Glossary

Coacervation; coacervation

This is a phase separation mechanism that occurs in polymer solutions and involves the formation of polymer-rich microdomains (coacervates) coexisting with a polymer-poor continuous phase. Coacervation can be simple (involving a single polymer) or complex (involving two or more polymers). The formation of certain core-shell microcapsules involves the formation and aggregation of coacervates at the water/oil interface.

Octanol/water partition coefficient

A parameter describing a molecule's tendency to prefer a nonpolar environment (octanol) over a polar environment (water). The calculated value is used ( $C\mathrm{\hspace{0.33em}}\log \mathrm{\hspace{0.33em}}P$...