Feasibility of density functional methods to predict dielectric properties of polymers

Feasibility of density functional theory (DFT) to predict dielectric properties such as polarizability of saturated polymers is investigated. Small saturated molecules, methane and propane, which is a monomer of polypropylene chain, are used in testing the methods. Results for polarizabilities based on several density functionals together with different basis sets are compared and contrasted with each other, with results by Hartree-Fock and second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory, as well as experimental data. The generalized gradient approximation PW91 method together with the 6-311++G(**) basis set is found to be the most suitable method, in terms of sufficient accuracy and computational efficiency, to calculate polarizabilities for large oligomers of polypropylene. The dielectric constant is then determined using the calculated polarizabilities and the Clausius-Mossotti equation. The molecular DFT methods at the PW916-311++G(**) level together with the Clausius-Mossotti equation give dielectric constants for saturated polymers such as polypropylene in good accordance with the experimental values.