Course Overview

This course is focused on the stability and equilibrium of phases. It
deals with the thermodynamic description of phases and their
transformation.

Learning Achievement

Competence

Course prerequisites

- Academic level: BSc Selection criteria: basic knowledge in
chemistry and/or physical chemistry.
- Language prerequisites: English or Frenc.

Grading Philosophy

- Written final exam: 3h00 = 100 % of the overall mark.
- The first session will take place in April.

In case of failure, a second session is organized for the final exam,
either as a written final exam or an oral session  depending on the
number of failing students. This 2nd session takes place at the end of
June.

Course schedule

1. PHASE TRANSITIONS

- The goal of this course is to describe phase transitions of pure
substances and binary mixtures. The link between a microscopic
description of the system and its macroscopic behavior is at the core
of the course.
- Physical transformations of pure substances: chemical potential;
condition of equilibrium between phases. Microscopic modeling (Van Der
Waals model). Stability condition of thermodynamic potentials, binodal
and spinodal, critical points.
- Physical transformations of Binary mixtures: Chemical potential of
a component in a mixture. Colligative properties. Microscopic models
of mixtures (ideal solutions, regular solutions). Equilibrium in a
liquid/liquid two-phase system. Stability condition of a mixture.
Binodal and spinodal in liquid/liquid phase separation.
- Liquid/vapor equilibrium in mixtures: Influence of the composition
on the boiling point. Application to distillation. Azeotrope.
- Practical course: Thermodynamics of mixtures.

2. Phase Diagrams
This teaching deals with the thermodynamics of solid and liquid
solutions. The aim is an advanced mastering of binary and ternary
phases diagrams.
Program:

- Thermodynamics of the solid and liquid solution
- Diagrams of binary and ternary phases (invariant transformations,
peritectic, eutectic,...; solidification paths)
- Free enthalpy diagrams in function of temperature and composition.
- Gas-solid interactions (Ellingham diagram).

Course type

Lecture 35 x 1 hour 20 (oral in French, written support in English) - Practical session (in French or English): 1 x 4 hours - Teaching supports available on the Moodle platform - Self-study: 105 hours (50 hours private reading, 20 hours exam reparation, 20 hours exercise preparation, 15 hours preparation/report of practical session).

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Other information

Selection procedure: evaluation of the students CVDuration: 12 weeks

Language of instruction: French and English
Mode of delivery: Face-to-face teaching

Site for Inquiry