Mutual and intradiffusion coefficients for the binary system n-decyl dimethyl phosphine oxide + water at 25 °C

Diffusion coefficients for the binary system n-decyl dimethyl phosphine oxide + water have been studied at 25 °C, with the aim to quantitatively describe the surfactant micellization process in aqueous medium. Accurate mutual diffusion coefficients have been measured by the Taylor dispersion technique. Intradiffusion coefficients of both components have been measured by the pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE)-FT NMR technique. The data have been compared and interpreted in the framework of the equilibrium model of surfactant self-aggregation. Interpolation of the mutual diffusion coefficients has allowed us to estimate reliable values of the average number of surfactant molecules involved in the formation of a micellar aggregate and the constant of the equilibrium between these aggregates and surfactant unimers. Interpolation of water intradiffusion coefficients has allowed us to estimate the number of water molecules involved in the hydration of surfactants in unimeric and micellized form.