Solid polymorphism in five compounds of the type [Me(H20)6](BF4)2 , where Me = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn, have been studied in the temperature range 120 330 K by DSC. For each substance at least three solid modifications have been found. In addition, for compounds with Me = Mn, Fe and Zn some new low temperature phase transitions have been observed. The transition temperatures for the [Me(H20)6](BF...

We study a nonequilibrium Ising model that stochastically evolves under the simultaneous operation of several spin-flip mechanisms. In other words, the local magnetic fields change sign randomly with time due to competing kinetics. This dynamics models a fast and random diffusion of disorder that takes place in dilute metallic alloys when magnetic ions diffuse. We perform Monte Carlo simulation...

Using first-principles simulations, we identify the microscopic origin of the nonlinear dielectric response and high energy density of polyvinylidene-fluoride-based polymers as a cooperative transition path that connects nonpolar and polar phases of the system. This path explores a complex torsional and rotational manifold and is thermodynamically and kinetically accessible at relatively low te...

In this paper we investigate the ground state and the nature of the transition from an orientational ordered phase at low temperature to the disordered state at high temperature in a molecular crystal. Our model is a Potts model which takes into account the exchange interaction J between nearest-neighbor molecules and a dipolar interaction between molecular axes in three dimensions. The dipolar...

Growing network models with both heterogeneity of the nodes and topological constraints can give rise to a rich phase structure. We present a simple model based on preferential attachment with rewiring of the links. Rewiring probabilities are modulated by the negative fitness of the nodes and by the constraint for the network to be a simple graph. At low temperatures and high rewiring rates, th...

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we study a coarse-grained model of a water layer confined in a fixed disordered matrix of hydrophobic nanoparticles at different particle concentrations c. For c=0, we find a first-order liquid-liquid phase transition (LLPT) ending in one critical point at low pressure P. For c>0, our simulations are consistent with a LLPT line ending in two critical points at low...

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of 512 waterlike molecules that interact via the TIP5P potential and are confined between two smooth hydrophobic plates that are separated by 1.10 nm. We find that the anomalous thermodynamic properties of water are shifted to lower temperatures relative to the bulk by approximately 40 K. The dynamics and structure of the confined water resemble bulk wa...

The low frequency anelastic properties of CDW compounds near the Peierls phase transition are studied in a forced sub-resonant pendulum suitable for delicate (TaSe,), I samples. The influence of measurement parameters such as frequency, oscillation amplitude, temperature rate and low temperature cycles, are obtained. The principal effects found are : the Peierls transition, a higher temperature...

To elucidate a quantum phase transition (QPT) in Bi(2)Sr(2-x)La(x)CuO(6+delta), we measure charge and heat transport properties at very low temperatures and examine the following characteristics for a wide range of doping: normal-state resistivity anisotropy under 58 T, temperature dependence of the in-plane thermal conductivity kappa(ab), and the magnetic-field dependence of kappa(ab). It turn...

Fluids in which the interparticle potential has a hard core, is attractive at moderate separations, and repulsive at large separations are known to exhibit unusual phase behavior, including stable inhomogeneous phases. Here we report a joint simulation and theoretical study of such a fluid, focusing on the relationship between the liquid-vapor transition line and any new phases. The phase diagr...