Nematic-isotropic spinodal decomposition kinetics of rodlike viruses.
We investigate spinodal decomposition kinetics of an initially nematic dispersion of rodlike viruses. Quench experiments are performed from a flow-stabilized homogeneous nematic state at a high shear rate into the two-phase isotropic-nematic coexistence region at a zero shear rate. We present experimental evidence that spinodal decomposition is driven by orientational diffusion, in accordance with a very recent theory.
Forschungs Zentrum Jülich, IFF, Weiche Materie, Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany.
M Paul
MP
Lettinga
Kyongok
K
Kang
Peter
P
Holmqvist
Arnout
A
Imhof
Didi
D
Derks
Jan K G
JK
Dhont