Phase Separation of Binary Systems
  In this Letter, three physical predictions on the phase separation of binary systems are derived based on a dynamic transition theory developed recently by the authors. First, the order of phase transitions is precisely determined by the sign of a parameter Kd (or a nondimensional parameter K) such that if Kd>0, the transition is first-order with latent heat and if Kd <0, the transition is second-order. Second, a theoretical transition diagram is derived, leading in particular to a prediction that there is only second-order transition for molar fraction near 1/2. This is different from the prediction made by the classical transition diagram. Third, a critical length scale is derived such that no phase separation occurs at any temperature if the length of the container is smaller than the critical length scale. 
Tian Ma, Shouhong Wang