Rebuttal to Schmelzer and Tropin: Glass Transition, Crystallization of Glass-Forming Melts, and Entropy

Abstract

In a recent article, Schmelzer and Tropin [Entropy 20 [2] 103 (2018)] presented an unfounded, confusing critique of several aspects of modern glass science. Relying on pre-Socratic Greek philosophy and state-of-the-art scientific understanding from the 1920s-1930s, Schmelzer and Tropin propagate an antiquated view of glass physics that is at odds with well-accepted knowledge in the field from both theory and experiments conducted in the post-World War II era. The objective of this short letter is to elucidate and extinguish their critique. This rebuttal is directed to our colleagues and especially to students who might otherwise become confused.