An Experimental Investigation on the Determination of Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) Of Various Surfactants Using the Surface Tension Method

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 145 153
    By

    Hemantkumar H. Kadam,

  • Ashok T. Pise,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Govt. College of Engineering, Karad, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

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This study primarily focuses on the experimental investigation for determining the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of various surfactants that are commonly employed to enhance the stability of nanoparticles in base fluids. In this context, three surfactants belonging to the anionic category—Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and the bio-surfactant Rhamnolipid—were selected, along with one non-ionic polymer, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which is used as a surfactant. The CMC of each surfactant was determined through precise surface tension measurements, conducted across a wide range of concentrations. The CMC is identified as the concentration at which surfactant molecules begin to form micelles in the solution, and is characterized by a noticeable inflection point in the surface tension versus concentration curve. A clear trend was observed wherein the surface tension decreases significantly with the initial addition of surfactant, up to a certain concentration. Beyond this critical point (the CMC), further addition of surfactant does not result in any substantial change in surface tension, indicating micelle formation. The findings of this research offer valuable insight into the micellization behavior of these surfactants and their potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and nanotechnology, where control over interfacial properties is essential for product stability and performance.

Keywords: CMC, surfactant, surface tension, rhamnolipids, heat transfer enhancement.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Hemantkumar H. Kadam, Ashok T. Pise. An Experimental Investigation on the Determination of Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) Of Various Surfactants Using the Surface Tension Method. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):145-153.
How to cite this URL:
Hemantkumar H. Kadam, Ashok T. Pise. An Experimental Investigation on the Determination of Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) Of Various Surfactants Using the Surface Tension Method. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):145-153. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=0


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 09/01/2025
Accepted 31/05/2025
Published 17/07/2025
Publication Time 189 Days
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