Small-angle neutron scattering study of binary and ternary aqueous solutions of 2-butoxyethanol and nonionic surfactant triethylene glycol monohexyl ether

We present small-angle neutron scattered intensity measurements for some binary and ternary aqueous solutions of 2-butoxyethanol and C6E3 (a nonionic surfactant) at 4, 20 and 40 degrees C. The spectra were analysed in terms of two models which take into account the simultaneous presence of aggregates and concentration fluctuactions. The analysis for the binary solutions focuses on the similarities and differences existing in the aggregates of the alcohol and the surfactant, We determine the various parameters of the aggregates, such as size, hydration water and aggregation number. The analysis performed for the ternary solutions shows the role of different amounts of alcohol added to solutions of fixed surfactant concentrations. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.