ASM Online Member Community

Now through the end of January, the Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion review article "On Gibbs Equilibrium and Hillert Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics" by Zi-Kui Liu is free access for you to download and read. During his time at Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga Tekniska högskolan) in Sweden, the author of this review learned nonequilibrium thermodynamics from Mats Hillert. The key concepts are the separation of internal and external variables of a system and the definitions of potentials and molar quantities. In equilibrium thermodynamics derived by Gibbs, the internal variables are not independent and can be fully evaluated from given external variables. While irreversible thermodynamics led by Onsager focuses on internal variables though often mixed with external variables. Hillert integrated them together by first emphasizing their differences and then examining their connections. His philosophy was reflected by the title of his book "Phase Equilibria, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations" that puts equilibrium, nonequilibrium, and internal processes on equal footing. In this review honoring Hillert, the author reflects on his experiences with Hillert and his work in the last 40 years.

To read the article, please visit here now through January 31.

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Emily Glorioso
ASM Employee
ASM International
Novelty OH
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This is a great example of the high-value technical content available through our journals. Free access to this review offers a unique opportunity to revisit foundational concepts in equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics while gaining perspective from decades of scholarship and mentorship. I encourage members to take advantage of this access and explore how these principles continue to shape our understanding of phase equilibria and transformations.

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Nicole Hale
Director, Membership & Affiliates
ASM International
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2026 09:11
From: Emily Glorioso
Subject: Free Access to Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion Review Article

Now through the end of January, the Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion review article "On Gibbs Equilibrium and Hillert Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics" by Zi-Kui Liu is free access for you to download and read. During his time at Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga Tekniska högskolan) in Sweden, the author of this review learned nonequilibrium thermodynamics from Mats Hillert. The key concepts are the separation of internal and external variables of a system and the definitions of potentials and molar quantities. In equilibrium thermodynamics derived by Gibbs, the internal variables are not independent and can be fully evaluated from given external variables. While irreversible thermodynamics led by Onsager focuses on internal variables though often mixed with external variables. Hillert integrated them together by first emphasizing their differences and then examining their connections. His philosophy was reflected by the title of his book "Phase Equilibria, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations" that puts equilibrium, nonequilibrium, and internal processes on equal footing. In this review honoring Hillert, the author reflects on his experiences with Hillert and his work in the last 40 years.

To read the article, please visit here now through January 31.

------------------------------
Emily Glorioso
ASM Employee
ASM International
Novelty OH
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