Effect of Linker on Alcohol Ethoxylate Surfactant Micellization

We consider non-ionic surfactants in terms of their ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions or dislodge oil adsorbed on surfaces, on their own, or in a formulation containing other surfactants (ionic and/or non-ionic) or nanoparticles.  Fundamental information about the micellization of surfactants in aqueous solution can be used to assess the compatibility and potential synergism with other surfactants, and the surfactant affinity to oil.  We examine here a homologous series of surfactants consisting of a single-branch C10-alcohol with varying degrees of ethoxylation, and report results on the onset of micellization (cmc), micellization thermodynamics, and local environment in the micelles formed in aqueous solutions in the presence of cosolvents and electrolytes.  We also examine the effects on micellization of placing propylene oxide segments between the poly(ethylene oxide) headgroup and the alkyl tail of the surfactant.