COMPLEX MATTER AND NONLINEAR KINETICS: CRYSTAL SIZE DISTRIBUTION DUE TO SELF-ORGANIZATION

Abstract

Crystallization processes in nanophase materials, a form of complex matter, exhibit self-organization steps highlighting the importance of nonstandard kinetic and structural factors, and therefore, requires a fresh look at the nature of their underlying mechanisms. The resulting crystallite size distribution signifies an important departure from the classical one, essentially exponential, and reveals the presence of correlations. The emergence of a characteristic crystal size for this distribution is the signature of the underlying nonlinear kinetics and the nonequilibrium constraints imposed by the initial conditions. The whole process can be elucidated within the framework, insights and conceptual tools, furnished by nonlinear science and complexity.