Practical aspects of physicochemical kinetics using thermal techniques

A number of studies on the kinetics of physicochemical processes are described. The methods used are shown to be potentially useful for making time‐temperature predictions and for optimizing process variables. Examples described include (1) the long‐term prediction of the performance of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride and doped polyacetylenes; (2) the polymerization of a monomer and the optimization of time, temperature, and initiator concentration variables; (3) analysis of an order/disorder transition in a thermochromic polymer; (4) the crystallization of polymers and the effect of a nucleating agent; and (5) the crystallization of an amorphous metallic glass. The theoretical background, significance, scope, and limitations of these measurements are also discussed.