Spinodal Decomposition in Binary Systems

Alexander Umantsev, Fayetteville State University

Abstract

Spinodal decomposition is a process of unmixing, i.e., spatial separation of species, which takes place in thermodynamically unstable solutions, solid or liquid. A phase diagram of a spinodally decomposing system, which consists of different species, has a critical point, where the concentrations of both phases become equal. In this Chapter we explore the homogeneous states of the system.