The inhomogeneous structure of glass

Abstract Application of the fundamental variational principle of nonequilibrium thermodynamics has permitted recognition that all polymer solidification including glass formation occurs by a dissipative process which results in an inhomogeneous dissipative structure rather than an equilibrium structure. Although an equilibrium structure must he homogeneous and time independent, the definition of both homogeneity and time independence depends upon the scale and precision of the measurement of time and distance. Thus, whether one considers a glass to be a homogeneous equilibrium structure or an inhomogeneous nonequilibrium structure, depends upon the scale and precision of measurement. However, progress in understanding the molecular arrangement in glass can only come by considering a glass as an inhomogeneous dissipative structure.