Dynamic Scaling in Microphase Separation of Binary Paraffin Mixtures

Abstract

This paper reports “self-similarity” in the time domain for the neutron scattering functions from the microphases which develop in the solid state at room temperature when binary paraffin mixtures of C₃₀/C₃₆ alkanes are quenched from the melt. Data for a number of compositions and at several temperatures inside the microphase separation regions have been taken using small-angle neutron scattering and isotopic contrast of the components. Remarkably, the structure factor in all cases agrees well with theoretical predictions of time-dependent scaling. This shows that the kinetic parameters which control the formation of the microphase are applicable over the whole time regime studied and points the way to eventual computer simulation of the dynamics in such systems.