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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Oscillations in the dynamics of temperature-driven phase separation

subject

description

We examine the dynamics of the phase separation of a single phase of water-in-oil microemulsion droplets towards a phase of smaller droplets coexisting with a water-rich phase. Oscillations are observed in the turbidity of the mixture and in the specific heat, when this transition is induced by a continuous temperature increase. The oscillations indicate an unusual type of dynamics which involves an energy barrier only to be overcome by a large number of droplets collectively. It is due to the spontaneous curvature of the water-oil-interface, and conservation of volumes.