The Influence of the Surface on Phase Transitions in Two-component Systems

The results of theoretical and experimental studies on phase transitions in semi-infinite two-component systems (immiscible liquids and polymer systems) are examined. The conditions for the formation on the substrate surface of a wetting layer of one of the equilibrium phases are discussed in detail within the framework of the average field theory taking into account the small-radius interactions between the substrate and the mixture components. The theoretical conclusions are compared with experimental data. The role of the long-range forces in the wetting transitions and the appearance of anomalously large fluctuations in the wetting films are considered in relation to the simplest models. The results of the study of critical adsorption are briefly described.
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