Understanding solubilisation using principles of surfactant self-assembly as geometrical constraints

Our aim is to give a short introduction of the use of phase diagrams in order to rationalise general principles of surfactant self-assembly. These can be rationalised in terms of geometrical constraints: volume, surface and curvature. Binary (two components: surfactant and water) and ternary systems (surfactants, water, oil) are considered separately. Models for solubilisation, to be understood within the general principles and not as tabulated data, are presented. Finally, some examples of application of solubilisation in formulation are given. To cite this article: F. Testard, T. Zemb, C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 649–663.