Some Current Theoretical Analyses of Novel Mesophases

When the additive is a monohydric alcohol, a much more complex system may be encountered, often with the formation of the lamellar neat phase at water concentrations much higher than normal. It is also common to find a second liquid isotropic phase in which the alcohol becomes a secondary solvent. Additional complex mesophases of indefinite structure may arise, leading ultimately to a reversed middle phase. In the presence of fatty acids, the phase diagram will resemble that of the monohydric alcohols except that the liquid isotropic solution in the acid will usually be found to incorporate more water. 

Obviously, the phase behavior of a surfactant is a complex matter that may significantly affect its activity in a given application. While the discussion above is highly abbreviated, it should serve to illustrate again the great importance that surfactant structure and environment can have in complex (and sometimes simple) systems. 

SOME CURRENT THEORETICAL ANALYSES OF NOVEL MESOPHASES 

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