Cascade nucleation in the phase separation of amphiphilic mixtures

Citation
J. Vollmer et D. Vollmer, Cascade nucleation in the phase separation of amphiphilic mixtures, FARADAY DIS, (112), 1999, pp. 51-62
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics
Journal title
Faraday discussions
ISSN journal
13596640 → ACNP
Issue
112
Year of publication
1999
Pages
51 - 62
Database
ISI
SICI code
1359-6640(1999):112<51:CNITPS>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
Recently, it was observed that oscillations arise in the turbidity and appa rent specific heat of mixtures of water, oil and surfactant, when the phase separation of a phase of water droplets into a phase of smaller droplets c oexisting with a water-rich phase is induced by constant heating. Here, we develop a model for this oscillatory phase separation, and compare it to da ta from detailed experimental studies. A scaling relation describing the co mposition and heating rate dependence of the period of the oscillations is established. Moreover, it is pointed out that similar behaviour should also be observable in other phase-separating systems, since the model is based on arguments of a general nature.