Positronium reactions in the Triton X-100 p-nitro phenol system

The positronium reactions have been used as a probe to study the solubilization of p-nitro phenol within the micellar phase of a Triton X-100 solution and the corresponding changes in the molecular association phenomenon. The presence of p-nitro phenol resulted in an enhancement of micellization which has been corroborated by surface tension measurements. This paper also lays emphasis on the secondary aggregation phenomenon of Triton X-100 molecules at the far post-micellar stage (similar to 10-15 mM). The solubilization of p-nitro phenol at various stages of aggregation has been discussed through the interaction with positronium atoms by setting up a kinetic model and reaction equilibria. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.