Spatial correlations in symmetric and asymmetric bicontinuous structures

Spatial correlations of interfacial curvature are compared for symmetric and asymmetric two-phase mixtures produced following spinodal decomposition as given by a numerical solution to the Cahn-Hilliard equation in three dimensions. By calculating radial distribution functions of the density of interfacial area as a function of the mean interfacial curvature of these bicontinuous microstructures, it is found that long-range diffusive interactions, in combination with the morphology of the system, yield a variety of correlations and anticorrelations over a range of length scales. The asymmetric mixtures show some similarities to the symmetric mixtures, as well as other unique features. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.