Cascade nucleation in the phase separation of amphiphilic mixtures

Abstract

Recently, it was observed that oscillations arise in the turbidity and apparent specific heat of mixtures of water, oil and surfactant, when the phase separation of a phase of water droplets into a phase of smaller droplets coexisting with a water-rich phase is induced by constant heating. Here, we develop a model for this oscillatory phase separation, and compare it to data from detailed experimental studies. A scaling relation describing the composition and heating rate dependence of the period of the oscillations is established. Moreover, it is pointed out that similar behaviour should also be observable in other phase-separating systems, since the model is based on arguments of a general nature.