Dielectric relaxation in glycerol, propylene glycol, and n-propanol

Abstract

Complex dielectric constants have been measured at frequencies from below 20 c/s to 5 mc/s over the temperature range -40° to -75°C in glycerol, -45° to -90° in propylene glycol, and -80° to -140° in n-propanol. The results for n-propanol are described by the Debye equation, but the values for the other two require a modified equation corresponding to a broader range of dispersion at higher frequencies. In all three liquids, evidence is found for a second dispersion region at still higher frequencies, which accounts for much of the difference between the radio frequency and optical dielectric constant. The relaxation times are quantitatively described over wide ranges by an empirical rate equation of a form which also fits viscosity data. The significance of the various results is discussed.