The classical model for breakdown of surfactant micelles involves the sequential loss of individual monomers from the micelle and is governed by a set of equations known as the Becker-D�ring equations. Calculations of the breakdown rate of non-ionic micelles of the family CnEm yield micelle lifetimes many orders of magnitude longer than those observed experimentally. An alternative model for micelle breakdown is presented that involves the fusion of micelles to form a 'supermicelle' followed by sequential monomer loss to regenerate a single 'proper' micelle. A single mathematical model has been developed that incorporates the Becker-D�ring mechanism as a subset of the model and the conditions under which micelle fusion plays an important role is evaluated.

Micelle breakdown via a fusion mechanism

245th National Meeting (2013)

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