Dispersions phase separation

In contrast to this, based on experimental results, a new theory has recently been developed by us [37], which is applicable to all heterogeneous polymer systems [88,89], Our main principle is to define the non-equilibrium character of colloidal dispersions in polymeric matrices and to interpret the experimental findings (phase separation, dispersion-flocculation phase transition, [84]) as dissipative structures . This term has been first introduced by Prigogine [77a,b] for... 

Lateral Atom Distribution in Surface-Confined Alloys 87 Phase separation Disperse distribution... 

If two pure, immiscible liquids, such as benzene and water, are vigorously shaken together, they will form a dispersion, but it is doubtful that one phase or the other will be uniquely continuous or dispersed. On stopping the agitation, phase separation occurs so quickly that it is questionable whether the term emulsion really should be applied to the system. A surfactant component is generally needed to obtain a stable or reasonably stable emulsion. Thus, if a little soap is added to the benzene-water system, the result on shaking is a true emulsion that separates out only very slowly. Theories of... 

A study by Bames and co-workers of the equilibrium spreading behavior of dimyristol phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) reconciles the differences between spreading of bulk solids and dispersions of liposomes [41]. This study shows the formation of multibilayers below the monolayer at the air-water interface. An incipient phase separation, undetectable by microscopy, in DMPC-cholesterol... 

Jansen J W, de Kruif C G and Vrij A 1986 Attractions in sterically stabilised silica dispersions. I. Theory of phase separation J. Colloid Interface Sc/. 114 471-80... 

Vincent B, Edwards J, Emmett S and Greet R 1988 Phase separation in dispersions of weakly-interacting particles in solutions of non-adsorbing polymers Colloid Surf. 31 267-98... 

The phenomena we discuss, phase separation and osmotic pressure, are developed with particular attention to their applications in polymer characterization. Phase separation can be used to fractionate poly disperse polymer specimens into samples in which the molecular weight distribution is more narrow. Osmostic pressure experiments can be used to provide absolute values for the number average molecular weight of a polymer. Alternative methods for both fractionation and molecular weight determination exist, but the methods discussed in this chapter occupy a place of prominence among the alternatives, both historically and in contemporary practice. 

If the poorer solvent is added incrementally to a system which is poly-disperse with respect to molecular weight, the phase separation affects molecules of larger n, while shorter chains are more uniformly distributed. These ideas constitute the basis for one method of polymer fractionation. We shall develop this topic in more detail in the next section. 

Coalescence and Phase Separation. Coalescence between adjacent drops and between drops and contactor internals is important for two reasons. It usually plays a part, in combination with breakup, in determining the equiHbrium drop si2e in a dispersion, and it can therefore affect holdup and flooding in a countercurrent extraction column. Secondly, it is an essential step in the disengagement of the phases and the control of entrainment after extraction has been completed. 

A widely used type of pump—mixer—settler, developed by IsraeH Mining Industries (IMI) (115), is shown in Figure 13a. A unit having capacity 8.3 m /min (2000 gal /min) has been used in phosphoric acid plants (116). The unique feature of this design is that the pumping device is not required to act as the mixer, and the two phases are dispersed by a separate impeller mounted on a shaft miming coaxially with the drive to the pump. 

The in situ process is simpler because it requires less material handling (35) however, this process has been used only for resole resins. When phenol is used, the reaction system is initially one-phase alkylated phenols and bisphenol A present special problems. As the reaction with formaldehyde progresses at 80—100°C, the resin becomes water-insoluble and phase separation takes place. Catalysts such as hexa produce an early phase separation, whereas NaOH-based resins retain water solubiUty to a higher molecular weight. If the reaction medium contains a protective coUoid at phase separation, a resin-in-water dispersion forms. Alternatively, the protective coUoid can be added later in the reaction sequence, in which case the reaction mass may temporarily be a water-in-resin dispersion. The protective coUoid serves to assist particle formation and stabUizes the final particles against coalescence. Some examples of protective coUoids are poly(vinyl alcohol), gum arabic, and hydroxyethjlceUulose. 

Emulsification is essential for the development of all types of skin- and hair-care preparations and a variety of makeup products. Emulsions (qv) are fine dispersions of one Hquid or semisoHd ia a second Hquid (the contiauous phase) with which the first substance is not miscible. Generally, one of the phases is water and the other phase is an oily substance oil-ia-water emulsions are identified as o/w water-ia-oil emulsions as w/o. When oil and water are mixed by shaking or stirring ia the absence of a surface-active agent, the two phases separate rapidly to minimize the iaterfacial energy. Maintenance of the dispersion of small droplets of the internal phase, a requirement for emulsification, is practical only by including at least one surface-active emulsifier ia the oil-and-water blend. 

Conducting Polymer Blends, Composites, and Colloids. Incorporation of conducting polymers into multicomponent systems allows the preparation of materials that are electroactive and also possess specific properties contributed by the other components. Dispersion of a conducting polymer into an insulating matrix can be accompHshed as either a miscible or phase-separated blend, a heterogeneous composite, or a coUoidaHy dispersed latex. When the conductor is present in sufftcientiy high composition, electron transport is possible. 

Silica gel, per se, is not so frequently used in LC as the reversed phases or the bonded phases, because silica separates substances largely by polar interactions with the silanol groups on the silica surface. In contrast, the reversed and bonded phases separate material largely by interactions with the dispersive components of the solute. As the dispersive character of substances, in general, vary more subtly than does their polar character, the reversed and bonded phases are usually preferred. In addition, silica has a significant solubility in many solvents, particularly aqueous solvents and, thus, silica columns can be less stable than those packed with bonded phases. The analytical procedure can be a little more complex and costly with silica gel columns as, in general, a wider variety of more expensive solvents are required. Reversed and bonded phases utilize blended solvents such as hexane/ethanol, methanol/water or acetonitrile/water mixtures as the mobile phase and, consequently, are considerably more economical. Nevertheless, silica gel has certain areas of application for which it is particularly useful and is very effective for separating polarizable substances such as the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and substances... 

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