Nematic-Isotropic Spinodal Decomposition Kinetics of Rod-like Viruses
  We investigate spinodal decomposition kinetics of an initially nematic dispersion of rod-like viruses (fd virus). Quench experiments are performed from a flow-stabilized homogeneous nematic state at high shear rate into the two-phase isotropic-nematic coexistence region at zero shear rate. We present experimental evidence that spinodal decomposition is driven by orientational diffusion, in accordance with a very recent theory. 
M. Paul Lettinga, Kyongok Kang, Peter Holmqvist, Arnout Imhof, Didi   Derks and Jan K. G. Dhont