Micellar solutions of Triton X-100: Data on small-angle neutron scattering

Aqueous (H2O-D2O mixture) solutions of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 were studied by small-angle neutron scattering. The characteristic radius, scattering density, specific surface area, and aggregation numbers of micelles formed by Triton X-100 were determined. It was established that micelles formed in Triton X-100 solutions with concentrations below 9.6 mmol/dm(3) have a constant characteristic radius of 3.7 nm. As the concentration increases, the character of interactions between micelles changes, which is reflected by the total hydration and steric repulsion prevailing over the van der Waals attraction. The degree of hydration of Triton X-100 molecules is estimated.