Hemimicelle shape and size

Based on the assumption of spherical hemimicelle with a hydrophobic core of diameter of maximum hydrocarbon chain length of surfactant, the aggregation numbers of hemimicelles have been calculated for several values ofn, the carbon atoms of surfactant alkyl chain. The results are in reasonable good agreement with the hemimicelle aggregation number from experimental data for several corresponding systems. The other possibilities of the hemimicelle shape which allow to incorporate a larger number of hydrocarbon chains in a hemimicelle have also been discussed.On leave from Department of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing, China     

Micelle aggregation numbers from colligative properties

An equilibrium model has been developed to derive micelle aggregation numbers n from colligative properties of surfactant solutions, with special regard to freezing point depression. The introduction of a mass action approach in the solute activity equation allows to get aggregation numbers close to those obtained from light scattering. The model can be applied with small formal changes to ionic and nonionic surfactants.     

Diffusion of single elements and steric limitations in kinetic theory of nucleation and crystallization

Translational and rotational diffusion equation of single elements in solution in the external orienting potential forces has been formulated. The equation should govern long-range diffusion effects in the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth. Boundary conditions, adequate to the reversible reaction of cluster growth typical for kinetic model of nucleation and accounting for steric limitations, has been proposed. Uniaxial single elements in uniaxial orienting force field are considered.Depression of the concentration of single elements at the cluster boundary as controlled by kinetic factors, is predicted i. e., chemical rate constants, finite translational and rotational diffusion, supercolling, and steric limitations. Effective rate constants, controlled by long-range diffusion of single elements at steric limitations present, have been used. Two dimensionless kinetic factors (i. e., reduced addition-reaction rate constant and reduced rotational diffusion constant), supercooling, and steric tolerance anlge range, control process kinetics and distribution of single elements in the cluster's surroundings. Rate reduction factor responsible for the effects of long-range diffusion at steric limitations present is defined and applied for kinetic models of nucleation and crystal growth in unoriented and oriented systems.Computation examples are performed for a wide range of the model variables, and rate reduction effects of several orders of magnitude are predicted. The dominating role ranges of particular model variables, i. e., kinetic, thermodynamic, or steric variables, are discussed.     

Counter ion condensation on mixed cationic/nonionic micellar systems: Bjerrum's electrostatic condition

The association of counter-ions with mixed ionic/nonionic micelles has been investigated in the case of dodecyl/tetradecyl/ and hexadecyl-trimethylammonium bromide with two nonionic surfactants: dodecylpolyoxyethylene 23 and Triton X-100. The degree of association has been measured by potentiometry using a Bromide ion-selective electrode. Previous results with sodium and copper dodecylsulfate suggesting that in the nonionic-rich composition domain, bare mixed micelles are formed without associated counter-ions have been confirmed. These results are in agreement with the prediction of Bjerrum's condition for ion association. The effect of copper dodecylsulfate on the cloud point of Triton X-100 has also been determined as a means of investigating mixed micelles with multivalent counter-ions. The dramatic cloud point increase observed, even larger than with sodium dodecylsulfate, has been discussed as evidence of the solvation of divalent ions by ether groups, a factor which complicates the analysis of multivalent counterion condensation on mixed micelles.     

On the collision efficiency approach to flocculation

The collision efficiency approach to flocculation is analyzed on the basis of a model describing the probability of aggregation by polymer bridging. The model allows for the effect of the randomness of distribution of polymer over particles as well as the effect of simultaneous coagulation and weak flocculation. It is argued that the collision efficiency approach is applicable to a rather limited range of experimental systems and provides a qualitative understanding rather than a quantitative theory of the relationship between flocculation and adsorption.     

Precipitation of nanostructured copper oxalate: substructure and growth mechanism

The possibility of controlling materials properties by tailoring their substructure at the nanometer scale is a current topic of great interest. To do so, a fundamental understanding of the growth mechanism is of key importance and an analytical challenge as nanostructured materials are often produced by precipitation methods at high supersaturations where formation kinetics are fast. The current study focuses on the precipitation of copper oxalate, which has been previously shown to produce self-assembled ordered nanostructured particles with the promise of being able to tailor this nanometer substructure. In the current study we investigate in detail the growth mechanism and kinetics of precipitation by using in-situ particle size measurement or by stopping the reaction at various stages and using ex-situ methods. Combining the ex-situ methods of high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction along with the in-situ methods, we were able to follow the growth process from 2 min to 2 weeks. The results in the 2-30 min period lead to the proposal of a core-shell growth model with a poorly ordered core and a well-structured shell of nanosized crystallites (50-70 nm), adding support to the brick-by-brick model previously proposed for this phase of particle growth. Particle evolution over long periods up to 2 weeks show a ripening which produces lens-shaped particles that eliminate the "high" surface energy faces observed in the earlier stages of growth. A more complete growth mechanism for copper oxalate precipitation at moderate supersaturations is proposed similar to recent findings for other self-assembled nanostructured particles.     

Mixed micelles of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide and chlorhexidine digluconate in aqueous solutions of isopropyl alcohol

The influence of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) on the size and composition of the mixed micelles in mixtures of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CG) has been determined as a function of the composition of the systems. The addition of 0.5 M and 1.0 M IPA had little significant effect on the composition of the mixed micelles as determined both by analysis of critical micelle concentration (CMC) data using a theoretical treatment based on excess thermodynamic quantities and by an empirical treatment of conductivity data. Static and quasielastic light scattering measurements showed a progressive decrease of the aggregation number and hydrodynamic radius of TTAB micelles on addition of IPA, but minimal changes in the properties of the small CG aggregates. The results show that the micellar weight in the TTAB/CG/IPA solutions is determined by the ratio of the surfactants in the system and for each TTAB/CG ratio decreases on addition of IPA.     

Aggregation phenomena in the suspension polymerization of VCM

In the suspension polymerization of VCM, insoluble polymer particles are formed inside the monomer droplets. The growth and aggregation of these particles are responsible for important polymer properties, such as porosity. It is well established that the most characteristic polymer particles, the primary particles, are of a narrow distribution with a size (diameter) ranging from 0.10–0.20 m. This work studied the formation of primary particles based on the aggregation phenomena that take place inside a monomer droplet. This was done by formulating a population balance equation, which was based on the following considerations: a) polymerization occurs in both the monomer and the polymer phases; b) there is continuous formation of the basic particles in the monomer phase; c) the growth of the polymer particles occurs as a result of both polymerization in the polymer phase and aggregation of the particles; d) the colloidal properties of the particles that are responsible for the aggregation phenomena were considered to be the net result of attraction and repulsion energies.It was shown that for particles carrying a constant charge it was not possible to predict the formation of primary particles of size 0.10–0.20 m. The particle size distribution had a mode diameter equal to the diameter of the basic particles. Consequently, the particle charge was allowed to vary in a way proportional to the particle radius raised to a power coefficient. For values of the coefficient greater than zero, i. e., when the particle charge increased during polymerization, the aggregation of the basic particles was efficient enough to result in the formation of large primary particles.     

Reversible aggregation Part I. Reversible flocculation monitored by turbidity measurements

The aggregation of four separate polystyrene latices, ranging in diameter from 210 nm to ca. 1 m, using sodium chloride and magnesium sulphate as the electrolytes, has been examined turbidimetrically. The reversibility of the aggregation was examined using a dialysis technique. It was found that for large particle size latices, diameters 781 nm and 1 m, aggregation was reversible in sodium chloride even at concentrations up to 0.5 mol dm^–3. The aggregation of smaller particles was not reversible. The aggregation of large particles in magnesium sulphate solutions was not readily reversed by dialysis. The latter result does not appear to agree with theoretical predictions.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Armin Weiss on the occasion of his 60th birthday.     

Sodium-aluminium-silicates in the washing process part IX: Mode of action of zeolite A additive systems

The mode of action of additives in laundry detergents containing zeolite A has been investigated. Proper additives improve soil removal and reduce deposits on fabrics. They show threshold and carrier effects, which retard aggregation and crystal growth of precipitates and/or accelerate their dissolution in the presence of zeolite A. The results are significant with respect to the formulation of non-phosphate zeolite built laundry detergents.Lecture given at the 7th International Zeolite Conference, New Developments in Zeolite Science and Technology, Tokyo, August 17–22, 1986.     

Estimation of the critical micelle concentrations and the aggregation numbers of sodium alkyl sulfates by capillary-type isotachophoresis

The analytical procedure for the separation and quantification of bulk and micellar phases for sodium alkyl sulfates has been investigated by a capillary-type isotachophoresis using a potential gradient detector. Monomer solutions were distinguished from micellar solutions at pH 5.5–6.0; hydrochloric acid — L-Histidine mixture was used as the leading electrolyte and 2-(N-Morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid as the terminating electrolyte.The potential unit value (PU value) due to the monomer solutions was larger than that due to the micellar solutions. The zone length due to monomer solutions increased with increasing concentration of surfactant until a given concentration (CMC); beyond this point the values became constant. On the other hand, the zone length due to micellar solutions increased from this point. We report an applicability of capillary-type isotachophoresis to determination of the CMC's and aggregation number for various sodium alkyl sulfates.     

Reversible aggregation Part 2. Kinetics of reversible aggregation

The aggregation of two large (5.1 and 2.6 m diameter) polymer latices was examined microscopically under perikinetic conditions. The aggregates formed were not rigid, and aggregation was reversible under some conditions. The kinetic behavior was followed by monitoring the relative concentrations of single particles and doublets during aggregation. The results were not consistent with Smoluchowski's theory of irreversible aggregation, but could be described by means of a set of mass action equations. Four simple models were used to describe the dissociation processes. The experimental results indicated that the most appropriate model depended on the electrolyte concentration and the dispersion used.     

Shear field modification of strongly flocculated suspensions — Aggregate morphology

Rheological and microscopical studies have been made to elucidate the effects of shear fields on the morphology of concentrated, aggregated model colloids. The models employed are well-characterised, predominantly chargestabilised polymer latices, coagulated by the addition of excess electrolyte. Continuous shear rheological and viscoelastic measurements indicate a very significant decrease in shear yield stress, apparent viscosity and shear modulus following prolonged shearing.Electron microscopy reveals the source of these changes. Freshly coagulated suspensions form networks that are porous, strong and qualitatively similar to simulated structures for diffusion limited aggregation. Following protracted shearing, the network structure is rearranged to yield discrete, tightly packed aggregates with a characteristic size, which is principally a function of the primary particle size.     

The dispersion of hydrophilic and hydrophobic flame-hydrolysed silicas in short-chained alkanols

The ultrasonic dispersion of Aerosil 200 and some n-alkyl surface-modified derivatives thereof in alkanols have been examined. The sizes of the aggregates formed during this process were investigated from measurements of sol viscosity and quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS). In the former technique, the aggregate volume ratios (AVR) were calculated at very low volume fractions of silica. The AVR values so obtained indicated that the silica monomers were highly aggregated in all systems, as expected. Differences between the various alkanols were found, however. Decreasing continuum polarity from water to hexan-1-ol produced decreasing AVRs. From hexan-1-ol to octan-1-ol, however, the AVRs increased. The n-alkyl surface-modified silicas gave AVRs substantially different to A 200, related most likely to wetting and solvation of the solid surface during dispersion. QELS measurements were subsequently found to be of limited use for these systems, since the aggregate size distributions in these sols were evidently very broad. The results indicated that these size distribution were non-Gaussian. The use of QELS to investigate systems of such high aggregation appears to be limited.     

Interaction between amphiphiles and water molecules in concentrated bilayer aqueous colloids

Interaction between amphiphiles and water molecules in micelle or bilayer structure has been investigated using aqueous colloids of various amphiphiles through the rheological data and the spin-lattice relaxation timeT ₁ of the proton of water molecule.T ₁ of the water proton has been measured by the inversion recovery method and determined as a single exponential relaxation process.The chemical shift of the water proton is almost independent of the amphiphilic concentration; however, it shifts toward a higher magnetic field with increasing temperature in a way similar to that in pure water and in the amphiphilic aqueous systems. These facts mean that there is no significant difference in the magnetic field environment of the water protons in these systems.The water molecule is not necessarily bound in the fully developed micelle or bilayer (rod-like or lamella) structure which induces the high viscosity or high rigidity of the colloidal system. On the other hand, the water molecule is bound in the micelle colloids of amphoteric amphiphiles or amphiphiles whose molecular assembly creates a relatively strong electrostatic field. The activation entropy of the bound water is negative and this suggests that water molecules assume some ordered structure in the bound state.     

Adsorption of polar substances from binary and ternary mixtures on silica gel

The adsorption isotherms of acetone and methyl ethyl ketone from binary and ternary mixtures in benzene and n-heptane on silica gel were measured. The experimental adsorption data are discussed on the basis of changes of the composition of mixed solvent (benzene + n-heptane) in ternary mixtures. It has been found that the different structures of the surface phase correspond to the system investigated. The marked dependence of the adsorption on the solvent character is demonstrated. For benzene and ternary (ketone + benzene + n-heptane) mixtures a mixed character of the surface phase is observed whose composition is determined by competition of liquid components for silica surface as well as its tendency to complex. Bilayer model of the surface phase gives a good representation of the experimental data for binary systems benzene + ketone.     

The association of urethane-polyethyleneoxide (HEUR) thickeners,as studied by NMR self-diffusion measurements

The concentration and molecular weight dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient (D _self) of associative polymers of HEUR-type in aqueous solution have been investigated using FT-PGSE-NMR technique. The idea of three-dimensional network formation as a result of aggregation of the hydrophobic end-groups of the polymer in junctions is supported through the observed dramatic lowering ofD _self with increased concentration. The network-formation efficiency depends on the polymer molecular weight as well as the hydrophobicity of the end-groups.A double logarithmic dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient versus concentration (c) has been observed:D _selfc ^–a1,a2 . The first exponent,a ₁, is valid at low concentration, <1% polymer per weight solution, and ranges from 0.5 to 1, whereas the second exponent,a ₂, describing systems of higher concentration, ranges from 2 to 2.7.     

Properties of aqueous solution of sodium glycocholate and a nonionic surfactant,and their mixtures

The micellar properties of aqueous binary mixed solutions of sodium glycocholate, NaGC, and octa-oxyethylene glycol mono-n-decyl ether, C₁₀E₈, have been studied on the basis of surface tensions, the mean aggregation number and the polarity of the interior of the micelles. The mean aggregation number, measured by steady state quenching method, decreased with the increase of the mole fraction of NaGC in the mixed system. The polarity of the interior, estimated by the ratio of first and third vibronic peak in a monomeric pyrene fluorescence emission spectrum, suggested that the hydrophobicity of intramicelles increased with the increase of the mole fraction of NaGC in the mixed system. These are considered to be caused by the differences in the chemical structure and the hydrophobic nature between NaGC and C₁₀E₈. The mean aggregation number and the polarity of the interior for each micelle near the CMC in lower total concentration of surfactants showed the tendency approaching those of pure micelle of the nonionic surfactant. This suggests that the ratio of NaGC in the initial micelles in the range of lower total concentration near the CMC is lower than that of the corresponding prepared mole fraction in the mixed system. This lower value was confirmed also from theoretical calculation of the ratio of NaGC at the CMC in the mixed micelle by regular solution treatment of Rubingh in the solution.     

Growth of polyethylene single crystals from the melt: change in lateral habit and regime I–II transition

Using the technique of extraction, single crystals have been obtained from polyethylene fractions isothermally crystallized from the melt at atmospheric pressure. It has been found that the lateral habit of single crystals changes in the vicinity of the transition temperature of growth regime (regime I–II): lenticular shape elongated in the direction of theb axis (type A) in the range of regime I and truncated lozenge with curved edges of {200} and {110} growth faces (type B) in that of regime II. The transition of lateral habit causes a drastic change in the width of {110} growth faces; {110} growth faces are well developed in type B crystals while they cannot be observed and must be very small in type-A crystals. It has been shown that the growth regime of the small {110} growth face of type-A crystals must be in regime I; hence the regime I–II transition can be explained as the result of this change in lateral habit (width of the {110} growth face).