Studies on the phase behaviour and solubilization of <i>p</i>-octyl polyethylene glycol phenyl ether/oil/1-pentanol/ water microemulsion systems

Abstract

Phase behaviour and solubilization ability of the microemulsion systems consisting of the nonionic surfactant <i>p</i>-octyl polyethylene glycol phenyl ether/oil/1-pentanol/brine have been studied using <i style="">ε-β</i> fishlike phase diagrams. From these phase diagrams, solubility of the alcohol, composition of the interfacial layer, and solubilization ability of the microemulsion systems have been studied. The effects of different oils, salinities and temperature on the phase behaviour and solubilization ability have been investigated. The solubilization ability increases with decrease in the length of the alkanes. With decrease in salinity or temperature, the solubilization ability and the solubility of the alcohol increase.