Network dispersion

Structure formation that takes place in disperse systems is the result of spontaneous thermodynamically favorable processes of particle aggregation that lead to a decrease in free energy of the system. These processes include coagulation of dispersed phase or condensation of substance in the zones of direct particle contact. The development of spacial networks (disperse structures) of different kinds defines the ability of disperse system to be converted into a material with particular mechanical properties. Such system becomes qualitatively different from its initial, unstructured state. 

Polymer networks dispersed in liquid crystalline materials typically consist of thin fibers (few nanometers thick) or of somewhat thicker fiber bundles (see Fig. 1). Because of their high surface-to-volume ratio the polymer fibers can infiuence orientational ordering of the sur-... 

Nanostructured TiOj has also been utilized as PEMFC catalyst supports with dimensions well below 100 nm. Like other TiOj structures, these materials also inherit high stability, high surface areas, and moderate electrical conductivity. Titanium oxide nanotubes are of particular interest for fuel cell catalyst supports due to their abihties to form porous networks, disperse catalytic metals upon the surface... 

The order parameter of the polymer network is estimated from the experimentally determined birefringence A pil of a polymer network dispersed in the isotropic solvent (chlorobenzene) using (12.52) with A o = 0.3 and j = 0. 

A. Jakli, L. Bata, K. Fodor-Csorba, L.l. Rosta, and L. Noirez, Structure of polymer networks dispersed in liquid crystals small angle neutron scattering study, Liq. Cryst. 17, 227 (1994). 

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