title: Reentrant phase diagram of network fluids.
abstract: We introduce a microscopic model for particles with dissimilar patches which displays an unconventional "pinched" phase diagram, similar to the one predicted by Tlusty and Safran in the context of dipolar fluids [Science 290, 1328 (2000)]. The model-based on two types of patch interactions, which account, respectively, for chaining and branching of the self-assembled networks-is studied both numerically via Monte Carlo simulations and theoretically via first-order perturbation theory. The dense phase is rich in junctions, while the less-dense phase is rich in chain ends. The model provides a reference system for a deep understanding of the competition between condensation and self-assembly into equilibrium-polymer chains.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tavares
authors.forename: P I C
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Teixeira
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Telo da Gama
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sciortino