The engulfment of foreign particles by a freezing interface

The interactions of second-phase particles, liquid droplets or gas bubbles with a solidification front form the basis of various materials synthesis and purification processes and the design of microstructures in cast metal-matrix composites, as well as frost heaving and biological cell interactions. The physical mechanisms of this interaction phenomenon are based upon surface thermodynamic factors, solidification parameters, and fluid dynamic effects such as fluid drag and buoyancy. An overview is presented of the role of various factors which determine the nature as well as the kinetics of foreign particle--solidification front interactions, and the current status and limitations of the various theoretical models of the phenomenon.