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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Exsolved Mineral Phases

Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Exsolved Mineral Phases

Published on: October 25, 2019

Exsolution by spinodal decomposition in multicomponent mineral solutions.

E Petrishcheva¹, R Abart

¹Department of Lithospheric Research, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.

Acta Materialia

|July 27, 2013

Summary

This study generalizes phase separation models to include multiple components with varying diffusion rates. The research explains how differing diffusivities impact decomposition dynamics and final states in systems like ternary feldspar.

Keywords:

Chemical diffusion Finite element modeling Multicomponent diffusion Spinodal decomposition

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Chemical Engineering
Geochemistry

Background:

Phase separation is crucial in materials and geological systems.
Existing models often simplify component diffusion.
Understanding multi-component diffusion is key to predicting material behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

To generalize the Cahn-Hilliard binary decomposition model for multi-component systems.
To investigate the impact of differing diffusion constants on phase separation dynamics.
To model and explain phase relations in systems like ternary feldspar.

Main Methods:

Generalized the Cahn-Hilliard model for systems with multiple components and varied diffusion constants.
Employed finite-element modeling to simulate decomposition dynamics.
Applied the model to a hypothetical regular solution and ternary feldspar.

Main Results:

The model successfully simulates phase separation dynamics influenced by differential diffusion.
Accurate qualitative agreement was found between model predictions and petrographic observations of exsolved feldspar.
The model explains deviations from equilibrium partitioning during slow cooling in ternary feldspar.

Conclusions:

The generalized model provides a robust framework for studying multi-component phase separation.
Differential diffusion significantly affects both the kinetics and equilibrium state of phase separation.
This work offers insights into geological processes like exsolution in feldspars.