Dielectric relaxation measurements on aerosol-OT/water/cyclohexane-solutions at low water content

The complex relative dieletric permittivity of aerosol-OT(AOT)/water/cyclohexane solutions has been measured within the frequency range 5 kHz-10 GHz. The investigated solutions were of oil-rich type with varying AOT- and water content. A marked dielectric relaxation has been found. The dielectric increment as well as the conductivity steeply increase with the water content, while the relaxation time decreases. Theoretical models of heterogeneous dielectrics consisting of polar, highly conductive inclusions in a nonpolar solvent with low conductivity have been applied to the results, allowing conclusions with regard to the inclusions, shape and conductivity.