Surfactants (detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and wetting agents) reduce the surface tension of water.  They appear in many places throughout our lives, such as metals, plastics found in tools, appliances and cars.  They are in clothes, detergents used to wash laundry and dishes; in soaps, gels, creams and cosmetics we apply, as well as in food, and in many prescription and over-the-counter medications we consume.  Thus, for our well-being, it is important to understand the chemical, physical, and thermodynamic properties of these molecules by utilizing various instrumentation methods.  In this study we investigate a series of Dicationic Alkylammonium Bromide Gemini Surfactants, on the order of 12-m-12 (where m = 2, 3, or 4).  These Gemini surfactants contain two quaternary ammonium head groups and a dodecyl chain bonded to each head group.  The linkage denoted as ‘m’ has been varied by 2, 3, or 4 methylene units.  Isothermal Calorimetry (ITC) can be an excellent tool for determining not only the critical micelle concentration but also the enthalpy of micelle formation.  We have been carrying out both normal and reverse ITC titrations and at different temperatures to monitor micelle formation and degradation.  We will report the initial findings of these studies.<br/> <br/>

Using isothermal titration calorimetry to investigate dicationic alkylammonium bromide Gemini surfactants

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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