DIFFUSE INTERFACE MODEL OF VOLUME NUCLEATION IN GLASSES

A diffuse interface theory (DIT) of nucleation is applied for the crys tallization of various oxide glasses showing volume nucleation. It is demonstrated that, in contrast with the classical theory which often y ields ''anomalous'' nucleation prefactors, the DIT is consistent with the experiments. A method is outlined for distinguishing homogeneous a nd volumetric heterogeneous nucleation mechanisms.