Branched Worm-like Micelles and Their Networks

Branched worm-like micelles were found in aqueous solutions of alkylamine oxide and alkyl ethoxylate sulfate mixtures by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). These branched micelles formed interconnected micellar networks at high solution pH or salt concentrations. The networks are similar to the bilayer structures in the bicontinuous L 3 phase reported in the literature, where an infinite multiconnected fluid membrane forms a bicontinuous structure. The rheological properties of these branched worm-like micelles and their networks were also studied. The branched micelle solutions exhibited weak viscoelasticity and an apparent yield stress value. However, no real yield stress value was observed. When a dense micellar network formed, the solution exhibited well-defined Maxwell behavior.