Quantitative Model for the Prediction of Hydrodynamic Size of Nonionic Reverse Micelles

The sizes of nonionic reverse micelles were investigated as a function of the molecular structure of the surfactant, the type of oil, the total concentration of surfactant [NP], the ratio of NP4 to total surfactant (r), the water to surfactant molar ratio (ω), temperature, salt concentration, and polar phase. The basis of our investigation was nonylphenol polyethoxylates - NP4 and NP7. Micelle sizes were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). A central composite experimental design was used to quantitatively model reverse micelle size as a function of ω, [NP], and r. The model has demonstrated the capability of predicting the mean diameter of micelles from 4 to 13 nm with a precision of ± 2 nm as measured by DLS. This quantitative correlation between the size of reverse micelles and the synthetic variables provides the foundation for choosing experimental conditions to control reverse micelle size.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Year dc:date.available

2006

Author dc:creator

• Michaels, Melissa A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Everett Carpenter

• reactant
• nanoparticle
• DLS
• surfactant
• Chemistry
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/789

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1788