Abstract
Adsorption and aggregation properties of model non-ionic C i E 8 surfactants (octaethyleneoxide mono- n-alkyl ethers C 12E 8, C 14E 8 and C 16E 8) were studied in different solvents: water, water/ethylene glycol and water/propylene glycol mixtures, as well as pure ethylene and propylene glycol. Significant changes in critical micellar concentrations, surface tensions and surface excess were observed using surface tension, as a function of solvent type and surfactant tail length. Aggregation structures in these solvents were studied using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The SANS results were consistent with ellipsoidal, or cylindrical micelles, depending on solvent. Importantly, pure ethylene glycol is identified as a solvent in which C i E 8 surfactants exhibit classic behavior, similar to that which has been well documented in water. On the other hand, C 12E 8 exhibits only very weak surfactant properties in pure propylene glycol: surface tension depressions were very small, and SANS signals were weak, suggesting only minimal adsorption and aggregation. Hence, surfactant behavior of a model non-ionic like C 12E 8 is strongly dependent on the type of glycol.
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