Cahn's spinodal decomposition

Cahn's spinodal decomposition is a process where a uniform mixture of two substances naturally separates into distinct regions without needing a catalyst. When the mixture is cooled or changed conditions, it becomes unstable, causing tiny fluctuations in composition to grow. These fluctuations develop into separate phases that form smoothly and continuously, rather than through distinct boundaries or interfaces. The process is driven by the system’s tendency to lower its overall energy and results in a characteristic pattern of interconnected regions. It’s an important concept in materials science, explaining how certain alloys, glasses, and polymers develop their microstructures.