TITLE:
A Generalized Gibbs Potential Model for Materials Degradation
AUTHORS:
J. W. McPherson
KEYWORDS:
Materials Degradation, Degradation Rate, Gibbs Potential, Gibbs Free Energy, Activation Energy, Dielectrics, Dielectric Breakdown, Time-Dependent Dielectric Breakdown, TDDB, Bond Breakage, Thermochemical E-Model
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Condensed Matter Physics,
Vol.14 No.4,
November
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: It is well known that work done on a material by conservative forces (electrical, mechanical, chemical) will increase the Gibbs Potential of the material. The increase in Gibbs Potential can be stored in the material and is free/available to do work at some later time. However, it will be shown in this paper that while in this state of higher Gibbs potential, the material is metastable and the material will degrade spontaneously/naturally with time in an effort to reach a lower Gibbs Potential. A generalized Gibbs Potential Model is developed herein to better understand its impact on a materials degradation rate. Special attention will be given to dielectrics degradation.