Studies on binary and ternary amphiphile combinations of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C14TAB), tetradecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (C14TPB), and tetradecylpyridinium bromide (C14PB). A critical analysis of their interfacial and bulk behaviors.

Mixed surfactants play a promising role in surface chemical applications. In this study, interfacial and bulk behaviors of binary and ternary combinations of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C(14)TAB), tetradecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (C(14)TPB), and tetradecylpyridinium bromide (C(14)PB) have been examined in detail using the methods of tensiometry, conductometry, fluorimetry, and microcalorimetry. The state of micellar aggregation, amphiphile composition in the micelle, extent of counterion binding by the micelle, and interaction among the surfactant monomers in the binary and ternary combinations have been quantitatively assessed in the light of the regular solution theories of Rubingh and that of Rubingh and Holland. The monomer packing in the micelles and their expected shapes have also been estimated from topological considerations. Conceptual rationalization of results has been presented together with associated energetics of the interfacial adsorption and self-aggregation in the bulk.