Phase to phase

Shape transformation of form I to form II crystal restrained in oil after crystal of form I was cooled to room temperature, recorded under microscope

Source: © ACS

Chemists are finding fascinating phase-change phenomena, discovers Rachel Brazil

Solid state phase changes are responsible for unusual properties in some metal alloys. Chemists are finding similar properties in molecular materials – causing phenomena such as jumping crystals and superelasticity, finds Rachel Brazil.