Time domain dielectric spectroscopy as a tool to study phase nucleation processes

Conventional (frequency domain) dielectric spectroscopy (FDDS) is very useful for studying molecular interactions in systems which are in equilibrium. However, it is not usually convenient, or in some cases feasible, to investigate transient processes by FDDS. A major advantage of time domain dielectric spectroscopy (TDDS) is that many types of transient phenomena can be studied. As a point in question, the use of TDDS for the investigation of the kinetic processes associated with the nucleation and growth of a second phase in an initial phase will be discussed. The use of the technique for the study of phase separation in polymer blends will also be discussed and preliminary results for a model system, phenol-water, will be presented.