Beta-relaxation of non-polymeric liquids close to the glass transition

Dielectric beta-relaxation in a pyridine-toluene solution is studied close to the glass transition. In the equilibrium liquid state the beta loss peak frequency is not Arrhenius (as in the glass) but virtually temperature-independent, while the maximum loss is strongly temperature-dependent. Both loss peak frequency and maximum loss exhibit thermal hysteresis. A new annealing-state independent parameter involving loss and loss peak frequency is identified. This parameter has a simple Arrhenius temperature-dependence and is unaffected by the glass transition.