Mixed micelles of cationic surfactants and bile acid salts in aqueous media

Abstract

Abstract Critical micelle concentrations of cetyltrimethylammonium‐ p ‐toluene sulfonate (CTAT) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) with sodium cholate (NaC) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) were determined in aqueous solutions by surface tension measurements. Interaction parameters and mole fraction of the components in mixed micelles were estimated using Rubingh's theory. Strong interaction was observed for each mixed system, a common feature shown by anionic‐cationic mixtures. Dramatic effects on the viscosities of these cationic surfactant‐bile salt mixtures were seen, and were markedly dependent upon the counterion of the cationic surfactant and the nature of bile salts. Micelles are small and spherical for cationic surfactants in the presence of NaC. Micelle growth was seen for CPC in the presence of NaDC by an increase in viscosity, but a CTAT solution showed an opposite effect on addition of NaDC. Conductance results supported this view. Different behavior of the two bile salts is explained on the basis of their orientation in cationic micelles.