ... [more ▼]

Reactive network forming polymer systems like epoxies are of huge technological interest because of their adhesive properties based on specific interactions with a large variety of materials. These specific interactions alter the morphology of the epoxy within areas determined by the correlation length of these interactions. The changed morphology leads to interphases with altered (mechanical) properties. Besides these surface-induced interphases, bulk interphases do occur due to segregation, crystallization, diffusion, etc. A new experimental technique to characterize such mechanical interphases is μ-Brillouin spectroscopy (μ-BS). With μ-BS, we studied interphases and their formation in epoxies due to segregation of the constituent components and due to selective diffusion of one component. In the latter case, we will demonstrate the influence of changing the boundary conditions of the diffusion process on the shape of the interphase. [less ▲]

The generalized Cauchy relation: a probe for local structure in materials with isotropic symmetry.

in Journal of Physics. Conference Series (2006), 40

The elastic properties of the isotropic state of condensed matter are given by the elastic constants ell and c44. In the liquid state the static shear stiffness c44 vanishes whereas at sufficient high ... [more ▼]

The elastic properties of the isotropic state of condensed matter are given by the elastic constants ell and c44. In the liquid state the static shear stiffness c44 vanishes whereas at sufficient high probe frequencies a dynamic shear stiffness may appear. In that latter case the question about the existence of a Cauchy relation appears. It will be shown that a pure Cauchy relation can appear only under special conditions which are rarely fulfilled. For all investigated materials, including ceramics, liquids and glasses, a linear relation between ell and c44 called generalized Cauchy relation is observed, which, surprisingly, follows a linear transformation. [less ▲]

Imaging of microwave-induced acoustic fields in LiNbO3 by high-performance Brillouin microscopy

in Journal of Physics : D Applied Physics (2005), 38(12), 2026-2030

High performance Brillouin microscopy (BM) has been used to characterize the spatial distribution of piezoelectrically induced acoustic fields excited at microwave frequencies in a LiNbO3 single crystal ... [more ▼]

High performance Brillouin microscopy (BM) has been used to characterize the spatial distribution of piezoelectrically induced acoustic fields excited at microwave frequencies in a LiNbO3 single crystal. It is demonstrated that under suitable conditions BM is able to detect microwave-induced bulk as well as surface acoustic waves. Brillouin spectroscopy is able to probe sound wave intensities of induced phonons, which are as small as those of thermal phonons. [less ▲]

Gradient of the Mechanical Modulus in Glass-Epoxy-Metal Joints as Measured by Brillouin Microscopy.

in Journal of Adhesion (2004), 80(7), 585-599

The newly developed Brillouin microscopy is used for the first time to measure in situ the longitudinal elastic stiffness coefficient in the GHz-range inside of glass-epoxy-metal joints as a function of ... [more ▼]

The newly developed Brillouin microscopy is used for the first time to measure in situ the longitudinal elastic stiffness coefficient in the GHz-range inside of glass-epoxy-metal joints as a function of distance from the substrates. Interphases with a local variation of mechanical properties are quantitatively characterized. These interphases possess unexpected widths of tens to hundreds of microns. Inside the interphases, the spatial variation of the longitudinal stiffness coefficient depends on the type of substrate, on the curing conditions for the epoxy and probably on the distribution of internal stresses. The obtained spatial mechanical profiles provide valuable insight into the morphology-driven mechanics of the interphase, but additional information is needed for a full understanding of their physical and chemical origin. The presented results prove the sensitivity of the Brillouin microscopy; the elastic stiffness coefficients are detected with an accuracy in the subpercentage range. The spatial resolution is better than 10 µm. [less ▲]

Acoustic profilometry within polymers as performed by Brillouin microscopy

in Journal of Physics : D Applied Physics (2003), 36(21), 2738-2742

Using high performance Brillouin spectroscopy we present a new technique, which enables us to perform acoustic microscopy with a spatial resolution of about 1 μm. This technique, called Brillouin ... [more ▼]

Using high performance Brillouin spectroscopy we present a new technique, which enables us to perform acoustic microscopy with a spatial resolution of about 1 μm. This technique, called Brillouin microscopy, is tested on several bulk- and film-like polymer samples. [less ▲]

Second-order elasticity of liquid crystals within their nematic state at high frequencies

in Physical Review. E : Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics (1995), 51(3), 2115-2128

Within this work we present Brillouin and ultrasonic investigations performed on the liquid crystals p-methoxybenzylidene p-(n-butylaniline) (MBBA), p-azoxyanisol (PAA), 4-cyano-4-n-alkylbiphenyles (nCB ... [more ▼]

Within this work we present Brillouin and ultrasonic investigations performed on the liquid crystals p-methoxybenzylidene p-(n-butylaniline) (MBBA), p-azoxyanisol (PAA), 4-cyano-4-n-alkylbiphenyles (nCB), and 4-n-pentoxybenzylidene-4'-n-octoaniline (5O.8). Special attention has been paid to the evolution of a significant splitting of the two longitudinal polarized acoustic modes within the nematic phase. Angle-resolving Brillouin spectroscopy allowed the determination of the complete stiffness tensors and hence a discussion of the propagation of quasitransverse polarized acoustic modes in the nematic state of liquid crystals. We analyze the behavior of the eigenvectors of the relevant acoustic modes and discuss their significance for the propagation of quasishear modes. For 5O.8 we report an acoustic instability within its nematic state. We confirm the existence of a universal thermal relaxation mechanism of weak activation energy for the nematic state of classical liquid crystals. The observed hypersonic anisotropy is discussed in terms of that relaxation mechanism and is compared with that of glass-forming liquid crystals. [less ▲]