J. Phys. France 51, 1501-1508 (1990)
DOI: 10.1051/jphys:0199000510140150100
Symmetry transition in the cubic phase of a ternary surfactant system
S. Radiman1, C. Toprakcioglu1, 2 et A.R. Faruqi31 Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OHE, G.B.
2 AFRC Institute of Food Research, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UA, G.B.
3 MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QH, G.B.
Abstract
We report a small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering investigation in the cubic phase of the ternary system water/didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB)/octane. We have observed a systematic variation in the lattice parameter as a function of water content, which can be related to the change in interfacial area per unit cell with the aqueous volume fraction. Our results are consistent with a bicontinuous periodic constant mean curvature structure, and show a transition from diamond to body-centred cubic symmetry on increasing the water content of the system.
8270K - Emulsions and suspensions.
6130 - Liquid crystals.
Key words
emulsions -- lipid bilayers -- liquid crystals -- neutron diffraction examination of materials -- organic compounds -- phase diagrams -- water -- X ray diffraction examination of materials