Abstract
A modified version of transition state theory, which accounts for the division of the additional surface free energy density of a curved boundary between two adjacent phases, is developed. It is shown how this differs from, but relaxes to, the Gibbs-Thomson equation under appropriate conditions. The approach allows prediction of shrinkage of amorphous zones in crystalline matrices and growth of crystallites in amorphous matrices of semiconductors at temperatures lower and higher respectively than that for planar amorphous-crystal boundary motion. The changes in grain distribution with time at fixed temperatures are also examined.

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