Microemulsion networks: the onset of bicontinuity

Abstract

We predict theoretically the gradual formation of fluctuating, connected microemulsion networks from disconnected cylinders as the spontaneous curvature and the radius are varied, in agreement with recent direct measurements of these topological transitions. We discuss the rob of the topological defects, the network junction and the end-cap of the disconnected cylinders, in the connectivity transition. The optimal shapes and curvature energies of the junctions and end-caps are calculated numerically and compared with analytic approximations.