Formation of stratified binder phase gradients

In this paper a new model giving a thorough explanation of the mechanism of formation of stratified binder phase layers is proposed. The model is basically composed of a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic considerations. It is shown that the stratified structure is a result of a slow solidification process under conditions which favour a planar solidification front parallel to the insert surface. Some examples of processes that generate such conditions and thus a stratified structure are given.