Phase transition in Langmuir monolayers

The main features of several theoretical models which describe the main phase transition and correspondingly the non-horizontal shape of the Π-A isotherms of the Langmuir monolayers, are discussed. New equations of state are based on the generalised Volmer's equation and consider the coexistence monomers and large clusters as bimodal distribution. A further generalisation for the case of quasi-bimodal distribution allows the consideration of monomers with small aggregates on one side of the spectrum and large clusters on the other side. The new theoretical model is corroborated by the Π-A isotherms of various amphiphilic monolayers the condensed phases of which have various gradual differences in the crystalinity and packing density data. The large variety of shapes of the Π-A isotherms in the region A<A_c can be determined by a single general equation whose parameters, except A_c, correspond to the isotropic fluid-like monolayer region. The application of the generalised equation of state on the experimental Π-A isotherms indicates the formation of small aggregates in the region A>A_c.