DIELECTRIC RELAXATION IN CELLULOSE CONTAINING SORBED VAPORS

Abstract

The dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor were measured in a dispersion region for a paper of high cellulose content. The complex arrangement of the paper in the measuring condenser did not effectively alter the position of the dispersion region of the paper itself, as shown by electrical analysis. From this analysis equations were derived from which the dielectric constant and maximum dielectric loss factor of the cellulose fiber were evaluated for varying amounts of sorbed water, methanol, and ethanol. The effect of each of these vapors on the position of the dispersion region was studied, measurements being performed over a range of frequency of 10 to 1000 kc.p.s., and a range of temperature of −58 to 26 °C. A typical plasticizing action was observed in all three cases. This was confirmed from an analysis of the data using the theory of absolute reaction rates.