A geometry-dependent contribution based on the square
gradient
theory of van der Waals is proposed as a predictive modification of
the interfacial energy contribution for the micellar thermodynamic
theory. The model has an analytic prediction for the spherical and
cylindrical geometries. For ellipsoidal geometry, a simple yet physically
meaningful approximation is proposed. The critical micelle concentration
(CMC) and the surface tension isotherm under the new contribution
are compared with the classical theory. The modified model describes
qualitatively the available experimental data and the surface isotherm,
showing an improvement in the predictions of the CMC.
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