Thermodynamics of Point Defects and Their Relation with Bulk Properties

Book excerpt: Defects in Solids, Volume 14: Thermodynamics of Point Defects and Their Relation with Bulk Properties focuses on the methodologies, approaches, and reactions involved in the study of point defects in solids. The book first offers information on thermodynamic functions and formation of vacancies. Topics include parameters from the comparison with isochoric perfect crystal; relation between isobaric and isochoric parameters; temperature dependence of thermodynamic functions of solids; and statistical approach to vacancy parameters. The text then ponders on the formation of other point defects, migration, and thermodynamics of specific heat. The publication explains the analysis of experiments yielding defect parameters, including X-ray parameters, analysis of specific heat measurements, and ionic conductivity and reorientation of dipoles. The text also takes a look at mixed alkali and silver halides, explanation of empirical laws, as well as explanation of the empirical laws connecting activation entropy and enthalpy to the activation volume and variation of the bulk modulus with composition. The selection is a dependable reference for scientists and geophysicists interested in the thermodynamics of point defects.