Abstract
Using a minimal algebraic model for the thermodynamics of binary rod-polymer mixtures, we provide evidence for a quintuple phase equilibrium; an observation that seems to be at odds with the Gibbs phase rule for two-component systems. Our model is based on equations of state for the relevant liquid crystal phases that are in quantitative agreement with computer simulations. We argue that the appearance of a quintuple equilibrium, involving an isotropic fluid, a nematic and smectic liquid crystal, and two solid phases, can be reconciled with a generalized Gibbs phase rule in which the two intrinsic length scales of the athermal colloid-polymer mixture act as additional field variables.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 127803 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 125 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 18 Sep 2020 |
Press / Media
-
-Eindhoven University of Technology: Defying a 150-year-old rule for phase behaviour; Five different phases found in mixtures of two substances
Remco Tuinier, Mark Vis & Vincent Peters
21/09/20
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
-
Eindhoven University of Technology: Defying a 150-Year-Old Rule for Phase Behavior
Remco Tuinier, Mark Vis & Vincent Peters
19/09/20
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
-
Defying a 150-year-old rule for phase behavior
Remco Tuinier, Mark Vis & Vincent Peters
18/09/20 → 19/09/20
6 items of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment