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Bulk and surface correlations in a microemulsion

Journal Article · · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
 [1];  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)
  2. Department of Nuclear Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)
  3. Reactor Radiation Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899 (United States)

Small angle neutron scattering and neutron reflectivity are used to study the bulk and surface structure of water--octane--tetraethylene glycol monodecyl ether (C{sub 10}E{sub 4}) bicontinuous microemulsions. When the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the surfactant monolayers in the microemulsion are balanced, the surface correlation length is found to be significantly larger than its bulk analog. Varying the spontaneous curvature of the monolayers greatly influences the surface structure of the microemulsion while having a relatively slight effect on the bulk correlation function. These observations are explained using a Ginzburg-Landau theory.

DOE Contract Number:
FG02-90ER45429
OSTI ID:
69572
Journal Information:
Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 52; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English