Slow dynamics of supercooled m-toluidine investigated by mechanical spectroscopy

Dynamics of supercooled m-toluidine close to the glass transition have been investigated by dynamic shear modulus measurements and stress relaxation experiments. The viscoelastic response of this material follows time-temperature-superposition in the temperature range investigated. Comparison with results at ultrasonic frequencies suggests the existence of a secondary relaxation. A change of the temperature dependent viscosity from a Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann behavior to another regime at low temperatures is also found. Compared to most inorganic glass formers, the viscosity of m-toluidine at the glass transition is approximately two orders of magnitude lower. The shear relaxation times are characterized by the same temperature dependence as the viscosity. They are in reasonable agreement with the results of previous ultrasonic measurements. The conclusions of the present work agree with recent results obtained by high resolution dielectric spectroscopy.