PHASE-SEPARATION IN LIQUIDS DUE TO QUENCH BY CESSATION OF SHEAR

Shear flow can induce a shift in the coexistence curve of partially mi scible liquids and easily mix domains of two coexisting phases below T (C). These properties are used to (i) homogenize a liquid mixture at t emperatures below the critical one, (ii) induce a phase separation by stopping the shear. Experimental studies at different temperatures, sh ear rates and volume fractions by light scattering show that the proce ss of phase separation is generally quite identical to the process ind uced by a thermal quench.