Micellar Growth, Network Formation, and Criticality in Aqueous Solutions of the Nonionic Surfactant C12E5

• DOI: 10.1021/la991231q
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T06:04:23Z
• Authors: A. Bernheim-Grosw...; E. Wachtel; Y. Talmon
• Keywords: Radius of gyration; Hydrodynamic radius; Static light scattering; Micellar solutions; Critical point (mathematics); Binodal

We used cryo-TEM and light scattering to study the micellar growth subsequent network formation in aqueous solutions of nonionic surfactant C12E5. Cryo-TEM shows first direct evidence for existence connected topology vicinity critical point two-phase separation curve C12E5/water system. The coexisting phases within region consist one concentrated dilute interconnected cylindrical micelles. These findings are consistent with recent theoretical explanation criticality phase certain systems as resulting from entropic attraction between junctions. Away curve, we have identified uniaxial growth, increasing temperature concentration, into long threadlike From power-law dependence radius gyration, RG,z, hydrodynamic diameter, D̄H, on molecular weight (RG,z, D̄H ∼ Mwν), find that these micelles properties resembling those flexible polymers a good solvent (ν 0.6). Static dynamic show mean micelle contour length L⃗ increases c0.5 (c is concentration) agreement theory. Finally, end-cap energy Ec linearly temperature.