Morphology coarsening

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-007583",
  "term": "Morphology coarsening",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A process in multiphase polymer systems where the average size of the dispersed phase domains increases over time, often leading to a reduction in interfacial area. This phenomenon is driven by the minimization of interfacial energy and can occur through mechanisms like Ostwald ripening or coalescence. Coarsening can negatively impact the mechanical and optical properties of polymer blends and composites.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "morphology",
    "Ostwald ripening",
    "crosslinking",
    "diffusion",
    "evaporation",
    "phase separation"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2004, 76, 1985. 'Definition of terms related to polymer blends, composites, and multiphase polymeric materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2004)' on page 2000 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200476111985)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/morphology-coarsening/"
}