Structural evolution and microscopic interactions in a three-component amphiphilic microemulsion system

Structures and interaction parameters of a three-component amphiphilic microemulsion system consisting of n-decane, water, and an amphiphile AOT (sodium-di-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate) have been studied by means of small angle neutron scattering. The scattering curves are fitted with Teubuer and Strey's formula, from which three structural parameters are extracted; the average periodic distance D between the oil and water, the structural correlation length ξ, and the area a_H per amphiphile molecule. The same data are further examined in terms of Gompper and Schick's formula, from which three interaction parameters are obtained; the strength of segregation J/T among the oil and water, the amphiphilicity L/T of the amphiphile toward the oil and water, and the critical surfactant volume fraction φ_s^c. These interaction parameters have right order of magnitudes and their implications to structural evolution are discussed.