SPINODAL DECOMPOSITION IN MIXTURES CONTAINING NEMATOGENS .2. KINETICSOF SPINODAL DECOMPOSITION

The problem of simultaneous phase separation and ordering kinetics in mixtures containing a nematic component is addressed through the intro duction of a time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg model. Dynamic equations f or the time evolution of orientation and concentration fluctuations ar e given; the solution to these equations leads to explicit expressions for the structure factors for concentration and orientation. It is sh own that the theory shares some salient features with the Cahn theory of spinodal decomposition. A simulation of a quenching experiment is p erformed and the time evolution of the structure factors during spinod al decomposition is calculated. Relevant small angle light scattering experiments which could be used to test the model are discussed.