SMALL-ANGLE LIGHT-SCATTERING IN DENSE MICROEMULSIONS, TRANSITION FROMDROPLET TO BICONTINUOUS PHASE

We have performed extensive small-angle light scattering (SALS) measur ements on a three-component microemulsion (AOT/decane/water) as a func tion of the dispersed phase concentration and the temperature. All sam ples have a water/AOT molar fraction w = 40.8. Such a system presents a very complex phase diagram with many structural configurations. With the SALS technique, we have been able to observe all the phase separa tion lines. In particular we give details on the system structure on t he percolation phenomenon and on the bicontinuous phase recently obser ved. In particular we show that the percolation is driven by a long-sc ale aggregation between microemulsion droplets.