Book excerpt: Thermal Analysis and Thermodynamic Properties of Solids, Second Edition covers foundational principles and recent updates in the field, presenting an authoritative overview of theoretical knowledge and practical applications across several fields. Since the first edition of this book was published, large developments have occurred in the theoretical understanding of—and subsequent ability to assess and apply—principles of thermal analysis. Drawing on the knowledge of its expert author, this second edition provides fascinating insight for both new and experienced students, researchers, and industry professionals whose work is influenced or impacted by thermo analysis principles and tools. Part 1 provides a detailed introduction and guide to theoretical aspects of thermal analysis and the related impact of thermodynamics. Key terminology and concepts, the fundamentals of thermophysical examinations, thermostatics, equilibrium background, thermotics, reaction kinetics and models, thermokinetics and the exploitation of fractals are all discussed. Part 2 then goes on to discuss practical applications of this theoretical information to topics such as crystallization kinetics and glass states, thermodynamics in superconductor models, and climate change. - Includes fully updated as well as new chapters on kinetic phase diagrams, thermokinetics in DTA experiments, and crystallization kinetics - Discusses the influence of key derivatives such as thermostatics, thermodynamics, thermotics, and thermokinetics - Helps readers understand and describe reaction kinetics in solids, both in terms of simplified descriptions of the reaction mechanism models and averaged descriptions using fractals