Formation and properties of wormlike micelles in solutions of a cationic surfactant with a 2-hydroxypropoxy insertion group

The rheological properties of aqueous solutions of a cationic surfactant, 3-hexadecyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (R16HTAB), and its mixed solution system with sodium salicylate (NaSal) have been studied by using steady state and frequency sweep rheological measurements. The microstructure of the formed wormlike micelles has been ascertained by transmission electronic microscopy and 1H NMR technology. The effects of the surfactant concentration, added salt, temperature and different counterions on the viscoelastic solutions have been systematically investigated. In a salt-free state, the η0 and R16HTAB concentrations obey the relationship of the power law, i.e. η0 ∝ C2.53, in the examined concentration range. The addition of NaSal greatly promoted the micellar growth in R16HTAB aqueous solution and resulted in the generation of wormlike micelles. The causes of the formation of wormlike micelles and the strong network structure have been analyzed.