Universal critical-like scaling of dynamic properties in symmetry-selected glass formers

Evidence for a possible general validity of the critical-like behavior of dielectric relaxation time or viscosity tau,eta proportional to(T-T-C)(-phi) with phi -> 9 and T-C < T-g on approaching glass temperature (T-g) is shown. This universal behavior is found in various systems where the vitrification is dominated by a selected element of symmetry. The supporting evidence was obtained on the basis of the distortion-sensitive, derivative-based analysis of tau(T) data for a rodlike liquid crystalline compound (E7), orientationally disordered crystals (plastic crystals), a colloidal nanofluid system, polymer melt (polystyrene), oligomeric liquid (EPON 828), and low molecular weight glass formers (glycerol, threitol, sorbitol, and 1-propanol). Results presented explain the puzzling experimental artifacts supporting the dynamical scaling model [R. H. Colby, Phys. Rev. E 61, 1783 (2000); B. M. Erwin, R. H. Colby, J. Non-Cryst. Solids 307-310, 225 (2002)]. It is suggested that spin-glass-like systems may be linked to the discussed pattern.