Various thermophysical properties of refrigerant R143a (1,1,1-trifluoroetha
ne) have been determined under saturation conditions using dynamic light sc
attering (DLS). Light scattering from bulk fluids was applied for measuring
the thermal diffusivity and the sound velocity for both the saturated liqu
id and vapor phase over a wide temperature range of 273-346 K. The results
were also used to obtain information on the specific heat at constant press
ure and the isentropic compressibility. Furthermore, the surface tension an
d liquid kinematic viscosity were determined simultaneously in the temperat
ure range 253-333 K from light scattering by surface waves on a horizontal
liquid-vapor interface. All experiments are based on a heterodyne detection
scheme and a signal analysis by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). The
results for R143a are discussed in detail and compared to literature data
available. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.