Arrested phase separation and phase equilibrium properties of microemulsions

We present an interpretation of the characteristic phase properties of micr oemulsions based on a distinct process of phase separation that has come to a standstill due to the action of the amphiphiles on the driving force of the process. Tn our kinetic equation this force relates to the generalized Laplace equation that contains spontaneous curvature and bending rigidity t erms, and, according to it, the final stationary states attained are phases structured into water-rich and oil-rich domains. In relation to our model we discuss the change in geometry of the domains upon variation of spontane ous curvature and observe that the water-oil interfacial tension and the me an domain size exhibit their characteristic minimum and maximum, respective ly. The kinetic equation is derived from the standard Landau-Ginzburg forma lism using a free-energy density functional with square-gradient and square -laplacian terms.