Glass Transition: Theoretical Insights

This lecture delves into the concept of glass transition, explaining the calculation of heat capacity, crystallization, and melting processes using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It covers the Newton's law of Viscosity, Elasticity, and the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) Equation. The discussion extends to the Poisson's ratio, viscoelastic behavior, and the effect of molecular weight on the glass transition temperature. Various glass transition theories are explored, including the Free-Volume Theory, Kinetic Theory, and Thermodynamic Theory. The lecture also examines the impact of chemical structure on the glass transition temperature, the behavior of copolymers and mixtures, and the transitions observed by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA).