Hydrophobicity of counterions as a driving force in the self-assembly process: Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride and parabens

- The influence of methyl- and ethylparaben on micellization of DTAC was investigated.
- Thermodynamic analysis of the micellization process was carried out.
- A rearrangement was observed at surfactant concentrations above cmc.
- ITC, electrical conductivity, viscosity, and NMR measurements were applied.
- The hydrophobicity of counterions is an important driving force for these processes.