| Abstract: | A number of studies on the kinetics of physicochemical processes are described. The methods used are shown to be potentially useful for making time-temperature predictions and for optimizing process variables. Examples described include (1) the long-term prediction of the performance of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride and doped polyacetylenes; (2) the polymerization of a monomer and the optimization of time, temperature, and initiator concentration variables; (3) analysis of an order/disorder transition in a thermochromic polymer; (4) the crystallization of polymers and the effect of a nucleating agent; and (5) the crystallization of an amorphous metallic glass. The theoretical background, significance, scope, and limitations of these measurements are also discussed. |
