Structural Changes in Minerals and their Effect on Intrinsic Properties

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

My LONG-TERM RESEARCH PROGRAM examines mineral behaviour (physical, mechanical, thermodynamic, elastic, and chemical properties) as a function of pressure (P), temperature (T), composition (X), and time (t), that is, P-T-X-t conditions, which is based on the arrangement of atoms in the crystal. Understanding mineral behaviour is essential for providing realistic models for Earth processes because mineral properties are governed by the arrangement of atoms. My research program attempts to answer questions such as: why do solid materials have the composition, structure, and the properties that they exhibit? How do these properties change under different P and T conditions? How does the ordering of atoms in a structure change in response to P-T-X-t? What are the effects of order-disorder on intrinsic or internal properties, e.g., density? To answer these questions, it is necessary to determine the atomic structures of minerals using a multi-disciplinary approach. We use various in situ experimental techniques to investigate the processes that govern mineral stabilities and properties under ambient and non-ambient (different P and T) conditions, including X and t, and to apply the results to Mineral Physics and Earth processes. My research program is based on physical chemistry and diffraction physics using experimental techniques in laboratories in addition to performing innovative research at synchrotron and neutron facilities, where I am an established researcher. We have successfully characterized several mineral groups under varying P-T-X-t conditions and here we examine the garnet-group minerals.