Theoretical study of liquid–liquid phase separation in elastic and inelastic networks

This study uses a continuum cavity-expansion framework to examine liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in elastic and inelastic networks. The model incorporates an explicit far-field stretch and accepts a broad range of constitutive laws for the network, including slightly compressible Neo-Hookean, strain-stiffening and fibrous. Our approach also accounts for network rupture effects within a simplified damage model. From this setup, the conditions for the emergence of finite-sized droplets or macroscopic ("cavitated") ones are obtained. We show that the different constitutive laws together with the far-field stretch and the dimensionality of the system have a strong impact on LLPS outcomes.