Polymer, Vol.38, No.3, 733-735, 1997
The Apparent Activation-Energy for Mechanical and Dielectric-Relaxation in Glass-Forming (Polymeric) Liquids - A Misconception
It is shown that the well-known concept of an apparent activation energy (Q(app)) is confusing. Much of the problem with the application of thermal activation theory to glass transition disappears when the concept is abandoned and replaced by a strict application of the Arrhenius formula with temperature dependentactivation energy, Q not equal Q(app).