Study and characterization of the micellar phase of the polyethylene glycol 40 stearate, water, and soy lecithin system

Hydrophobically modified polymers (HMPs) have become of great importance as modifiers of rheological behavior, and as thickening agents for a great variety of products such as paints, foods, cosmetics, and medicines. HMPs are able to dissolve hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, just like surfactants. This means that HMPs combine the properties of surfactants and polymers. In this project, the ability of HMPs to self-aggregate in water and in the presence of soy lecithin (a natural lipid which behaves as a dipolar surfactant) was studied. The characterization of the micellar phase of the soy lecithin/polyethelyne glycol 40 stearate (Acid S40P, nonionic)/water ternary system is presented by way of surface tension, optic microscope, and rheology methods. From the results, it is deduced that non-spherical micellar aggregates are formed, which orient in the direction of the flow under shear stress. Oscillation tests allowed for the determination that the viscous modulus G'' is greater than the elastic modulus G', with behavior described by the Maxwell model. © 2016. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat. All rights reserved.