Abstract
We theoretically investigate the coexistences of lamellar phases both in binary and in ternary surfactant solutions. The previous free energy of a lamellar stack is extended to take into account the translational entropy of membrane segments. The obtained phase diagram for binary surfactant solutions (surfactant/water mixtures) shows a phase separation between two lamellar phases and also exhibits a critical point. For lamellar phases in ternary surfactant solutions (surfactant/surfactant/water mixtures), we explore the possible phase behaviors and show that the phase diagrams exhibit various three-phase regions as well as two-phase regions in which different lamellar phases coexist. We also find that finite surface tension suppresses the undulation fluctuations of membranes and leads to a wider three-phase and two-phase coexistence regions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 272-281 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Soft Materials |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Helfrich interaction
- Lamellar phase
- phase behaviors
- surfactant solutions
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics