The dynamics of addition polymerization-induced phase separation in a liquid crystal solvent is examined via confocal microscopy in systems where the final morphology consists of nematic liquid crystal domains suspended in a cross-linked polymer matrix. For low polymer concentrations, we observe unusually rapid hydrodynamics and coalescence during phase separation that determine the final composite morphology. This hypercoalescence can result from polymerization-induced changes of the solubility of the polymer matrix in the liquid crystal solvent.

• Received 8 September 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.3276