| Summary: | This textbook deals with the theoretical basis of chemical equilibria and chemical changes and emphasizes the properties of phase diagrams. A feature of the book is the author's treatment of the field from a modern perspective, taking into account the fact that thermodynamics can now be applied using computers and databases. Thermodynamics is an extremely powerful tool, applicable to a wide range of subjects in science and technology. In materials science, the main application has traditionally been through the use of phase diagrams. In recent years, however, there have been dramatic changes. These have come about as a result of the development both of computer-operated programs for sophisticated equilibrium calculations and of extensive databases containing thermodynamic parameter values for individual phases (from which all thermodynamic properties may be calculated). The present book is an attempt to give to students a proper thermodynamic basis in this new situation. Irreversible thermodynamics is introduced from the very beginning of the book by retaining the entropy production due to internal processes when the first and second laws are combined. Illustrative examples of thermodynamic modelling are given, and the book contains many exercises and worked solutions. This modern text will be of value to undergraduate and graduate students in materials science, including ceramics and metallurgy, and also chemistry. |
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