Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation and Diffusion in Paraffin Oil

Author

David E. Parker

Date of Award

7-1965

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Dr. George Bradley

Second Advisor

Robert Stphens

Third Advisor

Dr. Ralph Deal

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Stanley Segel

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Introduction

Since the introduction of the spin echoes technique by E. L. Hahn¹ many studies have been made in the determination of the spin relaxation T₂, spin-lattice relaxation T₁, and the diffusion rates in gases, liquids^2-5, and solids^6-10. Hahn's methods were later improved by Carr and Purcell¹¹. The Carr-Purcell method serves as the basic technique for this study.

Several studies have been published on the relaxation and diffusion rates in hydrocarbons¹². These studies have shown:

1. The spin relaxation time T₂, is independent of the temperature.

2. The coefficient of self-diffusion is logarithmic in reciprocal temperature.

3. The dependence of the coefficients of self-diffusion on temperature becomes more pronounced as the molecular weight is increased.

Because of its high signal to noise ratio and its broad line width, paraffin oil was chosen as the sample for this study. Because of paraffin oil's chemical properties the following behavior would be expected:

1. Paraffin oil is a hydrocarbon; T₂ relaxation time should be temperature independent.

2. The coefficient of self-diffusion should be logarithmic in reciprocal temperature.

3. Because of the high molecular weight of the paraffin oil the temperature dependence of the self-diffusion should be highly pronounced.

Recommended Citation

Parker, David E., "Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation and Diffusion in Paraffin Oil" (1965). Masters Theses. 4284.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4284