This is the first book to logically present the major problems of the vitreous state within the framework of irreversible thermodynamics. Filled with elementary explanations for difficult problems, this easily understood text/reference treats in detail the criteria of glass transition, the peculiarities of relaxing structural parameters, and the Prigogine-Defay ratio. Based on the author's rigorous generalization of the Second Law for non-equilibrium, the book systematizes all known thermodynamic data for glasses and melts. The thermodynamic essence of structural relaxation and memory effects are considered. The viscous flow theories are treated as a constituent of the kinetic description. All theoretical questions are illustrated by comparison of calculations with the experiments for glasses of inorganic and organic nature, with special attention to structural classification. An informative review of modern structural investigations is included. The bibliography follows the history of the main problems from the nineteenth century.

This is the first book to logically present the major problems of the vitreous state within the framework of irreversible thermodynamics. Filled with elementary explanations for difficult problems, this easily understood text/reference treats in detail the criteria of glass transition, the peculiarities of relaxing structural parameters, and the Prigogine-Defay ratio. Based on the author's rigorous generalization of the Second Law for non-equilibrium, the book systematizes all known thermodynamic data for glasses and melts. The thermodynamic essence of structural relaxation and memory effects are considered. The viscous flow theories are treated as a constituent of the kinetic description. All theoretical questions are illustrated by comparison of calculations with the experiments for glasses of inorganic and organic nature, with special attention to structural classification. An informative review of modern structural investigations is included. The bibliography follows the history of the main problems from the nineteenth century.

This book summarizes the experimental evidence and modern classical and theoretical approaches in understanding the vitreous state, from structural problems, over equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, to statistical physics. Glasses, and especially silicate glasses, are only the best known representatives of this particular physical state of matter. Other typical representatives include organic polymer glasses, and many other easily vitrifying organic and inorganic substances, technically important materials, amidst them vitreous water and vitrified aqueous solutions, and also many metallic alloy systems. Some of these systems only form glasses under particular conditions, e.g. through ultra-rapid cooling. This book describes the properties and the formation of both every-day technical glasses and especially of such more exotic forms of vitreous matter. It is a unique source of knowledge and new ideas for materials scientists, engineers and researchers working on condensed matter. The new edition emphasizes latest experimental findings and modern theories, explaining the kinetics of glass formation, the relaxation and stabilization of glasses and their crystallization in terms of new models, derived from the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. It shows how the properties of common technical glasses, window glass, or the vitreous ice kernel of comets can be used to develop a new understanding of the existence of matter in various, unusual forms. The described theories can even find application for the description of lasers and interesting unusual processes in the universe.

This Encyclopedia begins with an introduction summarizing itsscope and content. Glassmaking; Structure of Glass, GlassPhysics,Transport Properties, Chemistry of Glass, Glass and Light,Inorganic Glass Families, Organic Glasses, Glass and theEnvironment, Historical and Economical Aspect of Glassmaking,History of Glass, Glass and Art, and outlinepossible newdevelopments and uses as presented by the best known people in thefield (C.A. Angell, for example). Sections and chapters arearranged in a logical order to ensure overall consistency and avoiduseless repetitions. All sections are introduced by a briefintroduction and attractive illustration. Newly investigatedtopics will be addresses, with the goal of ensuring that thisEncyclopedia remains a reference work for years to come.

Features twenty-five chapter contributions from an international array of distinguished academics based in Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, and the USA. This multi-author contributed volume provides an up-to-date and authoritative overview of cutting-edge themes involving the thermal analysis, applied solid-state physics, micro- and nano-crystallinity of selected solids and their macro- and microscopic thermal properties. Distinctive chapters featured in the book include, among others, calorimetry time scales from days to microseconds, glass transition phenomena, kinetics of non-isothermal processes, thermal inertia and temperature gradients, thermodynamics of nanomaterials, self-organization, significance of temperature and entropy. Advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers working in the field of thermal analysis, thermophysical measurements and calorimetry will find this contributed volume invaluable. This is the third volume of the triptych volumes on thermal behaviour of materials; the previous two receiving thousand of downloads guaranteeing their worldwide impact.

This book highlights recent developments in fiberglass research and technology development, including high-performance fiberglass chemistry; in-depth glass network structure information derived from the-state-of-the-art spectroscopic measurements, molecular dynamics simulations, and their correlations with properties; fiber surface chemistry in relation to sizing chemistry - a critical part of composite performance; fiber process stability; fundamental understanding of the batch-to-melt conversion processes and melt flow simulations; and environmental concerns such as energy efficiency and emission of volatile species, which are key to environmentally-friendly product manufacturing. The book aims to guide fiberglass researchers and manufacturers towards better awareness and, perhaps, provides potential options for global ecosystem management. More than 500 current references are included, which will enable researchers from fiber glass industry and research institution access to the most recent progress in fiberglass science and technology. Advances scientific understanding of fiberglass-forming processes, rising in popularity as a building material throughout the world; Describes the current advances in the structure and formation of fiber glass, beginning with chemistry, a wide range of characterizations, and processes, through to applications; Contains information on environmental aspects of fiberglass production, addressing energy consumption and emission.

This title is a revision of Experimental Thermodynamics Volume II, published in 1975, reflecting the significant technological developments and new methods introduced into the study of measurement of thermodynamic quantities.The editors of this volume were assigned the task of assembling an international team of distinguished experimentalists, to describe the current state of development of the techniques of measurement of the thermodynamic quantities of single phases. The resulting volume admirably fulfils this brief and contains a valuable summary of a large variety of experimental techniques applicable over a wide range of thermodynamic states with an emphasis on the precision and accuracy of the results obtained. Those interested in the art of measurements, and in particular engaged in the measurement of thermodynamic properties, will find this material invaluable for the guidance it provides towards the development of new and more accurate techniques.·Provides detailed descriptions of experimental chemical thermodynamic methods·Strong practical bias and includes both detailed working equations and figures for the experimental methods·Most comprehensive text in this field since the publication of Experimental Thermodynamics II