Atomic motions in the $αβ$-region of glass-forming polymers: Molecular versus Mode Coupling Theory approach

Abstract

We present fully atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulation results on a main-chain polymer, 1,4-Polybutadiene, in the merging region of the $α$- and $beta$-relaxations. A real space analysis reveals the occurrence of localized motions (``$β$-like'') in addition to the diffusive structural relaxation. A molecular approach provides a direct connection between the local conformational changes reflected in the atomic motions and the secondary relaxations in this polymer. Such local processes occur just in the time window where the $β$-process of the Mode Coupling Theory is expected. We show that the application of this theory is still possible, and yields an unusually large value of the exponent parameter. This result might originate from the competition between two mechanisms for dynamic arrest: intermolecular packing and intramolecular barriers for local conformational changes (``$β$-like'').