Measuring the Viscosity and Time Correlation Functions in a Microscopic Model of a Microemulsion

Abstract

A dynamical lattice model is used to study the viscosity and the velocity-velocity autocorrelation function in a microemulsion phase. We find evidence of anomalous viscosities in these phases (relative to water-rich and/or oil-rich phases), in qualitative agreement with other results. We also investigate the dynamic relaxation in the microemulsion phase. It has been suggested that the temporal relaxation in the microemulsion phase may be described by a stretched exponential Kolrausch-Williams-Watts law. In our model, we find the velocity-velocity autocorrelation function fits this law, showing both enhanced (b>1) and inhibited (b<1) diffusion.