Structural Relaxation and Thermodynamics of Viscous Aqueous Systems: A Simplified Reappraisal

The attainment of true equilibrium conditions is a dynamic process that encompasses time span. For slow relaxing systems, non-equilibrium steady states can often look like states. This the case viscoelastic whose properties reflect their thermo-rheological history. After summary seminal woks by Eyring, Adam & Gibbs and Angell, mention promising recent approaches imply updated theoretical experimental techniques, paper suggests simplified approach for aqueous through modified expression chemical potential water use “dynamic” phase diagram, so far proposed Slade Levine. homogeneous systems (aqueous solutions), an extra term in accounts energy related to residual strains produced during history system. allows estimation effect viscosity on observed freezing point polymer solutions. heterogeneous (hydrogels, colloidal glasses), changes boundaries diagram explain gel/sol hysteresis syneresis as result exchange between hosting meshes trapped solution. Finally, physical hurdles hinder inter-phase displacements and/or access headspace system lead coexistence phases with different aW within same