Entropic networks in colloidal self-assembly

A critical phase separation in self-assembling colloidal dispersions is pre dicted. The coexisting phases are a dilute gas of ends that coexists with a high-density liquid of branching points. Our model provides a unified expl anation for the branched structures, the unusually low critical temperature and density, and the consequent two-phase coexistence 'islands' in both cy lindrical microemulsions and dilute dispersions of dipolar particles (e.g. ferrofluids).