By means of thermal sampling techniques, the fine structure of the gamma-relaxation zone of poly(methyl cyclohexyl methacrylate)s (P2MCHMA), (P3MCHMA), (P4MCHMA) were analyzed. Results reveal that in this relaxation zone, at least two peaks are present. These peaks are attributed to the cis and trans isomers. Loss permittivity of the polymers under study in this relaxation zone has been reproduced from the partial depolarization data by using the elementary relaxation times and activation energies. Results are in relatively good agreement with the experimental data previously obtained. Molecular mechanic calculations have been carried out in order to elucidate the characteristics and molecular origin of the relaxations observed in this zone. An interpretation of the height of the peaks associated to the cis- and trans-isomer in terms of strain energy (SE) have been carried out. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.