Small-angle neutron scattering studies of systems undergoing shear

Abstract

A number of different phases of anisotropically shaped micelles, aligned by couette shear flow, have been investigated by small-angle neutron scattering. The data have been interpreted using a recently developed theoretical description. Effects due to polydispersity, turbulence, hindered rotation, and rod flexibility have been observed. Details of the nature of clouding in nonionic micelles have been obtained. The nature of mixed-surfactant phases has been investigated, and has produced novel information. Preliminary measurements on concentrated and viscoelastic phases are presented.