Structural studies of an organic liquid through the glass transition

Abstract

We have performed neutron diffraction experiments on deuterated propylene glycol, an organic glass former, at temperatures ranging from where its dynamical response approaches that of normal liquids to below the point where relaxation times appear to diverge. Our studies extend over a very broad range of scattering wave vector (0.01<Q−1). In contrast to models which predict clustering, we find no evidence in the liquid at any temperature for heterogeneities large on molecular scales. However, we do note subtle changes at shorter lengths. Using molecular dynamics simulations to model our results, we identify these changes with increasing density and increasing orientational order induced by hydrogen bonding in the liquid as it cools. Analysis of the orientational correlations between molecules reveals a strong dependence on their relative positions.