Barotropic phenomena in complex phase behaviour

Abstract

As a function of asymmetry, binary mixtures show a phase behaviour transition from type II to type III through an intermediate type IV phase behaviour, according to the Scott and van Konynenburg classification. However, the intermediate type IV phase behaviour, related to this transition, is actually associated to two different types of phase behaviour: a distorted type II (regular type IV) and a distorted type III (type IVb, as defined in this work). In addition, it is during the type IV transition that barotropic phenomenon in asymmetric mixtures is likely to develop. Thus, in this work the complex phase behaviour patterns that are found particularly, although not exclusively, in asymmetric mixtures is reviewed in detailed. It is also suggested the first appearance of barotropic phenomenon as an alternative weak condition for the transition between type II and type III phase behaviour.