Adsorption and Aggregation Properties of Some Polysorbates at Different Temperatures

Measurements of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of polysorbates (Tween 20, Tween 60 and Tween 80) at 293, 303 and 313 K were made. On the basis of the obtained results the Gibbs surface excess concentration of the Tweens at the water–air interface and critical micelle concentrations were determined. Knowing the Gibbs surface excess concentration and taking into account the difference between the limiting area occupied by water and Tween molecules at the water–air interface, the fraction occupied by Tween molecules was established. The limiting area occupied by the Tween molecule was calculated by applying the Joos equation. The area determined in such a way was confirmed by the calculations of cross section of Tween molecules based on the bond lengths and the angles between them as well as the average distance between the molecules, taking into account their different conformations. This area was used for calculation of the standard Gibbs energy of adsorption using the Langmuir equation. The standard Gibbs energy of Tweens adsorption at the water–air interface was also calculated from the hydrophobic part of Tween molecule–water interface tension and that of hydrophobic part. Using the determined values of standard Gibbs energy of adsorption at different temperatures, the standard enthalpy and entropy values were deduced. The standard thermodynamic functions of micellization were also determined and compared to the Gibbs energy of Tween molecules interactions through the water phase.