Enthalpy relaxation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003959",
  "term": "Enthalpy relaxation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The gradual decrease in the enthalpy of a glassy polymer over time as it approaches its equilibrium state below the glass transition temperature. This process is driven by the slow molecular rearrangements of the polymer chains to a more stable, lower-energy conformation. Enthalpy relaxation can affect the physical properties of the polymer, such as its volume and mechanical strength.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts equation",
    "glassy state"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2013, 85, 1017. 'Glossary of terms relating to thermal and thermomechanical properties of polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)' on page 1026 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-12-03-02)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/enthalpy-relaxation/"
}