We are studying the structure and thermodynamics of micellar solutions. Mixed micelles, the effect of solvents on micelle structure, interactions between micelles, and the size and shape of micellar aggregates are all of interest. We are studying mixed micelles of ionic and nonionic surfactants and cationic surfactant micelles. Understanding the nature of mixed micelles and their transition to microemulsion droplets with added oil is particularly important. In addition, current work is underway to measure and model the properties of rod-like micelles, solutions of which have interesting rheological properties.

Recent and Current Researchers:

Florian Nettesheim

Tiangang Shang
Beth Schubert
Matthew Liberatore
Selected Publications:
  • "Shear-induced phase separation in solutions of wormlike micelles", B. A. Schubert, N. J. Wagner, E. W. Kaler, S. R. Raghavan, Langmuir, 20, 3564 (2004).
  • "The Microstructure and Rheology of Mixed Cationic/Anionic Wormlike Micelles", B. A. Schubert, E. W. Kaler and N. J. Wagner, Langmuir, 19, 4079 (2003).
  • "Formation of multilamellar vesicles by oscillatory shear", G. Fritz, N. J. Wagner, E. W. Kaler, Langmuir, 19, 8709 (2003).
  • "Small Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micellar Growth Driven by Addition of a Hydrotropic Salt", P. A. Hassan, G. Fritz and E. W. Kaler, J. Colloid and Interface Sci., 257, 154 (2003).
  • "Microstructural Changes in SDS Micelles Induced by Hydrotropic Salt", P. A. Hassan, S. R. Raghavan and E. W. Kaler, Langmuir, 18, 2543 (2002).
  • "Microstructure and Dynamics of Wormlike Micellar Solutions Formed by Mixing Cationic and Anionic Surfactants", R. D. Koehler, S. R. Raghavan and E. W. Kaler, J. Phys. Chem. B, 104, 11035 (2000).
  • "Phase Behavior and Microstructure of Aqueous Mixtures of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Sodium Perfluorohexanoate", D. J. Iampietro and E. W. Kaler, Langmuir, 15, 8590 (1999).
  • "Interactions in Colloidal Mixtures: Partial Structure Factors in Mixtures of Colloidal Silica and an Anionic Oil-in-Water Microemulsion", S. R. Kline and E. W. Kaler, J. of Colloid and Interface Sci, 203, 392 (1998).
  • "Direct Analysis of SANS and SAXS Measurements of Catanionic Surfactant Mixtures by Fourier Transformation", D. J. Iampietro, L. L. Brasher, E. W. Kaler, A. Stradner and O. Glatter, J. Phys. Chem., 102, 3105 (1998).
  • "Transition from Micelles to Vesicles in Aqueous Mixtures of Anionic and Cationic Surfactants", Langmuir 13, 5531 (1997).
  • "A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) Contrast Variation Investigation of Aggregate Composition in Catanionic Surfactant Mixtures", Langmuir 12, 6270 (1996).
  • "Interactions in Binary Mixtures: Partial Structure Factors in Mixtures of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micelles and Colloidal Silica", J. Chem. Phys. 105, 3813 (1996).
  • "Bilayer Phases in Aqueous Mixtures of n-Dodecylpentaoxyethylene Glycol Monoether (C12E5) and Sodium Decyl Sulfonate (C10SO3Na)", J. Chem. Soc., Faraday Trans. 90, 471 (1994).
  • "Phase Behavior of Aqueous Mixtures of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (DTAB) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)", J. Phys. Chem. 97, 13792 (1993).
  • "Phase Behavior of Aqueous Mixtures of n-Dodecylhexaoxyethylene glycol monoether (C12E6) and Sodium Alkyl Sulfonates", Langmuir 7, 1097 (1991).

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.