Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): Definition, Properties, and Applications

Glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature at which an amorphous material, such as glass or a polymer, undergoes a transition from a hard and brittle state to a more flexible and rubbery state. It's the temperature range where the material changes from a solid-like behavior to a more viscous or liquid-like behavior, without actually melting. At temperatures below Tg, the material behaves like a rigid solid, while above Tg, it behaves more like a viscous liquid. The glass transition temperature is influenced by factors such as molecular structure, chain length, and molecular weight. It is an important property in determining the suitability of materials for various applications and processing techniques.