Status of aqueous surfactant phase science

Recent phase studies of several surfactant-water systems, using new or refined methods, have revealed significant errors in earlier phase diagrams. These diagrams had been determined largely using methods based on the isoplethal phase studies principle. This principle has inherent limitations which do not exist in isothermal methods. Isothermal nuclear magnetic resonance and refined calorimetric methods have been extensively used in recent surfactant phase studies. Methods based on the new lyotrope gradient (swelling) principle show great promise as a means of improving the efficiency and quality of surfactant phase studies.