TSC and broadband dielectric spectroscopy studies of the a relaxation in phosphorus-containing dendrimers

The aim of this work is to analyze the dielectric manifestation of the glass transition (a mode) of amorphous dendritic macromolecules as a function of architectural complexity. A set of phosphorus-containing dendrimers involving six generations (g = 0-5) has been investigated by thermostimulated currents and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The dielectric complex permittivity has been obtained as a function of temperature, in a broad frequency range (10(-4)-10(6) Hz). For frequencies higher than 1 Hz, the dendrimers show a high temperature alpha mode with a Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher type temperature dependence. For frequencies lower than 1 Hz, the alpha mode takes place in the vitreous state; it has been associated with a series of thermally activated cooperative movements free from generation influence. Dielectric and thermal properties are discussed as regards of fractal architecture and chemical modification of end groups.