X-RAY-DIFFRACTION STUDY OF THE ORDERED LYOTROPIC PHASES FORMED BY SUGAR-BASED SURFACTANTS

In this work we investigate lyotropic phases in different sugar-based surfactant/water systems. Studies are carried out with the (N-alkylamino)-1-deoxylactitols (C-8, C-10, C-12) and beta-dodecyl maltoside. Liquid crystal phases are detected and lattice parameters determined by X-ray diffraction. The phases observed are the normal phases found in binary ionic or nonionic surfactant/water systems. Schematic diagrams show the sequences of the lyotropic phases formed by these disaccharide surfactants. The difference in behavior is accounted for by the difference in chain length, hydrophilic ability, and steric hindrance of the polar head.