Characterization of domain growth kinetics in a mixed perfluorocarbon-hydrocarbon Langmuir–Blodgett monolayer

The rate of domain growth in phase-separated, mixed Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) monolayers of arachidic acid, C₁₉H₃₉COOH (AA) and perfluorotetradecanoic acid, C₁₃F₂₇COOH (PA) was tracked via atomic force microscope measurements. The growth rate of domains comprised of phase-separated AA was consistent with that predicted by the Lifshitz–Slyozov model for diffusion-limited Ostwald ripening. In addition to Ostwald ripening, some evidence for domain coalescence was also observed when LB films were deposited under conditions of low temperature and short incubation times, though this tendency disappeared at higher deposition temperatures.