Surface tension, conductivity and light scattering measurements have b
een used to characterize the colloidal properties of aqueous solutions
of sodium 2-methyl-5-(1-oxo-octyl)-and thyl-5-(1-hexyl-1-hydroxyhepty
l)benzenesulfonates. The critical micelle concentration, the shape and
size of micelles, the number of charges on their surface and the ther
modynamic functions have been determined. The usefulness of various ty
pes of colloidal micelles to recovery of petroleum have been compared.