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Thermodynamic theory of size dependence of melting temperature in metals

Nature volume 269, pages 481–483 (1977)Cite this article

Abstract

The way that small particles melt is a crucial clement in the construction of a thermodynamic treatment of the relation between particle size and melting temperature. There are indications that melting is initiated at the surface and that the solid–liquid interface sweeps rapidly through the solid at the melting temperature. The formal and physical elements of the indicated nucleation and growth criterion for melting are discussed and the existence of upper and lower limits on the melting temperature is outlined. Theoretical predictions show satisfactory agreement with experimental observations.

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Author notes

  1. P. R. Couchman

    Present address: Materials Research Laboratory and Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01002

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Materials Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22901

    P. R. Couchman & W. A. Jesser

Authors
  1. P. R. Couchman
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  2. W. A. Jesser
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Couchman, P., Jesser, W. Thermodynamic theory of size dependence of melting temperature in metals. Nature 269, 481–483 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/269481a0

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