Chain-solvent interactions, polymeric surfactant adsorption

The position of point A in the curve shown in Fig. 1.7 is characteristic for a sufficient purity of the surfactant and solvent. The point is located at a definite surface tension and concentration (CMC). As a rule, a minimum in the y(c) or y(log c) plot is evidence of traces of highly surface-active impurities which affect the results [147]. In chapters 2 to 4 the effect of lateral molecular interaction with increasing alkyl chain length, the effects of changes in orientation and conformation, essentially shown by polymeric surfactants such as proteins, may also lead to significant changes in the adsorption behaviour. 

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