Acoustic studies of melting and crystallization of nanostructured decane

Acoustic studies of melting and crystallization of decane loaded in porous glasses (Vycor and laboratory-produced glass) have been performed. Measurements of the temperature dependences of the ultrasound velocity have revealed a decrease in the melting and crystallization temperatures of decane as compared to the melting point of bulk decane and a diffuseness of these phase transitions. The results obtained are compared with the predictions of the models describing melting of individual small particles. The specific features revealed in the acoustic properties of nanocomposites based on decane-loaded porous glasses are discussed.