Carbon atoms average residence time

One of the most relevant properties of aqueous micelles is their ability to solubilize compounds whose water solubility is limited. Because the size of the hydrophobic core of micelle is about 15 — 30 A, this solubilization process allows the organization of solutes on a molecular scaie. Hazardous materials solubilzed by micelles undergo similar processes as those of the surfactant monomers, i.e. rapid exchange takes place between micelles and the bulk solution. The solute, on the average, may spend most of its time within a micelle, with residence times approaching 10 3 sec being reported. Water penetration of two to four carbon atoms from the head group or surface of the micelle is often cited (Thomas J.K., 1980). 

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