A phenomenological mean-field model of globules for a three-component microemulsion is presented and typical phase diagrams are obtained. Two types of two-phase coexistence are found as well as a three-phase equilibrium. The topology of the phase diagram is determined by the ratio of the critical globule radius to the natural bending radius and by the radius dependence of the attractive interactions.

• Received 12 November 1982

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.50.1930