Heat capacity and relaxation dynamics of glassy films : a lattice model study

Abstract

We study the calorimetric properties and structural relaxation of glassy films using a distinguishable particle lattice model (DPLM). We determine the glass transition temperature versus film thickness from the heat capacity during heating as well as from the local relaxation time. The results based on both approaches are in good agreement with the experimentally observed Keddie-Cory-Jones relation. The thus demonstrated interplay between calorimetric properties and structural relaxation is further corroborated by successfully reconstructing the simulated heat capacity during heat and cooling from the local relaxation times. Our results suggest DPLM as a useful lattice model for studying glassy films.