Structure of the surface films of AOT solutions and of Newton black films drawn from the same solutions

Abstract

Earlier studies (E. M. Lee, E. A. Sinister, R. K. Thomas and J. Penfold, Colloq. Phys., 1989, 50, 75; Progr. Colloid Polym. Sci., 1990, 103, 82) have shown, via specular reflection of neutrons, layered structures at the surface of surfactant solutions above their critical micelle concentrations. A comparative study, by means of X-ray reflectivity, has been made of the surface of an AOT solution and that of Newton black films drawn from the same solution. The results indicate a rather different behaviour for AOT from that reported in the previous studies.