NMR Imaging of Micellar Solutions

Surfactant solutions find broad practical use in many flow applications from stabilization of suspensions to drag reduction for bulk fluid transport.  The diverse viscoelastic properties of micellar solutions generate many intriguing phenomena.  Subtle changes in composition and shear history can dramatically alter viscoelasticity.  A broad array of bulk observables have been studied and micelles of a desired size, shape, and property can be prepared.  However, the dynamic properties of micelles in flow remain elusive.  NMR investigation of micellar materials under viscoelastic flow has the breadth of observables, pertinent timescales, and the precision of molecular distinction to help unravel these fascinating materials.