DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/5G24-NW13
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Dr. Everett Carpenter
Abstract
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.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008