AbstractThe effect of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons on surfactant micellar growth has been investigated by viscosity measurements at 40°C. Aqueous and aqueous KBr (0.1 M) solutions of 0.1 M cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) showed that the viscosity behavior changed substantially in the presence of KBr. This is attributed to favorable conditions produced by KBr that assist micellar growth by addition of hydrocarbons. Reasons for the effectiveness of the solubilized hydrocarbons are suggested and supported by theoretical arguments. The causes of viscosity decrease at higher aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations are also explained. Micellar growth with soluble aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbons could also be initiated if a moderate salt concentration is present in CPB micellar solutions. The chainlength, solubilization site, and molar volume of the soluble hydrocarbons all affect the bulk viscosity of the solution. Such surfactant and hydrocarbon combinations may find use in micellar‐enhanced ultrafiltration of benzene and its derivatives, but it should be kept in mind that micellar shape may change and be more curved at higher benzene derivative concentrations.
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