wcrd than surface because-unless the sclid is suspended in a vacuum-it is in ccntact with a gas, a liquid, cr ancther sclid, and it is the interface between the sclid and the cther body which is the fccus cf interest in surface phencmena). The literature dces nct ccntain any useful definiticn cf this term. The term surface cr interface can be defined cnly if cne ccnsiders the characteristics cf the bulk material, the ccnditicn cf the surface under discussicn, the envircnment, and its reacticn with the surface. The emphasis, hcwever, shculd be given to' the problem under which the surface is...

This volume explores in detail the four interrelated branches of the study of surface phenomena-surface thermodynamics, nucleation, diffusion, and fine-particles technology-providing an unusual and comprehensive body of knowledge that will be of interest and practical value to both materials researchers and practising engineers. The growing awareness-since the advent of the space age-among solid-state physicists, metallurgists, ceramists, chemical engineers, and mechanical engineers of the need for a broad interdisciplinary under- standing of the fundamental phenomena common to all matedals...