IX - Principles of Physical-Chemical Mechanics

Publisher Summary Aggregation processes that take place in disperse systems lead to the separation of these systems into macroscopic phases or to the development of spacial networks, that is, to the transition from free disperse systems to structured disperse systems. In structured disperse system, the cohesive forces in the contacts are sufficiently high, so these systems are resistant to both the thermal motion and external action. At the same time radical changes in disperse system occur: it acquires new structural and mechanical (rheological) properties that characterize ability of a system to resist deformation and fracture. The system acquires mechanical strength, the most important feature of all solids and materials that determines their role in nature and technology. The laws that govern structure formation in disperse systems regulate mechanical properties of structured systems and of materials based on them, and are referred to as the physical-chemical mechanics. Ensuring fine degree of dispersion as well as maximum uniformity of microheterogeneous structure is the basis for increasing mechanical strength and durability of materials.