An Unusual Variation of Surface Tension with Concentration of Mixed Cationic-anionic Surfactants

There are two platforms in the surface tension vs. concentration curve (γ-lgC curve) of cationic-anionic surfactant mixtures. The first platform is the same as that of common surfactant solution, and the cross point is the CMC. After the CMC, the mixtures form precipitate. At higher concentration, the mixtures form homogeneous solution again. When the mixtures form homogeneous solution at high concentration, surface tension increases with concentration, then becomes constant. So the γ-lgC curve exhibits the second platform. The surface tension at the second platform increases by increasing molar ratio of two surfactants and polar group size of surfactants, and decreases with adding inorganic salts.