Thermodynamics of finite systems and the kinetics of first-order phase transitions

The text covers a comprehensive exploration of phase transitions, nucleation, and growth processes in various systems. It begins with an introduction to types and classifications of phase transitions, detailing thermodynamic and experimental conditions for supersaturated vapor states and classical nucleation theory, including the droplet model and its kinetic assumptions. The thermodynamics of heterogeneous systems is discussed, incorporating Gibbs' theory and the effects of curvature on surface tension, particularly in non-equilibrium states. The work further delves into nucleation in finite systems, examining cluster formation, stability conditions, and critical parameters, alongside the dynamics of droplet ensembles. A stochastic approach is employed to analyze phase transition kinetics, with insights from computer simulations on cluster evolution and probability distributions. Deterministic descriptions of growth during first-order phase transitions are presented, including diffusion equations and simultaneous nucleation and growth scenarios. The theory of Ostwald ripening is addressed, featuring fundamental equations and thermodynamic aspects, as well as a novel kinetic description linked to self-organization. The growth of bubbles in finite systems is modeled and analyzed thermodynamically, with applications in liquid-gas solutions. Finally, nucleation and growth in elastic and viscoelastic media are examined, focusin