Micellar Aggregates of Gemini Surfactants: Monte Carlo Simulation of a Microscopic Model

We propose a ”microscopic” model of gemini surfactants in aqueous solution. Carrying out extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we study the variation of the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of these model gemini surfactants with the variation of the (a) length of the spacer connecting the two hydrophilic heads, (b) length of the hydrophobic tail and (c) the bending rigidity of the hydrocarbon chains forming the spacer and the tail; some of the trends of variation are counter-intuitive but are in excellent agreement with the available experimental results. Our simulations also elucidate the dependence of the shapes of the micellar aggregates and the magnitude of the CMC on the geometrical shape and size of the surfactant molecules and the electrical charge on the hydrophilic heads. Running title: Micellar aggregate of gemini surfactants PACS Numbers: 68.10.-m, 82.70.-y ————————————————————————– ∗ To whom all correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: [email protected] (till 30th June, 1997). † (Permanent Address); E-mail: [email protected] ‡ (Address till 30th June, 1997)