Elasticity effects on domain coarsening of the lamellar-gyroid transition observed in a nonionic surfactant system

The coarsening process of the gyroid phase of a nonionic surfactant system is investigated by time resolved small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle neutron Laue diffraction techniques. The time evolution of SANS patterns shows anomalous coarsening of the gyroid domains. The observed Laue spot from a gyroid domain becomes elongated along the radial direction with the elapse of time and at a certain time the elongated spot is split into two spots. The results can be interpreted as follows. During the coarsening process, mismatch of the lattice orientation at the domain boundary brings strong stress to the gyroid domain, resulting in the distortion of the domain. The stored stress in the domain finally brings splitting of the gyroid domain. The elastic and fragile nature of the gyroid domains composed of the “soft matter” is responsible for the anomalous coarsening.