Anomalous Phase Separation Kinetics Observed in a Micelle Solution

Journal Article · Mon Aug 21 00:00:00 EDT 1995 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.75.1558· OSTI ID:116008

Wilcoxon, J P; Martin, J E; Odinek, J ^[1]

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1. Advanced Materials Physics Division, MS 0345, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 (United States)

We report a real-time, two-dimensional light scattering study of the evolution of structure in a two-component nonionic micelle system undergoing phase separation. We find that the structure of the domains is qualitatively similar to that observed in binary fluid systems, with some anomalies observed. However, compared to the Lifshitz-Slyozov prediction for simple binary fluids, the domain growth is unexpectedly slow. In fact, the growth kinetics can be empirically described as a stretched exponential approach to a pinned domain size. This anomalous behavior may be due to the ability of the spherical micelles to reorganize into more complex structures.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 116008
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 75; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
BINARY MIXTURES
DOMAIN STRUCTURE
KINETICS
LIGHT SCATTERING
MICELLAR SYSTEMS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
SOLUTIONS