Micelle characterisation by dynamic light scattering: bringing viscosity into the equation

Micelles are spherical aggregates of surfactants with surface-active and amphiphilic properties. If the concentration of surfactant is below the critical micelle concentration (CMC), surfactant molecules are free to move in solution and position themselves on surfaces.

If the surfactant concentration is high enough to reach the CMC, surfactants spontaneously start to form micelles in solution. When surfactant concentration increases, the number of micelles increases as well. In aqueous solution the typical micelle carries its hydrophilic “head” on the outside and the lipophilic “tail” on the inside.

The micelle’s properties are influenced by pH, temperature and the ionic strength of the solvent. Download this application report to understand how a trio of Anton Paar instruments investigates these influences.