Monte Carlo lattice simulation of micro-structure in amphiphilic systems.

An idealized lattice model for amphiphile-oil-water systems in which oil and water molecules occupy single sites and amphiphiles (or surfactants) occupy chains of sites is investigated at high concentrations of the amphiphile. The simulations show lamellar microstructures when oil and water are present in equal concentrations. When either oil or water is absent, the microstructure evolves from lamellar to cylindrical to spherical as the amphiphile concentration is reduced. This progression is analogous to that seen in mixtures of A-B block polymers with homopolymers of A and of B.