Micellkoncentráció

Micellkoncentration, often abbreviated as CMC, refers to the specific concentration of a surfactant above which surfactant molecules begin to aggregate and form micelles. Below the CMC, surfactant molecules exist primarily as individual monomers dispersed in the solvent. Above the CMC, the excess surfactant molecules organize into spherical or other structures called micelles, where the hydrophobic tails are sequestered in the interior and the hydrophilic heads are exposed to the solvent.

The formation of micelles is a critical property of surfactants and is crucial for many of their applications. Micelles can solubilize hydrophobic substances in aqueous solutions, which is the principle behind detergents cleaning grease and oils. The CMC is an important parameter that influences the efficiency of a surfactant in various processes, including emulsification, foaming, and wetting.

The value of the CMC is dependent on several factors, including the chemical structure of the surfactant (e.g., chain length of the hydrophobic tail, nature of the hydrophilic head group), the nature of the solvent (e.g., water, organic solvents), temperature, and the presence of electrolytes or other additives in the solution. For example, increasing the hydrophobic chain length of a surfactant generally lowers its CMC, making it easier to form micelles. Similarly, adding salts to water can also reduce the CMC. Understanding and controlling the micellkoncentration is essential for optimizing the performance of surfactant-based products and processes in industries ranging from personal care and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and manufacturing.