The Formation Energy of Martensite Nuclei and the Phase Transition Kinetics under the Action of an External Magnetic Field

The formation energy of martensite nuclei in the austenite matrix is calculated. Nanoclusters with ferromagnetic order, which exist in austenite above the Curie temperature, reduce the formation energy of a critical martensite nucleation center when exposed to an external magnetic field. The data obtained are explained by the magnetic separation of the initial phase under the action of a magnetic field. A fluctuation increase in nanovolumes with a ferromagnetic order in austenite increases the energy in a atoms group of the matrix phase with a parallel spins arrangement. As a result, the nucleation rate of the martensite phase increases and the martensitic transformation proceeds more completely.

Activation Energies and Temperature Dependencies of the Rates of Crystallization and Melting of Polymers

The objective of this review paper is to survey the phase transition kinetics with a focus on the temperature dependence of the rates of crystallization and melting, as well as on the activation energies of these processes obtained via the Arrhenius kinetic treatment, including the treatment by isoconversional methods. The literature is analyzed to track the development of the basic models and their underlying concepts. The review presents both theoretical and practical considerations regarding the kinetic analysis of crystallization and melting. Both processes are demonstrated to be kinetically complex, and this is revealed in the form of nonlinear Arrhenius plots and/or the variation of the activation energy with temperature. Principles which aid one to understand and interpret such results are discussed. An emphasis is also put on identifying proper computational methods and experimental data that can lead to meaningful kinetic interpretation.