About the book, the project Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter - Phenomenology and Thermodynamics is a textbook, in which the phenomenology, the thermodynamic theory, and the practical use of phase diagrams are presented in three levels that diverge in nature - in particular as regards the role of thermodynamics. The book has been written from a chemical and geological teaching background. Each of the three levels of the book is representative of a particular course in a curriculum. Level 0: an introduction to phase diagrams The philosophy behind the ground level is that most of the characteristics of equilibrium between phases can be understood without the use of thermodynamics, realizing that, in a common-sense manner, the experimental observations on equilibria and spontaneous changes, and elementary notions about interactions, indicate the way to go. In spite of all this, the central figure in level zero, right from the beginning, is the chemical potential - a concept firmly rooted in thermodynamics. Equilibrium conditions in terms of chemical potentials, and the variables necessary to define a system in equilibrium are, are the basic elements of the system formulation.
From the reviews:
"Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter: Phenomenology and Thermodynamics is a welcome addition to the literature. The text will be useful to advanced undergraduates and first-year graduates ... who want to extend their knowledge of phase diagrams and how those diagrams connect to thermodynamics. ... also be of value to more experienced practitioners who want to broaden their perspective. ... I heartily recommend Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter if you want to enrich your knowledge of phase equilibrium and phase diagrams and their relation to thermodynamics." (John C. Wheeler, Physics Today, February, 2009)
"Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter: Phenomenology and Thermodynamics is a welcome addition to the literature. The text will be useful to advanced undergraduates and first-year graduates ... who want to extend their knowledge of phase diagrams and how those diagrams connect to thermodynamics. ... also be of value to more experienced practitioners who want to broaden their perspective. ... I heartily recommend Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter if you want to enrich your knowledge of phase equilibrium and phase diagrams and their relation to thermodynamics." (John C. Wheeler, Physics Today, February, 2009)
"Harry A.J. Oonk and M. Teresa Calvet's Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter is a welcome addition to the literature. The text will be useful to advanced undergraduates and first-year graduates who have had a solid course in physical chemistry and who want to extend their knowledge of phase diagrams and how those diagrams connect to thermodynamics. It will also be of value to more experienced practitioners who want to broaden their perspective. I have taught and done research on the thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of phase transitions and critical phenomena for more than 40 years; yet in reading through Oonk and Calvet's text, I have learned new things and relearned others that I had once known "in principle" but had not taught over the years.""... I heartily recommend Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter if you want to enrich your knowledge of phase equilibrium and phase diagrams and their relation to thermodynamics. You are remarkably knowledgeable about the subject if you do not learn something from this book."John C. Wheeler, Physics Today, February 2009 Endorsements:"Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter" is a beautiful book that will be recognized as an important contribution for many tens of years!".Larry Kaufman, Founding editor of Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and Thermochemistry "This is a remarkable book! It approaches the equilibrium between phases of matter in three levels, with a constant undercurrent of thermodynamics. In the first level the phenomenology of a rich variety of phase equilibria is introduced and rationalized by the use of thermodynamics, the formal underpinning of which is introduced in the second level. In the third level the relevant thermodynamics are further elaborated allowing the understanding of subtle details of phase behavior. This is a rich book with many worked and workable examples. The reader will benefit from the consistent use of the correct variables and units for each problem. These days, where sustainability and the role of natural processes in achieving this are key to our future, true understanding of phenomenology and thermodynamics is more relevant than ever. It is a rewarding book which I recommend to chemists and geologists alike."Henk Lekkerkerker, Utrecht University "Equilibrium between phases of matter, written by H.A.J. Oonk and T. Calvet, is a very nice book which can be used and read with ease by any student or researcher who wants to understand the real basis of thermodynamics applied to phase equilibria. In short, a sound introduction, well in the thread of the Dutch thermodynamic school established more than a century ago by van der Waals and Bakhuis-Roozeboom."René Céolin, Professor of physical chemistry at the Paris-Descartes University