Mechanical Processes in Solid-Phase Transformations: The Role of Stresses and Relaxation Processes in the Kinetics of Polymorphic Transformations and Chemical Reactions provides a systematic treatment of the role of mechanical feedback through several different real-world examples covering the major types of solid-state transformations. It provides a novel, comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the role of mechanical stresses and relaxation processes induced by solid-state chemical reactions. This topic has previously been addressed in a very fragmented manner, with a primary focus on superficial phenomenological levels and qualitative conclusions.

The chapters feature experimental results and quantitative models of the kinetics of various types of solid-state transformations (polymorphic phase transitions, topochemical reactions, photochemical reactions in crystals) accompanied by stress, plastic deformation, fracture, and macroscopic changes in the shape of crystals. Clear examples are given of controlling transformation kinetics and product morphology by influencing mechanical properties and conditions. Mechanical Processes in Solid-Phase Transformations will help to improve understanding in the growing field of solid-state mechanochemical transformations and polymorph control.

It is written for academics both in research and advanced graduate/postdoc level teaching, as well as their students, who are interested in solid-state chemistry, materials science, solid-state physics, or applications of solid-state reactivity to industry. It will also be relevant to this in the areas of nanotechnology, chemical engineering, catalysis and also pharmaceutical technologies.

• Gain an understanding of the role of plastic deformation in the kinetics of polymorphic transitions (including the role of strain hardening effects, the dimensional factor, and the way in which kinetics can be controlled by modifying mechanical properties)
• Learn about the nature of coupled reaction-fracture fronts, which explains the structure of the reaction zone of typical heterogeneous topochemical reactions and allows quantitative interpretation of the steady-state velocity of the reaction front, as well as the size and shape of product particles formed during the movement of these reaction-fracture fronts; based on the fundamental physicochemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the reactants
• Recognize the effects of self-organization and ordering of fractures occurring because of reactions, allowing to get approaches to the development of new materials based on spatially ordered nano-structured media obtained in this way
• Learn the methods of detailed study of the kinetics and mechanism of solid-state reactions based on the analysis of macroscopic shape changes of reacting crystals