English

Phase separation transition in liquids and polymers induced by electric field gradients

Statistical Mechanics 2015-05-13 v1 Soft Condensed Matter

Abstract

Spatially uniform electric fields have been used to induce instabilities in liquids and polymers, and to orient and deform ordered phases of block-copolymers. Here we discuss the demixing phase transition occurring in liquid mixtures when they are subject to spatially nonuniform fields. Above the critical value of potential, a phase-separation transition occurs, and two coexisting phases appear separated by a sharp interface. Analytical and numerical composition profiles are given, and the interface location as a function of charge or voltage is found. The possible influence of demixing on the stability of suspensions and on inter-colloid interaction is discussed.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.0901.1990,
  title  = {Phase separation transition in liquids and polymers induced by electric field gradients},
  author = {G. Marcus and Y. Tsori},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0901.1990},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

7 pages, 3 figures. Special issue of the J. Phys. Soc. Jap