Abstract
Phase behavior of polyoxyethylene-Type nonionic surfactant is highly influenced by temperature. At the particular temperature called HLB temperature, nonionic surfactant forms a three-phase region containing middle-phase microemulsion or surfactant phase. Maximum solubilization, ultralow interfacial tension, and phase inversion in emulsions take place at the HLB temperature. The HLB temperature in a multi-surfactant system is explained by analyzing the three-phase behavior. HLB number of commercial surfactant can be calculated from the HLB temperature. The effect of mixing nonionic surfactant on the maximum solubilization power is discussed. Finally, the unique phase behavior of biocompatible sucrose alkanoate is also described.
