Vibrational Dynamics and Heat Capacity in Polydichlorophosphazene (PDCP)

Abstract

Normal modes and their dispersion are reported for polydichlorophosphazene (PDCP). This polymer has several interesting features. Its backbone flexibility allows more than one structural possibility such as distorted cis-trans planar, cistrans planar. PDCP can be used to prepare different polyphosphazenes which have many applications such as fire resistant materials, photonic materials, membranes, etc.. Some of the distinguishing features of dispersion curves such as cross-over, bunching and Von Hove type of singularities are discussed and possible explanations are given in terms of symmetry considerations. Several new assignments, which are missing in earlier work, are reported.