Mean field theory of the microphase separation in interpenetrating networks

A mean field approximation is formulated for the microphase separation transition of chemically quenched binary interpenetrating networks. For weakly cross-linked networks, microphase separation takes place, related to the competition that exists between elasticity and repulse of the two network components. As a result of the mean field approximation follows a characteristic size of the microphase, determined by the wave vector q*=5.45/〈R2〉. The ordered phase is characterized by a macrolattice with lamellar-, hexagonal-, or body-centered cubic lattice symmetry, which is dependent from the composition f and the effective interaction parameter χ.