Spongelike domain structure in a two-dimensional model gel undergoing volume-phase transition

Abstract

We have studied the numerical model of a two-dimensional gel exhibiting the volumetric phase separation between the swollen and shrunken phases. We have found a peculiar percolating (spongelike) structure of the shrunken phase domain. A qualitative explanation for the appearance of such a structure is given and its relevence to the real gel system is discussed.