Mixed Micellization of Anionic Ammonium Dodecyl Sulfate and Cationic Octadecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride

Abstract

In aqueous mixtures of cationic OTAC (octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) and anionic ADS (ammonium dodecyl sulfate) surfactants, mixed micelles were formed at low (< 0.2 wt %) total surfactant concentrations. For these mixtures mixed micellization and interaction of surfactant molecules were examined. Mixed critical micelle concentration (CMC), thermodynamic potentials of micellization, and minimum area per surfactant molecule at the interface were obtained from surface tensiometry and electrical conductometry. The mixed micellar compositions and the estimation of interacting forces were determined on the basis of a regular solution model. The CMCs were reduced, although not substantial, and synergistic behavior of the ADS and OTAC in the mixed micelles was observed. The CMC reductions in this anionic/cationic system were comparable to those in nonionic/anionic surfactant systems. The interaction parameter β of the regular solution model was estimated to be −5 and this negative value of β indicated an overall attractive force in the mixed state.