Universal Behaviour of the Structure and Dynamics of Micelles Formed from Cationic Surfactants

Abstract

Abstract A systematic study of the aggregation behavior of alkyl trimethyl ammonium bromide surfactants as a function of concentration, temperature and alkyl chain length is presented based on small angle neutron scattering as well as Raman scattering. The variation of structural parameters of the micelles, their dissociation and the conformation of surfactant molecules within the micelles are quantitatively determined. All surfactant systems exhibit a universal behavior if described on a renormalized temperature scale. This finding is associated with the proximity of phase transitions into gel and solid phases.