Solubilization Kinetics of a Triglyceride/n-Alkane Mixture in a Non-ionic Surfactant Solution

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Abstract
The kinetics of solubilization in a non-ionic surfactant solution of pure n-hexadecane, pure triolein and a mixture of the two oils have been investigated. The rates were determined from observations of the dissolution of a single, microscopic droplet, using a drop-on-fibre technique. Conditions were such that negligible saturation of the micellar surfactant with solubilizate occurred. The rate of solubilization of each of the pure oils was found to be independent of time, hexadecane solubilization on a volume basis being about 8 times as rapid as that for triolein. The rate of solubilization of a mixture of the two oils, having a volume fraction 0.69 for triolein, was found to vary in the medium term, the rates apparently being steady both initially and (at a lower value) in the long term. These observations can be related quantitatively to the rates found for the pure oils.