Abstract
Phase transformations which accompany changes of state in binary systems can be expressed using a reaction equation format, which greatly facilitates analysis of the event. Some phase reactions occur simply, while others (those in which disproportionation occurs) display “reaction mechanisms” which are analogous to those long known in molecular chemistry. In surfactant systems the peritectic thermal decomposition of crystal hydrates invariably leads initially to metastable lamellar liquid crystal phases, from which the equilibrium products arise. Similar mechanisms likely apply to nonsurfactant systems, except that the intermediate state is a liquid phase. Phase reaction products may be determined by either thermodynamic or kinetic factors. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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