Thermodynamics of Condensed Matter

It is useful to review the general concepts and definitions used in phenomenological thermodynamics, which are indispensable when classifying a material. The generalized thermodynamic approach leads to the definition of different classes of systems according to their interactions with the environment: isolated system, closed system and open system. This chapter reviews the essential principles of phenomenological thermodynamics at equilibrium and the concepts of energy and entropy. Then, in the framework of thermodynamics without equilibrium conditions, it generalizes these concepts and examines the response of the condensed matter, considered as a physical or chemical evolutionary system. The chapter describes the different situations encountered for an experimental chemical reactor considered as a thermodynamic system, defined with a real enclosure and subjected to constant contributions of energy and/or matter. Finally, it explains the formation of a solid by kinetic processes of crystallogenesis and morphogenesis as an example and makes a connection with the selected field of application.