title: String model for the dynamics of glass-forming liquids.
abstract: We test the applicability of a living polymerization theory to describe cooperative string-like particle rearrangement clusters (strings) observed in simulations of a coarse-grained polymer melt. The theory quantitatively describes the interrelation between the average string length L, configurational entropy Sconf, and the order parameter for string assembly Φ without free parameters. Combining this theory with the Adam-Gibbs model allows us to predict the relaxation time τ in a lower temperature T range than accessible by current simulations. In particular, the combined theories suggest a return to Arrhenius behavior near Tg and a low T residual entropy, thus avoiding a Kauzmann "entropy crisis."
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut 06459, USA.
authors.forename: Beatriz A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Pazmiño Betancourt
authors.affiliation: Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA.
authors.forename: Jack F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut 06459, USA.
authors.forename: Francis W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Starr