STATISTICAL MECHANICAL MODEL THEORY OF THE STABILITY OF O/W AND W/O MICROEMULSIONS

A theoretical model to clarify the molecular origin of the mechanical and thermal stabilities of O/W or W/O microemulsion is proposed in which the low concentration of surfactants (emulsifiers) is limited. We assume only a short range interaction between surfactants and a bending stiffness energy which expresses the deformation energy from a preferable monolayer membrane curvature. We have found an interrelation among the interfacial pressure, Δp, of the monolayer due to the adsorption of surfactants in the microemulsion interface, interfacial tensions of oil-water interface and of the microemulsion, and the bending stiffness energy. We conclude that the interfacial tension and the stable form of the microemulsions (O/W type or W/O type) are infuenced largely by the effect of the bending stiffness energy. The interrelationship between the therraodynamical and mechanical stabilities of microemulsions is clarified by the use of our assumption.