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Ultralow interfacial tensions and their relation to phase separation in micellar solutions

Journal Article · · J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States)

Micellar solutions containing large micelles, i.e., such that the micelles consist mainly of water of solvatation, sometimes separate into 2 phases:one rich in micelles and the other lean in micelles. The authors show that this can be expected to occur when the micelles are larger than 100 Anstromes in diam. and develop a simple model to represent the system. They also calculate the interfacial tension by the method of Cahn and Hilliard. The model leads to the conclusion that extremely low interfacial tensions are present, below about 10/sup -3/ dynes/cm. The results are in agreement with data reported in the literature on water-oil system solubilized by petroleum sulfonate surfactants. (35 refs.)

OSTI ID:
6576268
Journal Information:
J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States) Vol. 61:3; ISSN JCISA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English