Dynamics in spinodal decomposition of polymer mixtures

Abstract

Un mixing kinetics and ordering processes of polymer mixtures quenched into thermo-dynamically unstable states are reviewed with particular emphasis on (i) universality in the polymer dynamics in comparison with the dynamics for other systems, such as small molecular fluid mixtures, metallic alloys and inorganic glasses, and (ii) some unique characteristics associated with long-chain molecules (polymer effects, especially the effects resulting from molecular entanglements). The isothermal un mixing behaviors are experimentally studied by real-time analyses of light-scattering from samples subjected to a temperature jump from a single-phase to a two-phase region and are studied from the very early stage to the late stage, in a reduced time scale (τ) of 1 × 10⁻² to 2 × 10³. Some experimental results are analyzed on the basis of existing theories, and universality and polymer effects are discussed.