Thermodynamics of micellization of a nonionic surfactant: Brij 35 in aquo-sucrose solution

The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the nonionic surfactant, Brij 35, was determined by the iodine solubilization method at four different temperatures, 35, 40, 45, and 50°C, in a series of aquo-sucrose solutions, to study the effect of sucrose on the micellization process. The free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of micellization have been computed and are related with the possible structure of the solvent system. An enthalpy—entropy compensation effect is observed in all solvent systems and the computed slope of the line is related with the micellization process. The thermodynamic quantities for the transfer of the micelle from water to different solvents have also been computed and discussed.