Self-assembly of fatty acids in the presence of amines and cationic components

Fatty acids can self-assemble under various shapes in the presence of amines or cationic components. We assemble and compare these types of self-assembly leading toward a catanionic system either with a cationic surfactant or with an amine component playing the role of counter-ion. First, we focus on the molar ratio as a key driving parameter. Known and yet un-known values from other quantities governing the colloidal properties of these systems such as structural surface charge, osmotic pressure, molecular segregation, rigidity, in plane colloidal interactions and melting transition are discussed. We include also recent results obtained on the interfacial and foaming properties of these systems. We will highlight the specificity of these self-assemblies leading to unusual macroscopic properties rich of robust applications. [Display omitted] •Equilibria between diffuse layer, Stern layer and inclusion in the bilayer of counter-ions are highlighted.•Origin of curvatures and self-assembly in various shapes is discussed.•The molar ratio is the primary parameter governing the effective surface charge.•As a function of molar ratio, progressive fusion and “sharp” transitions are both present.•Original macroscopic properties obtained are highlighted together with their applications.