Peculiarities of melting and crystallization of n-decane in a porous glass

Publication date: Available online 7 August 2019Source: Physics Letters AAuthor(s): A.L. Pirozerski, O.I. Smirnova, A.I. Nedbai, O.L. Pirozerskaya, N.A. Grunina, V.M. MikushevAbstractMelting and crystallization of n-decane embedded into porous glass with the mean pore size of about 6.4 nm were studied using acoustic and DSC methods. Smearing of the phase transitions, decrease of melting and freezing temperatures, pronounced hysteresis between melting and crystallization were revealed by both methods. In DSC measurements for the pore filling factors 70% and higher double peaks were observed upon cooling while only single peaks were present upon heating. Also a high reduction of the corresponding phase transition heats was revealed. Melting and freezing intervals determined by acoustic and DSC methods strongly differed from each other. A model which qualitatively explains the observed anomalies is proposed. It supposes the formation of liquid layers on the surface of the pores.

Source: Physics Letters A - August 9, 2019 Category: Physics Source Type: research