Phase separation in soft, porous solids

Phase separation describes the process of a homogeneous mixture spontaneously separating into its constituent components. A common example of phase separation occurs in oil-water mixtures. At high temperatures, oil and water form a homogeneous mixture, but at low temperatures, oil will separate from the water to form small droplets. Phase separation can also occur in porous, fluid-filled solids, where it gives rise to a rich variety of patterns that defy explanation in terms of traditional theories. The patterns that arise from phase separation have important implications for the operation of lithium-ion batteries, cell biology, and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, and therefore need to be understood. The objective of this project is to develop the theoretical foundations of phase separation in soft, porous solids by:

• Deriving mathematical models using continuum mechanics that capture the physics of phase separation (e.g. elasticity, fluid transport)
• Carrying out numerical simulations and mathematical analyses (e.g. stability analysis)
• Determining how stimuli, such as an electric field or an imposed deformation, can trigger, alter, or suppress phase separation