Laboratory of Phase Transition Kinetics (LPTK) focuses on experimental and theoretical research of phase transitions when in a bulk phase in thermodynamically metastable state start to form and subsequently grow clusters of a new phase. The formation of new phase, otherwise known as nucleation, happens for example by the generation of droplets in the supersaturated steam, the formation of bubbles in the superheated liquid, or the crystallization of solid phase in the supercooled liquid. LPTK addresses the environmental issues, e.g., the formation of aerosol, water droplets, and ice crystals in atmosphere, together with the industrial applications such as condensation of droplets in steam turbines, cavitation in pumps, and formation of ice crystals in fuel cells. LPTK investigates thermophysical properties both under the thermodynamically stable and metastable conditions needed for an accurate description of the phase transitions.
 
The LPTK members are involved in activities of the Czech National Committee for the Properties of Water and Steam (CZNCPWS) aand the international association IAPWS, where they within an international research team investigate thermophysical properties, phase equilibria and phase transitions of aqueous systems, e.g., properties of supercooled liquid water at temperatures down to – 30 °C or phase equilibria of aqueous systems with gas hydrates.

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