Interpretation of phase diagrams of binary and ternary systems. Basic definitions are presented and the equilibrium conditions for congruently and incongruently melting compounds are explained for systems with complete and limited solid solutions. The second part of this class will be a practical training with thermal analyses methods. Samples will be prepared with various compositions in a binary reference system. Thermal signals will be recorded and interpretated to generate a simple phase diagram.

At the end of this course the students will be able to understand cyrstallization and melting processes in equilibrium conditions.

written exam

F. Tamás, I. Pál: Phase Equilibria Spatial Diagrams
R. Powell: Equilibrium Thermodynamics in Petrology
T. Gasparik: Phase Diagrams for Geoscientists
A. Putnis: Introduction to Mineral Sciences
B. Predel, M. Hoch, M. Pool: Phase Diagrams and Heterogeneous Equilibria
Phase Diagrams for Ceramists, Amer. Ceram. Soc. (PDC)