Nonionic surface-active compounds. X. Effect of solvent on micellar properties

Abstract

Measurements of the critical micelle concentration and of micellar molecular weight are reported for polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl alcohol in ethanol-water and dioxane-water solvent systems. With increasing concentration of additive, the c.m.c. increases and the micellar weight decreases; at concentrations above about 25%, no micelle formation occurs. The results are explained qualitatively in terms of the free energy requirements for micellization.