Number of Moles of Surfactant Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the number of moles of surfactant in micelles based on total surfactant concentration, critical micelle concentration (CMC), and degree of micelle aggregation.
Purpose: It helps in understanding micelle formation and surfactant behavior in solutions, important for applications in detergents, pharmaceuticals, and oil recovery.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the moles of surfactant participating in micelle formation by subtracting the CMC from total concentration and dividing by the aggregation number.
Details: Understanding surfactant behavior above CMC is crucial for designing effective cleaning products, drug delivery systems, and industrial processes.
Tips: Enter the total surfactant concentration, CMC, and aggregation number. All values must be positive numbers (CMC can be zero).
Q1: What is Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)?
A: CMC is the minimum concentration of surfactant needed to form micelles in solution.
Q2: How do I determine the degree of aggregation?
A: The aggregation number is typically determined experimentally using techniques like light scattering or fluorescence.
Q3: What if my total concentration is below CMC?
A: The result will be zero or negative, indicating no micelle formation.
Q4: What are typical values for aggregation numbers?
A: For common surfactants, aggregation numbers typically range from 50 to 100 molecules per micelle.
Q5: Does this calculation work for all surfactants?
A: The formula works for most non-ionic and ionic surfactants, though ionic surfactants may require additional corrections.