Reaction-controlled morphology of phase-separating mixtures.

摘要: The role of externally-controlled chemical reactions in the selection patterns phase-separating mixtures is presented. Linearized theory and computer simulation show that initial long-wavelength instability characteristic spinodal decomposition suppressed by reactions, which restrict domain growth to intermediate length scales even late stages phase separation. Our findings suggest such may provide a novel way stabilize tune steady-state morphology materials. Pattern formation reaction-diffusion systems occurs throughout nature. It well known, for example, spiral waves other interesting can be generated simple [1]. In contrast, transient are formed during separation both small molecule polymer [2,3]. These patterns, whose scale depends on specificity components mixture, coarsen disappear when macroscopic achieved at asymptotically long times. would desirable devise mechanism these morphologies could stabilized. this Letter, we argue used arising Unlike usual scenario decomposition, where concentration fluctuations all larger than certain critical spontaneously grow with time, introduce two cutoff lengths, thereby