On Structure and Properties of Amorphous Materials

Materials

关键词: classification of amorphous solids;    atomic clusters;    crystallisation;    vitrification;    glass transition;    density fluctuations;    ideal amorphous solid model;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ma4091564

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Mechanical, optical, magnetic and electronic properties of amorphous materials hold great promise towards current and emergent technologies. We distinguish at least four categories of amorphous (glassy) materials: (i) metallic; (ii) thin films; (iii) organic and inorganic thermoplastics; and (iv) amorphous permanent networks. Some fundamental questions about the atomic arrangements remain unresolved. This paper focuses on the models of atomic arrangements in amorphous materials. The earliest ideas of Bernal on the structure of liquids were followed by experiments and computer models for the packing of spheres. Modern approach is to carry out computer simulations with prediction that can be tested by experiments. A geometrical concept of an ideal amorphous solid is presented as a novel contribution to the understanding of atomic arrangements in amorphous solids.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.