A viscometric study of the micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate in dilute solutions

Abstract

The viscosities of solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate of concentrations up to 0.8 percent n distilled water and in 0.01- to 0.12-M sodium chloride have been measured. By introducing the concept of a monomer saturation concentration it is possible to determine the intrinsic viscosity of the micelles at each concentration of sodium chloride. A method for the experimental determination of the monomer saturation concentration is presented. The dependence of the intrinsic viscosity on the salt concentration is discussed in terms of electroviscous and hydration effects. The data indicate the presence of spherical micelles in the solutions investigated.