Spinodal decomposition

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011218",
  "term": "Spinodal decomposition",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A phase separation mechanism in which a homogeneous solution spontaneously separates into two or more distinct phases without nucleation. This process occurs when the system is thermodynamically unstable, meaning the free energy curve is concave down. It results in a finely interconnected microstructure of the separating phases.",
  "subject": "Inorganic Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "unstable"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 577. 'Definitions of terms relating to phase transitions of the solid state (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 591 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466030577)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/spinodal-decomposition/"
}