Energy of Atomic Delocalization and Glass Temperature of Amorphous Substances.

The appearance of an additional term in the glass transition criterion is substantiated. The concept is developed that glass transition occurs when the energy of thermal vibrations of the lattice per atom becomes less than the enthalpy of atomic delocalization—its ultimate displacement from the local equilibrium position. A linear relationship is ascertained between the energy of atomic delocalization and the glass transition temperature of a number of glasses. The nature of the liquid–glass transition of various classes of glassy systems is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]