In a first part the scope of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics is discussed in the broader context of formal dynamical systems, including computer programmes. In this context classical thermodynamics appears as a particular theory suited to a subset of all dynamical systems. A statistical mechanics similar to the one derived with the microcanonical ensemble emerges from dynamic...

This review seeks to summarize the recent developments in the synthesis, structural characterization, properties, and applications in the ®elds of amorphous, bulk amorphous, and nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials. Conventional physical metallurgical approaches to improving soft ferromagnetic properties have relied on the optimization of chemical and microstructural features. Within the las...

This work has considered the intrinsic influence of bond energy on the macroscopic, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties of crystalline materials. A general criterion is proposed to evaluate the properties of nanocrystalline materials. The interrelation between the thermodynamic and mechanical properties of nanomaterials is presented and the relationship between the variation of these prope...

2.4. Molecular Beam Epitaxy 366 2.5. Laser Ablation 367 2.6. Silicon Monoxide Evaporation 367 3. Catalyst Materials 368 3.1. Gold as Catalyst 368 3.2. Alternative Catalyst Materials 369 3.2.1. Type-A, Au-like Catalysts 370 3.2.2. Type-B, Low Si Solubility Catalysts 371 3.2.3. Type-C, Silicide Forming Catalysts 371 4. Crystallography 372 5. Heterostructures 373 6. Surface Induced Lowering of the...

The laws of thermodynamics were formulated long before we knew the existence of atoms and molecules. The formal thermodynamics curriculum based on the empirical laws have been replaced by courses based on physical and statistical foundation of the subject in the intermediate courses in undergraduate curriculum for some time now. In these courses they show how the properties of macroscopic syste...

Complex coacervation is defined as associative interactions between oppositely charged functional groups of proteins and polysaccharides, which on separation, form a phase rich in polymeric compounds in equilibrium with another aqueous phase. So coacervates are macro-ionic hydrated complexes of two charged neutralized bioploymers. Voorn and Overbeek developed the first model on complex coacerva...