Thermodynamic And Kinetic Aspects Of The Vitreous State

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.

The present book is devoted to problems of a physically important state of condensed matter - the vitreous state. We tried to summarize here the experimental evidence and the different theoretical approaches - structural, thermodynamic and those of statistical physics - connected with the formation, the kinetic stability and with the general nature of glasses as a particular physical state. In addition, a summary is given on the information available concerning proces ses of nucleation and crystallization of glass-forming systems, on methods of preventing or, in contrast, catalyzing crystallization in vitrifying liquids, on the kinetics of nucleation, the modes of crystal growth in undercooled melts and the devitrification of glasses. It was our aim to summarize in the present volume the basic principles and the most significant developments of a newly emerging science - glass science - and to show that, at least, in principle, any substance can exist in the vitreous state. Moreover, we have tried to demonstrate that the characteristic properties of the vitreous state may be attributed under certain conditions not only to systems with an amorphous structure (like the common glasses) but also to a number of other states of condensed matter including the crystalline one.

The vitreous - glassy state is a particularly interesting physical state of solid matter. The authors summarize the experimental evidence and the theoretical approaches to understanding glass: structural, thermodynamic and statistical physics. The broad coverage of the subject and the authors' teaching tradition combine in this unique source for glass scientists and material engineers.

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.

This handbook provides comprehensive treatment of the current state of glass science from the leading experts in the field. Opening with an enlightening contribution on the history of glass, the volume is then divided into eight parts. The first part covers fundamental properties, from the current understanding of the thermodynamics of the amorphous state, kinetics, and linear and nonlinear optical properties through colors, photosensitivity, and chemical durability. The second part provides dedicated chapters on each individual glass type, covering traditional systems like silicates and other oxide systems, as well as novel hybrid amorphous materials and spin glasses. The third part features detailed descriptions of modern characterization techniques for understanding this complex state of matter. The fourth part covers modeling, from first-principles calculations through molecular dynamics simulations, and statistical modeling. The fifth part presents a range of laboratory and industrial glass processing methods. The remaining parts cover a wide and representative range of applications areas from optics and photonics through environment, energy, architecture, and sensing. Written by the leading international experts in the field, the Springer Handbook of Glass represents an invaluable resource for graduate students through academic and industry researchers working in photonics, optoelectronics, materials science, energy, architecture, and more.

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.