@article {2220, title = {Phase Separation Transition in Liquids and Polymers Induced by Electric Field Gradients}, journal = {Journal of the Physical Society of Japan}, volume = {78}, year = {2009}, month = {2009}, abstract = {Spatially uniform electric fields have been used to induce instabilities in liquids and polymers, and to orient and deform ordered phases of block-copolymers. Here we discuss the demixing phase transition occurring in liquid mixtures when they are subject to spatially nonuniform fields. Above the critical value of potential, a phase-separation transition occurs, and two coexisting phases appear separated by a sharp interface. Analytical and numerical composition profiles are given, and the interface location as a function of charge or voltage is found. The possible influence of demixing on the stability of suspensions and on inter-colloid interaction is discussed. {\textcopyright}2009 The Physical Society of Japan}, keywords = {electric fields, gradients, liquid mixtures, phase transitions}, isbn = {0031-9015}, url = {http://jpsj.ipap.jp/link?JPSJ/78/041010/}, author = {Marcus, Gilad and Tsori, Yoav} }