Thermodynamics of micelle formation of ionic surfactants: A critical assessment for sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetyl pyridinium chloride and dioctyl sulfosuccinate (Na salt) by microcalorimetric, conductometric, and tensiometric measurements

The thermodynamics of micelle formation of ionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), and sodium salt of dioctyl sulfosuccinate (Aerosol OT or AOT) have been thoroughly assessed from microcalorimetric, conductometric, and tensiometric measurements, and the results have been rationalized in terms of physicochemical concepts and relations. The past and recent critical micellar concentration (CMC) data on SDS have been considered and compared; the CMCs of SDS, CPC, and AOT determined in this and earlier studies have been processed to evaluate the energetic parameters (free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity) of micellization. The effect of the salt, NaCl, on the CMC and energetics of micellization of the surfactants has been also examined.